Ben-Gvir Clashes With Victim's Sister, Claims Solely Granted Clemency to Ethiopian Community
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced backlash at a youth conference in Jerusalem after a confrontation with Yaros Zalka, sister of a murder victim. Ben-Gvir claimed he was the only one to grant clemency to the Ethiopian community, sparking outrage. Critics questioned his authority and his framing of the community, highlighting ongoing tensions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claimed he alone granted clemency to the Ethiopian community.
- Yaros Zalka, sister of murder victim Yimnu Zalka, confronted Ben-Gvir at a Jerusalem conference.
- Ben-Gvir's statement drew immediate criticism from activists and members of the Ethiopian community.
- Critics questioned the minister's understanding of his legal authority regarding pardons.
- The incident highlighted ongoing tensions between the Ethiopian community and Israeli authorities.
A heated confrontation erupted at the Students Union youth conference in Jerusalem when Yaros Zalka, sister of the late Yimnu Zalka who was murdered in Kiryat Gat, interrupted National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Zalka tearfully addressed Ben-Gvir, stating, "I will never forget what you did to us in life." Ben-Gvir, appearing surprised, responded from the stage asking, "What did I do to you?" He attempted to de-escalate by saying, "We love you," but then declared, "I am the only one who gave clemency to the Ethiopian community, no police minister did." He then quickly left the stage.
The minister's statement drew immediate outrage from activists, journalists, and members of the Ethiopian community, who expressed shock at the harsh wording and problematic message. Channel 12 welfare reporter Michal Peilan criticized Ben-Gvir on X (formerly Twitter), quoting his statement and questioning whether he believes he has the authority to grant clemency to an entire community and if he equates individual offenders from the community with the entire Ethiopian community.
Critics questioned Ben-Gvir's understanding of his legal authority, noting that the power to grant pardons rests solely with the President of Israel. The incident highlighted deep-seated issues and lingering resentment between bereaved families, the Ethiopian community, and the Ministry of National Security and Israeli Police, raising critical questions about the government's approach to the Ethiopian community in Israel.
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