Bereaved Families Sue Supreme Court Justice Over Ra'am Party Disqualification Hearing

A group representing families of terror victims, 'Choosing Life Forum,' has filed an urgent appeal with the High Court of Justice against Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, the chairman of the Central Elections Committee. The appeal follows Sohlberg's decision to deny representatives of the forum entry into the hearing concerning the disqualification of the Ra'am party from running in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections.

The hearing on the request to disqualify Ra'am is scheduled for Wednesday. The 'Choosing Life Forum' had initiated the disqualification request, citing alleged ties between Ra'am and Hamas, and had gathered extensive research on the matter. They sought to be present during the committee's deliberations.

Justice Sohlberg's refusal was based on several factors, including limited space, concerns about potential outbursts and interjections, and a determination that the families' connection to the case was not sufficiently direct, as the petition did not directly involve the perpetrators of the attacks that killed their loved ones.

The bereaved families are challenging these justifications in their appeal, arguing that Sohlberg's decision violates principles of equality and due process. They contend it is unfair for Ra'am representatives to be present while they, the initiators of the process, are excluded. The forum emphasized that their request was for quiet attendance and adherence to all security protocols.

In a statement, the forum declared, "It is inconceivable that Ra'am representatives will sit in the hall, while the bereaved families who filed the disqualification request remain outside. It is particularly difficult to accept the determination that our proximity to the matter is not high. Our loved ones were murdered by Hamas terrorists, and the disqualification request we filed deals with claims of support for that same terrorist organization. Our connection to the discussion is not theoretical, it is written in the blood of our families."