Rabbi Avraham Zarbib Rebuked by Ethics Commissioner Over Leaked Fundraising Video
Judicial Complaints Commissioner Asher Kola ruled a complaint justified against rabbinical judge Avraham Zarbib for soliciting donations and expressing public opinions in a leaked video.
Ethics Commissioner Rules Against Rabbi Avraham Zarbib Over Controversial Video
Judicial Complaints Commissioner Asher Kola has ruled a public complaint fully justified against Rabbi Avraham Zarbib, a rabbinical judge at the regional rabbinical courts in Tel Aviv and Ariel, following a video distributed via WhatsApp in which the judge praised a specific sector and called for financial donations to a designated fund supporting it.
The case stems from a recording where Rabbi Zarbib—who previously lit a torch on Independence Day and served extensive reserve duty during the war in Gaza—promoted the fundraising campaign. Complainants argued that the judge violated judicial ethics by engaging in a controversial public matter and participating in fundraising efforts through social media dissemination.
Judge Apologizes and Takes Responsibility Before Commissioner Kola
Responding to the commission's inquiry, Rabbi Zarbib explained that the video was filmed in informal attire and intended solely for a closed, limited group. He expressed regret that it leaked to third parties without his knowledge or consent. During the commissioner's inquiry, the judge acknowledged his poor judgment, took full responsibility, offered a sincere apology, and pledged to refrain from any public or media activity. He also cited mitigating circumstances, including extensive reserve service in combat zones in Gaza and Lebanon.
Commissioner Kola rejected the defense that the video was meant for a closed audience, stating that in the current technological reality, sending visual material in messaging groups is equivalent to placing it in the public domain. Judicial officeholders must anticipate that content may spread widely.
"Sending visual material in messaging groups is equivalent to placing it in the public domain, and a judicial officer must anticipate that content may leak and spread widely."
Disciplinary Warning Issued Without Further Proceedings
The commissioner concluded that Rabbi Zarbib violated ethical rules on multiple fronts: publicly expressing an opinion on a non-legal matter of public controversy, undermining judicial neutrality, and taking an active part in fundraising contrary to explicit prohibitions.
Balancing the severity of the actions with the judge's immediate acceptance of responsibility, sincere remorse, pledge to avoid public activity, and extensive military reserve service, Commissioner Kola decided against recommending disciplinary proceedings, opting instead for a formal warning to be recorded in the judge's personal file.
