After 14 years: Minister Kahane ousted the head of the religious council in the capital

December 7, 2021   

After 14 years in the position: Minister of Religious Services Matan Kahane informed today (Tuesday) the head of the Religious Council in Jerusalem, Rabbi Yehoshua Yishai, that his work will end on January 19, 2022. The vaccine for children aged 5-11 is recommended by doctors: a special response for parents A committee of the Ministry of Religious Services recommended that Yishai's term be terminated by January 2021, following criticism of the commissioner's conduct. The previous Minister of Religious Services, Yaakov Avitan, refused to sign the dismissal document. Now, Kahane has accepted the committee's recommendation and decided to terminate his term. "We do not take your contribution to the Religious Council from an economic perspective lightly," Minister Lishi wrote. "There is no dispute that the steps taken under your leadership have brought the Religious Council to a state of budgetary balance, and that the economic situation of the Religious Council today in this respect is clearly different from the situation it found itself in before you took office. "At the same time, the findings in the reports are not in line with the norms of behavior expected of someone holding a public position, and alongside the correction of the deficiencies to which you refer in your letter, there are other, parallel cases that seemingly indicate a continuation of a pattern of conduct that is not in line with the expected norms, such as the complaints received about the publication of tenders for various positions in the Religious Councils." The Minister explained: "I accept the position that in the city of Jerusalem, it is expected that the chairman of an appointed committee, who was appointed on the basis of special circumstances stipulated by law, will serve as a personal example to others in his conduct, as if he had a duty of caution and increased responsibility. On the other hand, conduct that is perceived by the public as an exception, "It culminates in the opposite result and ultimately damages the image of religious services provided to the public." MK Uri Maklev responded to Minister Kahane's announcement about the end of Rabbi Yehoshua Yishai's term: "Minister Kahane's predation and politicization know no bounds, even when it comes to professionals who have demonstrated professionalism and extensive experience. They are a target for dismissal in order to enable and carry out political and personal subscriptions. This is another step in the destruction of religious services, kashrut, and conversion in the country.".