Judicial Ombudsman Critiques Supreme Court's Rulings Issued on Shabbat
Judicial ombudsman: Supreme Court justices erred by issuing protest rulings on Shabbat
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The judicial ombudsman has upheld complaints against Supreme Court President Isaac Amit and Justices Khaled Kabub and Yechiel Kasher for issuing rulings on Shabbat regarding a wartime protest petition. The ombudsman, Asher Kula, found that the court's actions violated the sanctity of the Jewish day of rest, despite the urgency of the situation.
- 01Asher Kula, the judicial ombudsman, ruled that the Supreme Court justices acted improperly by issuing decisions on Shabbat.
- 02The complaints were related to a petition filed by activist Itamar Greenberg and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel regarding protests during wartime.
- 03The High Court held an urgent hearing on April 3, 2023, during Passover recess, leading to decisions made on Shabbat.
- 04Kula emphasized that the court's actions harmed public trust in the judiciary and proper case management.
- 05The ombudsman stated that the judges should have adhered to the values of Shabbat as outlined in Basic Law: Israel, the Nation-State of the Jewish People.
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On Wednesday, the judicial ombudsman upheld complaints against Supreme Court President Isaac Amit and Justices Khaled Kabub and Yechiel Kasher, criticizing their decision to issue rulings on Shabbat regarding a wartime protest petition. Retired judge Asher Kula found the justices acted improperly by continuing their judicial duties during the Jewish day of rest, despite the urgency surrounding the protests. The petition, filed by activist Itamar Greenberg and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, sought to allow demonstrations during the ongoing war, particularly near protected spaces. The High Court held an urgent hearing on April 3, 2023, and subsequently issued several decisions on Shabbat, including directives for police regarding protest limits. Kula rejected the justices' defense that their actions were necessary for life protection, stating that the circumstances did not warrant such intensive judicial activity on Shabbat. He emphasized the importance of upholding Shabbat's sanctity, which is enshrined in Israeli law, and noted that the judges' conduct negatively impacted public trust in the judiciary.
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The ruling may influence how future cases involving protests during wartime are managed, particularly regarding adherence to religious observances.
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