Rabbi Accused of War Crimes to Participate in Israeli National Celebration

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Rabbi Avraham Zarbiv has been selected to light one of 12 torches at Israel’s Memorial Day ceremony, marking the beginning of Independence Day. The event commemorates the establishment of Israel in 1948 and is considered a significant honor for those chosen to participate.

Zarbiv, a rabbi and state rabbinical judge, was previously filmed demolishing Palestinian buildings in Gaza while reciting religious verses. He has also been involved in other controversies, including an incident in which he threw grenades at Palestinians during a firefight in Khan Younis.

In recent months, Zarbiv has recorded himself destroying Palestinian homes and delivered sermons from the ruins of Rafah, promising “victory and settlement”. He has paired his actions with traditional religious rituals, including blowing on a shofar and reciting prayers.

Zarbiv has also shared footage of himself participating in the demolition of homes in southern Lebanon. In an interview, he stated that he represents his fellow soldiers and is a soldier in the Givati Brigade.

The Israeli military has distanced itself from Zarbiv, with a spokesperson stating that he was not selected in coordination with the military and was not representing it at the ceremony. However, Transport Minister Miri Regev nominated Zarbiv for the torch-bearing ceremony, praising his commitment to serving both as a spiritual leader and a security responsibility.

The Hind Rajab Foundation has filed an official complaint against Zarbiv with the International Criminal Court (ICC), alleging that he is responsible for war crimes. The foundation’s lawyers argue that Zarbiv’s actions are in violation of international law.

Zarbiv’s nomination for the torch-bearing ceremony has sparked controversy, with some questioning his selection given his past actions and allegations of war crimes.

Source: Al Jazeera