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NEW ROBE, SAME ATTENTION

COSTUME CHANGE: Zionov Drops Chief Rabbi Garb After Uproar

The saga of Eyal Zionov, the social media personality who sparked widespread outrage for "impersonating" the Sephardic Chief Rabbi, took a new turn on Sunday night. Following a formal legal demand to cease wearing the sacred vestments of the Rishon LeZion, Zionov was spotted wandering the streets of Bnei Brak in a significantly different outfit.

Eyal Zionov

The saga of Eyal Zionov, the individual who sparked widespread outrage for wearing the traditional ceremonial dress of the Sephardic Chief Rabbi (the Rishon LeZion), took a new turn on Sunday night. Following a formal legal demand to cease wearing the sacred vestments, Zionov was spotted wandering the streets of Bnei Brak in a significantly different outfit.

From Chief Rabbi to Bukharian Dress

Zionov arrived in the heart of Bnei Brak near the famous Itzkovitz Synagogue on HaRav Shach Street, drawing immediate attention from late-night passersby. However, the golden-embroidered robe and traditional turban were missing.

Instead, Zionov swapped the Chief Rabbinic cloak for a traditional Bukharian garment and replaced the iconic mitznefet (turban) with a regular black hat.

The shift in attire follows a formal warning from the Committee of the Sephardic Community, which demanded he stop using the traditional uniform of Israel’s great Torah sages, arguing that his public appearances in the garb were disrespectful to the dignity of the office.

Eyal Zionov
Eyal Zionov (Photo: M Weiss)

Failed Visit to the Gur Rebbe

In addition to his appearance at Itzkovitz, footage has emerged of Zionov attempting to gain entry to the residence of the Gur Rebbe, one of the most prominent Hasidic leaders in Israel.

The attempt was unsuccessful. Zionov was documented standing outside the Rebbe's home but was reportedly blocked from entering.

Public Backlash

Zionov became a viral sensation - and a target of intense criticism - after being filmed in the "Rishon LeZion" outfit in various locations deemed inappropriate for the honor of the clothing. c and official Sephardic institutions viewed it as a "disgraceful provocation."

Zionov, who has gained thousands of followers on TikTok, previously defended his choice of clothing, claiming he is the "Rishon LeZion of Heaven" because he was the first rabbi to ascend the Temple Mount in such attire.

"I don't want to be the Rishon LeZion of the state," Zionov recently told reporters. "I wear it to bring peace and curiosity. If it's a security issue, they should tell me."

While Zionov claims his goal is "unity," official rabbinical sources have dismissed him as a "clown" who has repeatedly caused security confusion, most notably at the Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony where TV cameras mistakenly panned to him as if he were the actual Chief Rabbi.

The recent change in his "costume" suggests that the combined public pressure and legal threats may be forcing a shift in his public persona.
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