Orthodox soldier sues cartoonist for demonizing haredi servicemen

Haredi serving in IDF sues cartoonist for damages; says cartoons demonize Orthodox soldiers, incite to verbal, physical violence

Aviel Magnezi|Published: 06.26.13 , 23:15

A haredi IDF soldier filed a civil suit earlier this week against a cartoonist who issued leaflets ridiculing haredim who join the IDF.

The leaflets, according to the indictment, argued that haredim serving in the army were "impressionable" beings who are pawns in the hands of a government that "works to destroy the Orthodox faith."

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The soldier is suing the caricaturist for NIS 30,000 (roughly $8,300) in damages, insisting that the drawings have harmed his reputation as well as the reputations of hundreds of other haredim currently serving in the IDF.

"הקריקטורות החריפו את גל השנאה"

Cartoon

According to the indictment, filed with the Jerusalem Magistrates Court, the leaflets were circulated in haredi neighborhoods, as well as in various media outlets, thus inciting hatred, which culminated in verbal and physical abuse aimed at Orthodox soldiers.

The leaflets were said to be demonizing haredi soldiers by depicting them as chasing haredi children with weapons, while tied to a hand representing the Israeli government. The drawing, the indictment noted, were carrying captions exclaiming that haredi soldiers "pollute the environment and cause their parents heart attacks."

"These are sensitive times in the haredi sector, as everyday we hear of haredi soldiers being attacked, when all they did was try to contribute to the country and 'dare' to return to their homes wearing uniforms," the plaintiff asserted.

In May, it was revealed that the IDF Advocate General was assembling cases of violence, incitement and assault targeting haredi soldiers, with the purpose of filing indictments against those behind the attacks. The lawsuit at hand is independent and unaffiliated with any action the IDF was reported to take.