Ben-Ari's Campaign Invalidated for 'Racism'

Arutz Sheva ^ | 13/12/12 | Elad Benari

[Eleutheria5]

The Chairman of the Central Election Committee, Justice Elyakin Rubinstein, invalidated on Wednesday the election campaign of the Power to Israel party, headed by Aryeh Eldad, Michael Ben-Ari, Baruch Marzel and Itamar Ben-Gvir.

One of the ads in the campaign that was invalidated contains the word "trust" written in Arabic, and below it are the words “there are no rights without obligations”, a play on the campaign used by the Yisrael Beytenu party in the 2009 elections: No loyalty, no citizenship".

Rubinstein's decision was made after a complaint was filed to the Committee by former MK Mossi Raz, who is running on the Meretz list for the Knesset. In his official decision, Rubinstein wrote that “the ad is meant to humiliate one group in Israel, the Arab population. As such, it is highly likely that it will hurt the feelings of this population.”

He added, “A racist expression such as this may also affect the feelings of the Jews, which were and unfortunately are still used as a target of racist persecution around the world. In the balance between freedom of expression and the values ​​mentioned, the latter is more important. Freedom of expression applies, of course, also on insulting expressions.”

The members of the Power to Israel party responded on Wednesday night by saying that they intend to appeal the "scandalous decision," as they put it.

"Justice Rubinstein's ruling is contrary to the opinion of the Attorney General and he determined that he has the right to intervene in the content published on billboards,” said a statement from the party. “It cannot be that use of one of the country’s official languages is considered ​​racist. The demand to exercise obligations in exchange for rights is a basic requirement in any normal country."

.....

[Eleutheria5]

And there they go again.

[GeronL]

BUMP

[Ancesthntr]

Compared to Israel, our judiciary has almost no power. However, we’re headed in that direction.

This is, frankly, outrageous. The Arab MKs and candidates can openly support Pallie statehood and terror groups, but no Jewish candidate has similar free expression. This is the height of injustice...let the voters decide.

[Olog-hai]

More surrendering that won’t work.

[Eleutheria5]

“....let the voters decide.”

That’s what they’re afraid of. “Hurt their feelings.” @#$#@$@#

[wideawake]

This is ridiculous. They have a strong viewpoint. Let them argue for it on the floor of the Knesset. That’s what the Knesset is for.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Eleutheria5. Earlier, related topic, plus sidebars:

• Leftists Call to Disqualify Nationalists for 'Racism'
• Poll Shows Opposition Ripping Itself to Pieces
• Lieberman Responds to Indictment: I've Been Targeted for Years
• Lieberman: PA Tax Money Belongs to Israel
• Should Israel Let the Palestinian Authority Fail?
• PA Issues Ultimatum to Israel: Talk -- or Else
• Willfully blind to reality of jihad
• Israel's Netanyahu: World has double standards
• ...however... Hevron Jews On Edge over New Expulsion Threat
• Female Border Police Officer Foils Terror Attack Near Hevron
• IDF Soldiers Foil Firebomb Attack in Hevron
• Jerusalem: Between the Jewish People and the Armies of Allah
• Washington Post "Obama is Morsi's Main Enabler"