Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, advised families of those killed during the Hamas massacre against visiting graves during the shiva mourning period. According to Jewish tradition, seven days after a funeral, the family visits the grave again. The statement from the rabbi’s office clarified: "Although there's a custom to visit the grave at the end of the shiva period, if there's even a hint of danger, there's no need to visit the grave."
Instead, Yosef emphasized the importance of spiritual practices, advising families to recite the Kaddish prayer and study Mishnayot in memory of their loved ones. He expressed optimism, saying, "This act will greatly benefit the elevation of their souls," and voiced hope that families will soon be able to safely honor their deceased in traditional ways once the security situation stabilizes.
Addressing other concerns, the statement also touched upon the topic of erecting tombstones in such high-risk areas. Families were advised to refrain from this practice for now. Instead, burial societies have been instructed to "cover the grave with concrete immediately at the end of the shiva, as is customary before erecting a tombstone." The erection of the tombstone can be postponed until the situation is deemed safe.
These guidelines emerged from a series of consultations with various officials, including Michael Malkieli, Religious Services Ministry and the Director-General of the ministry, Yehuda Avidan.