Man Dressed as Israel’s Sephardi Chief Rabbi Slips Into State Torch-Lighting, Fooling Attendees

During the torch-lighting ceremony held last night (Tuesday), attendees noticed a man named Eyal Tzionov wearing the robe and turban associated with the Sephardi Chief Rabbi. But this was not Israel’s Chief Rabbi, the Gaon Rabbi David Yosef; it was an impersonator who has recently been seen adopting the Chief Rabbi’s distinctive attire.

It is unclear how Tzionov managed to enter the state ceremony and take a seat close to the country’s leadership, but on his way to the spot where he sat, many people approached him to receive a blessing, assuming he was the sitting Sephardi Chief Rabbi.

The incident raised questions about the event’s security, yet the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) quickly clarified there had been no failure. In an official statement, it said Tzionov was identified upon entry as not being the Chief Rabbi and underwent full screening like all invited guests.

It was also stated: "At no point did he enter the secure area where the prime minister was located, and there was no danger to the protected officials at the ceremony".

Meanwhile, in recent weeks Tzionov ascended the Temple Mount wearing the same clothing. As a result, a Shin Bet official contacted the office of Rabbi David Yosef, who is known for opposing going up to the Mount, to clarify the move. The office explained that the rabbi had not been there at all, and only then did it become clear that this was an impersonator.