Jerusalem Grand Mufti rejects remarks made by Israel’s Sephardic Chief Rabbi

The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Sheikh Mohammad Hussein has condemned recent remarks made by Israel’s Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, saying that the remarks show racism and hatred against the Palestinian people.

Yosef was criticized for saying that non-Jews should not be allowed to live in Israel unless they follow a set of Jewish laws and that those who fail to live by the seven Noahide laws should be expelled to Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Hussein said Israeli rabbis and politicians have no right to issue such calls, adding that the Palestinian people find these statements concerning.

“Such statements by rabbis increase tension and hatred instead of fostering peace,” he added.

Earlier this month, the rabbi was criticised for suggesting Israelis should kill knife-wielding attackers without fear of the law.