Ben Gvir Sparks Outrage at Student Conference Over Ethiopian Community Pardon Remark
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir faced sharp protests at a Jerusalem student conference, sparking outrage after claiming he granted pardons to the Ethiopian community.
A stormy confrontation erupted at the National Student Union youth conference at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir faced sharp criticism from the audience. During the event, hosted by journalist Adi Zarifi, a grieving sister whose brother was murdered in Kiryat Gat interrupted the minister, pointing at him and declaring that she would never forget his actions.
The Minister's Response and Outrage
Taken aback by the intense reaction, Ben Gvir responded from the stage, asking, "What did I do to you?" He attempted to calm the room by saying, "We love you," but quickly made a controversial statement that sparked immediate backlash: "I am the only one who gave a pardon to the Ethiopian community, no police minister ever did." He then swiftly left the stage.
"I am the only one who gave a pardon to the Ethiopian community! A pardon to the Ethiopian community!" — Itamar Ben Gvir
Public and Media Rebuttal
The unusual remark drew furious reactions from social media activists, journalists, and members of the Ethiopian-Israeli community. Channel 12 welfare reporter Michal Peylan published a pointed post on X, questioning whether the minister understands the legal limits of his authority and if he views criminal offenders as representative of the entire ethnic community, given that pardons are constitutionally granted solely by the President of Israel.