Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Tuesday greeted at his Jerusalem residence seven newly appointed judges to the country's Sharia courts, saying the institution's viability served as a testament to Israel's strength in diversity.
Sharia courts - tribunals based on a legal system derived from the teachings of Islamic scholars - are recognized in Israeli law; their jurisdiction is limited to personal status issues within the Muslim community, including marriage, divorce, custody of children and inheritance.
“The existence of the state supported Sharia courts in Israel, reflects the recognition of the unparalleled importance of the vitality of communities, cultures and traditions to the fabric of the life in the modern state," Rivlin further added.