Rabbi Avraham Yosef, chief rabbi of the city of Holon

Rabbi Avraham Yosef, chief rabbi of the city of Holon, and son of Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, stated that any newly religious person must accept Sephardic religious edicts, even if the person is of Ashkenazi descent.

Asked how Sephardic traditions are applicable for Ashkenazi Jews in the halachic responses section of the Jewish website Moreshet, the rabbi explained that in Israel one must embrace Sephardic traditions, and yet, one mustn't abandon the tradition of one's fathers ("and do not forsake the teachings of your mother").

Therefore, the rabbi ruled that those born to religious parents should follow their traditions, but in cases where there is no religious background  - i.e. there is no family tradition in halachic matters, those who have no religious background must accept the Sephardic tradition and edicts.

Like his father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who wishes "to return the (Divine) Crown to its original state” and seeks to entrench the Sephardic tradition in Israel, Rabbi Avraham Yosef also tends to take a firm stand in favor of Sephardic halachic tradition.

Rabbi Yosef Sr. enjoys mocking Ashkenazis in his weekly sermons and criticizes those of Sephardic tradition who prefer to mimic their Ashkenazi brethren.

A few months ago, at the height of the Emmanuel school controversy, he referred to the discrimination that exists within the haredi education system and said: "The Torah does not belong to the Ashkenazis, it belongs to us all!"