Supreme Court President Amit Apologizes to Haredi Public for Remarks
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit apologized to the Haredi public for remarks made during a hearing, where he suggested many Haredi individuals carry both kosher and regular smartphones. The comments, made in August, led to complaints filed with the Commissioner for Complaints Against Judges. Amit explained his intention was not to offend but to address a factual issue, acknowledging that his words were perceived as hurtful and could have been better phrased.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit apologized to the Haredi public for remarks about phone usage.
- Amit suggested Haredi individuals often carry both kosher and regular smartphones.
- The remarks were made during a Supreme Court hearing in August.
- Complaints were filed with the Commissioner for Complaints Against Judges.
- Amit stated his intention was not to offend but to address a factual issue.
- He acknowledged his words were perceived as hurtful and could have been phrased differently.
President of the Supreme Court, Justice Yitzhak Amit, has apologized following an unusual statement directed at the Haredi community. Amit was reportedly quoted during a Supreme Court hearing stating that many Haredi individuals outwardly present a conservative lifestyle by carrying kosher phones, but in reality, use regular smartphones concurrently. This remark led to several complaints filed with the Commissioner for Complaints Against Judges.
The August hearing concerned the expansion of broadcast areas for regional radio stations, particularly those targeting the Haredi public. Amit addressed a representative from the Home Front Command, saying, "I will not ask you this. There is no point. I will ask the Minister of Communications. Because often, the one who has a kosher phone in one pocket also has a phone to call with in the second pocket."
He elaborated, "It is said that a very respectable segment of the Haredi population holds two phones. One kosher phone to show off, and one real phone, a more advanced smartphone. But that's fine. Thank you."
The complainants argued to Commissioner Asher Kola that Amit's words hurt their feelings and slandered an entire public. Amit responded that his remarks were not intended to offend the Haredi sector but to address a factual issue relevant to the case. He noted that the phenomenon of simultaneously using kosher and non-kosher phones has been raised in previous court proceedings and in public discourse.
Amit further explained that his reference to a "kosher phone to show off" aimed to recall a position held by some within the Haredi public itself, who emphasize the outward display of their kosher phones as a form of identification within the community. He added that the term "to show off" is used in this context, even in media outlets with Haredi affiliations.
Concluding his response, Amit acknowledged that his words had offended parts of the Haredi public, which was not his intention. After reviewing the hearing recording, he stated that given the issue's public sensitivity, his remarks could have been phrased differently, and he regretted any offense caused.
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