Tzefas Chief Rabbi Rav Shmuel Eliyahu raised allegations that the judicial system exhibits a bias in its treatment of Jewish and non-Jewish rioters. His remarks came in response to the recent terrorist shooting near Eli, where four civilians tragically lost their lives.
“In certain areas of the Galilee, we witness a unique occurrence, although not pervasive everywhere, but also observable in the south and occasionally in Tel Aviv. It involves a form of safeguarding—criminals attempting to extort money from business owners. They resort to burning buses, trucks, and establishments. When reported to the police, the response is, ‘We are aware of the culprits, but lack concrete evidence.’ So, do they involve the Shin Bet or resort to administrative detentions? No, everything proceeds as normal. There isn’t a week that goes by without buses or trucks being set ablaze, causing insurance providers to refuse coverage,” Rav Eliyahu expressed.
Continuing his statement, Rav Eliyahu questioned the sudden shift in actions when news of an attack emerges, resulting in the murder of four Jews and subsequent public outrage. “Cars and houses are set on fire, and suddenly, administrative arrests are made. Why? Is it permissible to take such actions against Jews while prohibited against Arabs from the Galilee? Does our country operate under two distinct sets of laws? Can anyone find this acceptable? Even the United Nations’ human rights law incorporates a passage that echoes the Jewish Halacha from ancient times, stating, ‘You shall have one law.’ A nation that lacks a unified legal framework for all is not upholding a true justice system—it is fostering an anti-justice system. Let us strive for a genuine system of justice.”
These remarks from the rabbi follow the arrest of four Jews in connection with the riots in Arab localities that ensued after the tragic shooting incident. Notably, the suspects have been denied access to legal counsel.
{Matzav.com Israel}
