Supreme Court President Amit Apologizes for Remarks on Haredi Phone Use

President of the Supreme Court, Justice Yitzhak Amit, issued a public apology on Thursday for remarks made during a High Court of Justice hearing in August. The comments, concerning the use of "kosher phones" by the Haredi public, had sparked anger and led to formal complaints.

During a discussion on expanding broadcast areas for regional radio stations, the court addressed the Haredi community's ability to receive emergency alerts from the Home Front Command. Amit had stated that many in the Haredi population possess two mobile phones: a "kosher phone" for show and a regular mobile phone. This statement drew sharp criticism, with some Haredi citizens arguing it portrayed their community as hypocritical and deceitful.

In his response to the Commissioner for Public Complaints against Judges, retired Justice Asher Kula, Amit explained that his intention was to describe a factual situation. He clarified that the word "להתהדר" (to boast or show off) was meant to signify the kosher phone as a social status symbol within the community. However, after reviewing the hearing's recording, Amit acknowledged a misstatement, saying, "It would have been better if the sentence had been phrased differently. I regret that the remarks hurt the feelings of the complainants."

Following Amit's apology, Commissioner Kula decided to close the investigation into the complaints. In a closing statement, Kula quoted Maimonides on the importance of forgiveness.

The article also briefly mentions a separate High Court of Justice hearing in early October where President Amit announced the disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of the Balad party, from running in the 26th Knesset elections, with most justices recommending he consider withdrawing.