Israel's Chief Rabbi David Yosef issued a statement Thursday evening through journalist Eli Hirshman, responding to a recording that stirred public controversy. Yosef said his remarks at a conference were meant to welcome women warmly, and he never intended to harm or offend them.
Following a report on Israel's central news broadcast, Chief Rabbi David Yosef addressed a recording that had generated public backlash. In a statement relayed by journalist Eli Hirshman, Rabbi Yosef said: 'There was never any intention, God forbid, to harm the precious community of women. On the contrary, all his words at that conference were about receiving women with a pleasant countenance, with love, and with closeness.' The original recording and the context of the remarks were not included in the available source material. The statement represents an attempt by the rabbi to clarify his position and distance himself from an interpretation that his words were disrespectful to women.
3 developments
- DevelopingChief Rabbi Yosef faces ethics complaint over mikveh remarks exposed by N12
- DevelopingChief Rabbi David Yosef says no woman will receive a certificate of kosher supervision under his tenure
- DevelopingCommissioner rules Chief Rabbi Yosef violated ethics over 'enemy of Judaism' remark, but defends his women's exam stance
- DevelopingRishon LeZion Rabbi David Yosef laments destruction of Holy Temple
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