Legal Campaign Launched to Remove Journalist Roni Koben Over Offensive Remarks Against Haredi Community

Israel Gafner, chairman of the organization "Emet LeYaakov," announced on Thursday a legal campaign aimed at removing journalist Roni Koben from his position at the public broadcaster. This move follows Koben's controversial statement regarding the Haredi community amid the military draft debate, where he said, "Bring in some Haredi to beat up." Gafner condemned the remark as part of a broader pattern of discrimination and incitement against the Haredi population.

Gafner emphasized that the Haredi community faces significant discrimination, incitement, and even antisemitism, which has become commonplace in Israeli society. He criticized the media's occasional apologies for offensive comments as insufficient, noting that the harm caused by such incitement persists despite these apologies. Although skeptical of the judicial system, Gafner stated that legal action is necessary because the current authorities effectively control the country.

During the interview with Dana and Ron, Gafner also criticized political leaders, including opposition leader Yair Lapid and the president, accusing them of selective enforcement and discriminatory attitudes. He highlighted that the Ministry of Education funds the Haredi sector at less than 50 percent of what others receive, countering Lapid's claim that Haredim only seek financial benefits. Gafner linked the timing of the legal campaign to the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, reflecting on the dangers of baseless hatred, which he sees as prevalent today.

Gafner concluded by affirming the organization's commitment to continue combating offensive statements in the media and refusing to remain silent in the face of such incitement.