Israeli Judge Faces Complaint Over Offensive Remarks to Ultra-Orthodox Witnesses

Recordings aired by Channel 14 reveal Judge Yifat Ungar-Biton of the Hadera Magistrate's Court making disparaging remarks toward two ultra-Orthodox witnesses during a court hearing. The witnesses filed a complaint with the Judicial Complaints Commissioner, Judge Asher Cola, alleging the judge showed bias and disrespect toward the Haredi community and their faith. In one recording, the judge told a witness, "You speak at a fire rate, like during your prayers," criticizing the speed of his speech and comparing it to the rapid pace of synagogue prayers. In another, she referred to a document brought by a different witness as a "tseytl" (Yiddish for note), which the witness said was a significant document in their community. The complainants argued these comments demonstrated prejudice and undermined the dignity of the proceedings and public trust in the judiciary.

Judge Ungar-Biton responded to the commissioner acknowledging that her choice of words might have been unfortunate but denied any intent to offend, stating she aimed to communicate using concepts familiar to the witnesses and apologized for her remarks. Following her response, Judge Cola decided to close the investigation, noting that even if the judge's explanations were accepted, judicial officers must always be mindful of how their words may be perceived objectively. He commended the judge for apologizing.

The report also noted this was not the first time Ungar-Biton was recorded making controversial statements; a 2019 recording surfaced where she asked a party in a case, "Did he give his mother the pills?" The recordings were not made by Channel 14. The Judicial Authority spokesperson confirmed the judge apologized and the complaint was resolved.