Edna Arbel (1944 – 2026)

Their Story

Edna Arbel was a towering figure in Israel's legal establishment, serving over four decades as a criminal defense attorney, prosecutor, judge, state attorney, and Supreme Court justice. Born and raised in Jerusalem, she studied law at the Hebrew University and earned a master's degree from Bar Ilan University. Her career began in private practice before she entered public service in the early 1970s, eventually becoming the State Attorney of Israel from 1996 to 2004. On the Supreme Court from 2004 to 2014, Arbel became both influential and controversial, known for her commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and the protection of individual dignity. She championed causes ranging from asylum seekers' rights to the protection of foreign workers in Israel. Her intellectual rigor and moral clarity were evident in landmark rulings, including striking down detention provisions for migrants and strengthening safeguards against violence against women. Though criticized by political conservatives for her judicial activism, she earned widespread respect from fellow jurists and legal professionals for her integrity, courage, and uncompromising dedication to justice. Arbel is survived by her husband, Uri, and their three daughters.