Israel's AG recommends chief rabbi resign

Attorney General Meni Mazuz recommended today that one of Israel’s chief rabbis, Yona Metzger, resign for receiving improper gifts, according to the Justice Ministry.

Mazuz decided to close the criminal investigation against Metzger for lack of evidence but harshly criticised the rabbi for his conduct during the investigation – including contradictory explanations of his actions – and recommended he resign so as not to “harm the public standing of the chief rabbinate and the main rabbinical court”.

Israel’s two chief rabbis are the government’s top religious authorities.

Metzger was investigated for allegedly staying with his family at Jerusalem hotels for only a nominal fee.

“Given the flawed conduct of Rabbi Metzger … it is only right that Rabbi Metzger take responsibility and decide on his own to step down from his position as rabbinical judge and chief rabbi to Israel,” Mazuz said in a statement.

Mazuz warned that if the rabbi refused to resign, he would suggest that administrative action be taken against him.

Metzger is the chief rabbi of Israel’s Ashkenazi Jews, or those of European origin.

Israel’s Sephardic chief rabbi, Shlomo Amar, has also been embroiled in scandal.

Amar’s wife, Mazal, and son Meir, have been charged in the kidnapping and beating of a 17-year-old youth who had sought the attentions of the rabbi’s daughter.

The rabbi, who represents Jews of Middle Eastern origin, was not charged in the case.