The Ministry of religious Services appears to be using the mandatory retirement law to clean house, wishing to end the tenure of the Chief Rabbi of Israel’s Ethiopian community, Rabbi Shlomo Hadana.

A similar move was made recently regarding Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin but the outcry from supporters and politicians resulted in a reversal of the decision to end his tenure. The reason appears to be Rav Hadana’s firm position behind his tzibur pertaining to discrimination against Ethiopians seeking to get married in Petach Tikvah, Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) reports.

According to the report, Rabbi Hadana’s actions do not find favor in the eyes of officials of the Ministry of Religious Services, and they are using the law compelling him to retire at the age of 67 to remove him from his post. The Ministry has decided not to renew his contract.

It is added that many rabbonim request to have their tenure extended when they reach retirement age, some begin significantly older, and usually, the request is accommodated. In this case, Rabbi Hadana’s request was denied. Galei Tzahal adds that he is not being given an extension despite the fact there is no one to replace him.

When asked to comment, officials in the Ministry of Religious Services explain “Rabbi Hadana is an office worker and therefore, his status is not like other rabbonim. Hence his status is like any other civil service worker who must step down at the age of 67. He is scheduled to retire at the end of July and in an accommodating move, his retirement was pushed off by seven months. The ministry is well aware of his tireless efforts and remains confident he will continue contributing following retirement”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)