Israeli Judges Mentor Teens in New Program to Demystify Justice System

A new initiative in Beersheba is bringing Israeli high school students into the courtroom to experience the judicial process firsthand. The program, launched by the late President of the Beersheba District Court, Judge Beni Shagai, who recently died in a car accident, pairs teenagers with sitting judges as mentors. Despite the tragedy, the judges decided to continue the flagship project in his memory.

During a mock trial, 16-year-old Shi-Lee Danieli argued for a prison sentence of up to nine years for a drug trafficking defendant, calling it a serious and deliberate crime. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Naama Harush, acting as the judge, opted for rehabilitation over a lengthy prison term. The students are guided by judges like Vice President Yael Raz-Levi, who helps them understand the balance between emotion and legal reasoning.

The program, conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Education's Southern District, aims to bridge the gap between the judiciary and the public, often criticized for being disconnected. Judge Alon Gavizon, who took over leadership after Shagai's death, emphasized that the judicial system is part of the community and understands its challenges. He mentors 15-year-old Regev Ben David, who aspires to become a judge.

Judge Yoav Atar highlighted the importance of direct engagement with youth to counteract the superficiality of social media discourse and restore public trust in institutions. He stressed that judges live in the same communities affected by crime and strive to address these issues within the legal framework. The judiciary hopes to expand the program nationwide in the future.

This initiative offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of legal decision-making and fosters dialogue between young citizens and the justice system amid ongoing societal challenges in Israel.