Haredi Kosher Phones: Shas Condemns Court Chief's Remarks

The Shas party issued a sharp rebuke Wednesday to Israeli Supreme Court Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit, following comments he made during a court hearing suggesting that "a significant percentage of the haredi population holds two phones, one kosher phone for appearances, and one real, smarter phone."

In its statement, Shas accused Amit of displaying "arrogance and disconnection from a vast public that chooses to raise its children in a protected and pure environment." The party characterized Amit's remarks as "brazen mockery" of those who use kosher phones, devices with limited internet access and features, designed to help observant Jews avoid inappropriate content.

Amit made his comments during a Supreme Court hearing on a petition filed by Lobby 99 and the Hatzlacha organization, represented by attorney Elad Mann. The case challenges a government decision to allow regional radio stations to broadcast beyond their designated areas.

During arguments, Amit remarked that "many times, whoever has a kosher phone in one pocket also has a phone to actually call with in the other pocket." The petition itself concerns decisions by the Second Authority Council and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi to expand broadcast zones for radio stations using emergency powers under Section 13A of the Communications Law. Petitioners seek to overturn council decisions from March 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, as well as Karhi's May 11, 2026 decision.

In its statement, Shas emphasized its principled stance on the issue. "Shas is proud to lead legislation protecting the kosher standard and will continue defending every community's right to live according to its faith," the party declared.

This is not the first time Supreme Court remarks have drawn criticism from the haredi community. Tensions between Israel's judicial system and ultra-Orthodox Jews over lifestyle and religious values have persisted for years, and Amit's comments have reinforced perceptions within the community of a deep gap in understanding between the court and haredi society.