A symbolic cornerstone-laying ceremony was held Sunday opposite the Supreme Court in Jerusalem for a project called “The High Court of Justice. Truly.” The event was initiated by Communications Minister Dr. Shlomo Karhi and attended by Deputy Minister Yisrael Eichler.
According to the organizers, the initiative is meant to present an alternative vision for Israel’s justice system, one they describe as “balanced, Jewish and democratic,” and more closely tied to public will and popular sovereignty. The ceremony was staged as a political statement about the judiciary rather than as a formal legal proceeding.
Karhi used the event to call for a sweeping overhaul of the court system and what he said would be a restoration of balance between the branches of government. Referring to “the anti-democratic circus that took place here yesterday,” he said that to restore governability, responsibility and public trust, “a fundamental change” is needed.
He said the Supreme Court, the Bagatz, should be abolished and replaced by a new judicial body. “The cornerstone we are laying here today is a vision and a symbol. Abolishing Bagatz and establishing a new judicial tribunal that will replace the rotten, anti-democratic system that grew here wild, and return power to the people,” he said. Karhi said the goal is a system “of the people, by the people, for the people,” and ended by quoting Isaiah: “I will restore your judges as at first, and your counselors as at the beginning; afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”
