Israeli Arab Supreme Court Justice Salim Joubran was facing major criticism after he failed to sing Israel 'snational anthem at the closing of an official ceremony to mark the end of former Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch 'sterm in office.
The anthem was sung at the closing of the special event on Tuesday and as all the judges were standing together facing the crowd – for the traditional group photo – it was easily noticeable that Joubran chose not to join his colleagues in song.
Instead, the Arab justice chose to stand silently beside them.
Joubran's associates rejected the criticism, however, saying that in the name of freedom of expression there is no problem with a judge who apparently does not believe in the Zionist national anthem and chooses not to sing it.
Referring to the issue Wednesday, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said the judge should address his "split personality" and that he would hopefully "draw his own conclusions," as one cannot be a Supreme Court justice while shunning Israel's national anthem.
Ynetnews contributed to the story