Supreme Court President Apologizes to Haredi Public for Remarks

Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit has apologized to segments of the Haredi public for remarks he made during a discussion concerning kosher phones. Amit acknowledged that his words, which implied a distinction between a "kosher" phone and a "real" phone, caused offense. He stated that upon reviewing a recording of the discussion, he realized his phrasing could have been better.

The apology came after Amit remarked, "Whoever has a kosher phone in one pocket has a phone to call with in the other. A kosher phone to show off and one real phone." This statement led to an official complaint filed against him with the commissioner, Asher Kolah, prompting Amit's public response.

In his written apology, Amit expressed regret, stating, "My words hurt parts of the Haredi public, and I had no intention whatsoever to do so. After re-watching the recording of the discussion, I believe that given the public sensitivity of the issue, it would have been better if the sentence that is the subject of the complaints had been phrased and expressed differently." He concluded by saying, "And I regret that the words hurt the feelings of the complainants or others in this context."