[13] Because of these strained relations he would bring several Ladino newspapers to civil court in 1934 for defamation, rather than the Beth Din, for attacks against his taking a large personal salary and desecrating the Sabbath.

[8][14] While his predecessor focused the office on resolving matters of halacha for the community, his first communal acts would update census information for the government; this would go into effect in 1934 and would be the basis for neighborhood lists that would be handed over to the Nazis by Koretz.

In March 1937 Koretz was able to negotiate an additional 500,000 drachmas for the local Jewish schools, however in June the community adopted measures to dismiss educators due to the threat of bankruptcy.

[3][17][18] Despite the personal criticisms and ongoing financial struggles of the community, he was chosen to continue serving as the Chief Rabbi in 1938 at the directive of General Metaxas.

During this period Koretz would write an appeal to the American Jewish Congress, relating to the international community and protesting how the Axis forces bombed civilian targets, such as the local Hagia Sophia Cathedral, in air raids, as well as heavily affecting the poor Jews of the city.

[19][20][21] During the war he would also be called on by the Archbishop of Athens to assist in the memorial service for several Jewish military men who were killed during the conflict, notably among them being Col. Mordechai Frizis.

[26][27][28] Koretz would be released in 1942 at the insistence of local industrialists to take part in the negotiations to replace Jewish slave laborers with paid Greek workers.

[13] In the face of growing pressure from the Nazis, Koretz met with Prime Minister Rallis when the Greek official visited the city on 11 April 1943.

Minister Rallis remained evasive on the issue of deportations despite the rabbi breaking down in tears before him and asking him to intervene on the Jewish citizens' behalf.