Death of former Chief Rabbinate director-general Yehuda Cohen

In depth

Yehuda Cohen, who served as director-general of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel until July 2026, died after being severely injured in an accident during renovation work at a home belonging to his family. According to Kikar HaShabbat, he was struck by a wall that collapsed at the beginning of the week.

Thousands attended his funeral in Kfar HaRoeh, according to Arutz Sheva. Chief Rabbi David Yosef eulogized him: "We were good friends, truly like brothers".

The Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef and the chairman of the Chief Rabbinate Council, Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar, expressed deep grief; according to Arutz Sheva, they said: "Stunned and in pain". Rabbi Yosef told Arutz Sheva: "A good and true friend has departed from us".