A remark by Israeli Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit during a hearing on Wednesday has sparked much anger among the haredi public.
Justice Amit remarked on haredim who own "kosher phones," cellular phones that have either content filters or no internet access at all. "Many times, those who have a kosher phone in one pocket also have a [regular] phone to stay connected in the other pocket," he said
The top judge claimed that "they say that a very significant percentage of the haredi population owns two phones. One kosher phone to show off, and one real phone, a smarter phone."
The remarks drew a fierce response from the haredi Shas party, which stated: "The brazen mockery by Supreme Court President Justice Amit toward kosher phone owners expresses arrogance and detachment from a huge public that chooses to raise children in a protected and pure environment."
"Shas is proud to have led the kosher phone legislation and will continue to protect the right of every community to live according to its faith," the party added.