For about 20 years, Rabbi Shlomo Ben-Ezra has been trying to be elected Rabbi of Mevasseret Tzion. Nineteen years ago, he was elected with the support of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L but the High Court of Justice invalidated the election. Last year, Rabbi Ben-Ezra was elected again, but a day later, the High Court of Justice issued a temporary injunction delaying his entry into the post for at least thirty days.

Last week, three Supreme Court justices, headed by President Esther Hayut, issued an order asking the state to explain why the election results would not be canceled as the state is trying to have the injunction removed, to permit the rabbi to enter the post, Kikar Shabbos News reports.

The court wrote that an injunction was issued in which the respondents, in this case the state, is instructed to give reasons why the outcome of the elections for a city rabbi in Mevasseret Tzion should not be annulled and the election outcome nullified.

In a petition filed by Attorney Asher Dahl and Attorney Moshe Streicher, it was claimed that the members of the elected body were parties are relatives to Rabbi Ben-Ezra, which in effect led to his election. In addition, arguments were raised in the petition regarding the rabbi’s ability to function.

Attorney Dahl responded: “The High Court of Justice issued a warning sign to the state and the State Prosecutor’s Office to stop ignoring the conflicts of interest and the conspiracies that are taking place in the election of municipal rabbis.”

Dahl is hopeful the court injunction by the High Court will lead to the disillusionment of the appointed authorities and the renunciation of the constant attempts by Rabbi Ben-Ezra to become rav of the city.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)