Opposition MK (Ichud HaLeumi) Dr. Michael Ben-Ari is quoted as telling Kikar news that he is not a big believer in the objectivity of the judicial system, suggesting the government probe the matter. His comments were made in connection to the arrest of the alleged Munchausen mom, with the MK stating the arrest of the suspect was unnecessary.

Ben-Ari added with confidence that if the suspect was a member of the Druse or Ethiopian community, we can be certain the remand of the suspect would have been continuously renewed. He admits he hasn’t a clue if the allegations against the mother are based in fact, but adds if that is the case, then the problem must be addressed and this does not include the her incarceration, but treatment.

The MK added there is an important message learned from the chareidim, a message that may anger many, that they cover for one another and at times bury acts that require attention, opting to deal with them within the family. He rejected someone harming children and then benefiting from the protection of the social umbrella, stating he is not saying this is the case here. While he admires the communal responsibility exhibited in the chareidi community, he rejects this in the case where the welfare of children may be compromised.

When asked about the state’s demands that the mother undergo psychiatric evaluation he explained that he understands the chareidi response since the community has been “pinned in the corner”, carefully adding that while he does not justify the violence, he questions why she was not taken for such an evaluation against her will, which is done at times, and why the arrest and just what danger does the mother pose to the general public justifying her incarceration.

Ben-Ari feels what was seen in the streets of chareidi areas of the capital last week was not an organized effort but spontaneous displays of anger from a community that feels “up against the wall”. He drew a comparison to the resistance at Amona, which he said resulted from the expulsion from Gush Katif and N. Shomron which preceded it. Here too he feels this may be the result of social pressure. He stressed that authorities cannot control these emotions, adding the dati community is not as well equipped to fight for its rights as the chareidi community.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)