fbpx

Probe launched into Safed rabbi’s anti-Arab comments

Israel\'s attorney general has opened a criminal investigation on suspicion of incitement to racism against the chief rabbi of Safed.
[additional-authors]
November 22, 2011

Israel’s attorney general has opened a criminal investigation on suspicion of incitement to racism against the chief rabbi of Safed.

The probe of Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, who signed a religious ruling against renting apartments to non-Jews, stems from anti-Arab comments he made several months ago during media interviews, according to reports. Numerous complaints have been lodged with the attorney general’s office over the comments.

Eliyahu reportedly said that “Arab culture is very cruel” and “Arabs have a different codes and norms that have become ideology. Such as the agricultural thefts, which have become part of Arab ideology.” Also, “A Jew should not run away from an Arab. A Jew should chase away Arabs,” and “Expelling Arabs from Jewish neighborhoods is part of the strategy.”

Eliyahu signed a rabbinic letter in October 2010 calling on Jews not to rent or sell apartments to non-Jews. It is believed that the letter, which was signed by 50 rabbis, was directed against Arab college students in Safed.

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

A Night of Gratitude Honoring Dennis Prager

Latest Articles

Rosner’s Domain: Weeks of Known Unknowns

So here we are, stuck with just a few bad options to consider. And that’s just the political superposition of undetermined future – alongside it there’s also the possible – probable? – war with Iran.

After the Last Out, Collect a Different Kind of Card

At a time when Jewish education is competing for attention in a world dominated by screens, sports, short-form videos and endless streams of content, these easily collectable cards offer a different kind of engagement.

6 Jewish Takeaways from the Midterm Elections

There is little chance that the combination of a weakened Trump and an emboldened Democratic Congress produces similar levels of support for aggressive action against Iran and its proxies, and other policies that a wide spectrum of Israelis see as crucial to their security.

Israel Drives Them Crazy

In the diaspora and in Israel, we cannot turn back the clock and undo the harm that was done to us. But we can shape our own future. Israel is strong and resolute. So must we be.

Torah Portion: Chayei Sarah

The Torah offers a comforting view of a life beyond this life. We aren’t told what it will be exactly — yes, it’s abstract and vague — but we are told it’s waiting for us as it was for Abraham.

Hatred Opened the Door. A Missed Victory Held It Open.

For me, the disaster isn’t that Democrats won or Republicans lost. It’s that politicians who demonize Israel, deny Jewish self-determination and explain away antisemitism are finding an increasingly receptive electorate in the world’s most important democracy.

The Jewish Dilemma

The central issue is not whether Jewish voters should support Democrats or Republicans. It is whether either party can demonstrate that Jewish security, Jewish identity and Jewish self-determination are compatible with its broader political agenda.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.