Supreme Court nominee's supporters claim: He was blocked because he's Mizrahi
Judge Yosef Elron's nomination to the Supreme Court is vetoed by justices, despite having the backing of top legal minds and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon; while Chief Justice Miriam Naor is reportedly enraged by claims of discrimination, the committee has yet to explain its veto.
Haifa District Court Judge Yosef Elron's nomination to the Supreme Court has brought with it uncomfortable accusations of ethnic discrimination, as close associates of the judge claim his nomination has been blocked because he is a Mizrahi (eastern) Jew and not part of the "judicial elite."
Supreme Court Chief Justice Miriam Naor met with Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon on Tuesday to discuss the nominations of judges for the Supreme Court. The meeting was reported to have been pleasant, with those in attendance agreeing to aim toward reaching broad agreements.
Despite the general niceties, though, Elron's nomination cast a shadow on the proceedings after it was vetoed by the justices on the committee to appoint judges to the Supreme Court.
Elron's supporters protested the veto, saying there has been no explanation provided as to why the current Supreme Court judges felt him suitable, while another judge in the running—Haifa District Court Judge Ron Sokol—enjoys the support of part of the Supreme Court.
Some have gone further in comparing both nominees, citing that while Sokol is the son-in-law of retired Supreme Court Justice Theodore Or, Elron was born in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, grew up in an Israeli transit camp during the 50s and steadily made his way up the ranks of the judicial system.
Several judges have also voiced their displeasure at the current nomination process, saying that the justices' decision to exercise their veto power to block Elron's nomination without offering an explanation is in bad taste.
Elron's supporters say that it is in part his ethniciy as a Mizrahi Jew that has both caused the Supreme Court's resistence to open its doors to him and garnered him the support of Minister Kahlon, who is looking to promote more worthy Mizrahi nominees to the Supreme Court.
Responding to Elron's nomination, Kahlon said: "There is no conflict between myself and the chief justice. No judge has ever called me and I have never threatened to leave a committee meeting if the nominee I supported will not be chosen."
Naor runs the Supreme Court selection committee together with fellow justices Salim Joubran and Elyakim Rubinstein. She is reportedly furious over insinuations that Elron's disqualification was due to ethnic discrimination. She is also angry over the leaks concerning the negotiations over the choices being made for the Supreme Court.
Those close to Naor said that she feels the selection process is clean of irrelevant interests, and that no nominee is ever questioned regarding his ethnicity.
The committee has received two letters of support for Judge Elron. One comes from Deputy Attorney General and former Haifa District prosecutor Amit Isman. Isman's letter stressed that "I am of the opinion that this is an excellent legal mind, who is very knowledgeable in criminal law … as well as in other fields." He added that Elron "stood out in his conduct" and that "He made it a point to show proficiency and knowledge, a sharp and good level of legal analysis, clear written expression and a high level of ability with various and complex legal issues."
Abu Kabir Forensic Institute Chief Chen Kugel also wrote the committee in praise of Elron. "I have never met a more thorough, in-depth, committed or courageous judge than Judge Elron."
He continued to say that "One of Elron's most outstanding qualities is his willingness to get at the truth and pay attention to small details as much as to large ones. He possesses an intellectual curiousity and a vast interest in subjects that involve thought-provoking challenges, while also being blessed with vision and a creative mind." He ended his letter by saying that Elron's qualities are "just what the justice system needs."
