Court ruling10/8/2026

Public Complaints Commissioner: Rabbinical Judge Violated Ethics Rules by Calling for Donations to “Hilltop Youth”

The Public Complaints Commissioner for Judges and Rabbinical Judges, Asher Kula, determined that Avraham Zarviv, a rabbinical judge at the Ariel Rabbinical Court, violated the rules of judicial ethics. The determination followed a video posted on WhatsApp calling for donations to the “Hilltop Youth.”

Key facts

•Body: Public Complaints Commissioner for Judges and Rabbinical Judges
•Rabbinical judge: Avraham Zarviv
•Court: Ariel Rabbinical Court
•Decision date: October 8, 2026
•Measure: Warning without a recommendation for disciplinary proceedings

What Happened

Avraham Zarviv posted a video on WhatsApp in which he called for donations to be collected for the “Hilltop Youth.” A complaint about his actions was reviewed by the Public Complaints Commissioner for Judges and Rabbinical Judges, retired judge Asher Kula.

How the Violation Was Manifested

The commissioner found two violations of the ethics rules. The rabbinical judge publicly expressed himself on a controversial public issue unrelated to the law, and also called for funds to be collected for a particular organization, despite the absolute prohibition on such acts. In Kula’s assessment, Zarviv’s action harmed the perception of the judiciary’s neutrality.

How the Review Ended

Asher Kula decided not to recommend disciplinary proceedings against the rabbinical judge. In Avraham Zarviv’s case, the matter concluded with a warning. The decision or complaint number was not specified in the source.

What this means for you

The decision emphasizes that neutrality requirements apply to public statements by judges and rabbinical judges outside the courtroom, including on WhatsApp. They are also prohibited from calling for funds to be raised for particular organizations, even if the appeal is unrelated to a case under consideration.

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