Israeli Supreme Court Rules For Democracy
Israel's highest court strikes down a controversial immigration law.
Monday, Sept. 16, was a historic day for Israel’s democracy and respect for human rights. The Israeli Supreme Court unanimously struck down a Knesset law that allows for the detention of migrants for three years without trial. Ruling that this law was unconstitutional, the justices argued that the Knesset’s provision contradicted the basic law guaranteeing “human dignity and freedom” to all. Unfortunately, instead of celebrating the Supreme Court’s brave stance to protect the rule of law, many right-wing Knesset members attacked the court for its compassion toward society’s weakest members.
In the landmark ruling, Justice Uzi Fogelman said that while the ruling will create a difficult task, “We must remember that those who come to our shores … are entitled to the right to liberty and the right to dignity that the Basic Law grants to any person as a human being.” These tolerant words demonstrate the court and Israel’s commitment to ensuring that the African migrants' rights are protected.
