Credit: X Isaac Herzog
Five new qadis, judges responsible for applying Islamic law (Sharia), were sworn in on July 9 during a ceremony held at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.
During the event, Israeli President Isaac Herzog highlighted the appointment of Rula Masalha-Zahalka, who became only the second woman in the country's history to serve as a qadi.
"I was especially moved to see Rula Masalha-Zahalka sworn in as the second female qadi in Israel's history," Herzog said.
Sharia courts in Israel have jurisdiction over personal status matters within the Muslim community, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other issues established by law. The swearing-in of the new judges strengthens the country's Islamic judicial system and marks a historic milestone with the increased participation of women in this branch of the judiciary.
