The wheels of justice grind slow, which may explain why it took more than 40 years for Israel’s Supreme Court to move from the Russian Compound to a home that does it justice. The Supreme Court’s current headquarters, built in 1992 by the Rothschild family and husband-wife architect duo Ram and Ada Carmi, is an attempt to say something about the making of justice without detracting from the functional purpose of the building.
One of the dominant motifs of the new Supreme Court is the sky, which is almost always visible through a series of windows and skylights. In the entrance foyer there is also a staircase leading upward, symbolizing the earth’s aspiration for divine justice though the law. On the outside, as well, the Supreme Court building, a mere five-minute walk from the Knesset and other government institutions, is striking. The stark modern look is offset by myriad touches of traditional and Jewish architecture, and a massive glass pyramid evokes Absalom’s Tomb on the Mount of Olives.
Visitors will be glad to discover the Supreme Court’s museum, which displays a diverse collection and offers a video presentation that explains the inner workings of the Court. And if you’re interested in seeing the justice system in action you’re welcome to sit in on a session.
