Dalia Dorner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dalia Dorner
דליה דורנר
Justice of the Supreme Court of Israel
In office 1993–2004
Prime Minister	Yitzhak Rabin
Minister	David Libai
Personal details
Born	Dolly Greenberg March 3, 1934 Istanbul, Turkey
Spouse	Shmuel Dorner
Children	2
Education	Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Occupation	Professor of law at Bar-Ilan University

Dalia Dorner (born March 3, 1934) is a respected Israeli law professor. She was also a judge on the Supreme Court of Israel, which is Israel's highest court. She served as a Supreme Court Justice from 1993 to 2004.

About Dalia Dorner

Early Life and Family

Dalia Dorner was born Dolly Greenberg in Istanbul, Turkey. Her father, Levy Greenberg, was a wood merchant. He had moved to Turkey from Odessa. In 1944, when Dalia was 10, her family moved again. They immigrated to Mandatory Palestine. Sadly, her father passed away soon after they arrived.

Dalia's mother sent her to a special boarding school. This school was for young immigrants in Nahariya. After that, Dalia continued her studies at the Hebrew Reali School in Haifa.

Education and Personal Life

During her required service in the IDF, Dalia began studying law. She started her law studies in Tel Aviv. There, she met Shmuel, who would become her husband. They got married in 1958. Dalia and Shmuel have two sons. Their names are Ariel Levy Bendor and Amir Eliezer. After her time in the army, Dalia finished her law degree. She completed her studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Dalia Dorner's Legal Career

Working in the Military and Courts

Dalia Dorner first worked for the Israel Police. Later, she rejoined the IDF as an officer. She worked in the Military Advocate General's office. She rose through the ranks, becoming the Chief Military Defense. In 1974, she was appointed as a judge. She served on the Military Court of Appeals. She held the rank of Colonel. She was the first Israeli woman to reach the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel. This was a big achievement for women in the military.

Becoming a District and Supreme Court Judge

After leaving the IDF, Dorner became a District Court Judge. She worked first in the Southern District. Later, she moved to the Jerusalem District. In April 1993, she was appointed as a temporary Supreme Court Justice. A year later, this position became permanent.

As a Supreme Court Justice, Dorner strongly supported human rights. She showed this in how she understood Israel's Basic Laws of Israel. These laws are like a constitution for Israel. She was also known for being strict with people who committed serious financial crimes. Towards the end of her time as a Justice, she led the Israeli Central Elections Committee. This committee oversees elections in Israel.

Dalia Dorner retired from the Supreme Court on March 3, 2004.

After the Supreme Court

In August 2006, Dalia Dorner was appointed president of the Israeli Press Council. This council helps maintain ethical standards in the media. She also teaches human rights law. She is a professor at the Bar-Ilan University law faculty. She has received special Honorary Doctorate degrees. These came from the Weizmann Institute of Science (2005) and the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (2008). She is also an honorary member of the American Law Institute.

Important Court Decisions

Protecting Individual Rights

Justice Dorner made several important rulings. One ruling required the military to allow personalized messages on soldiers' gravestones. She believed that every person is unique. She said that "every child is an only child to his parents." This ruling showed her focus on the individual.

She also ruled that the government must provide enough money. This money was for the Special Education Law. This law helps children with disabilities. It allows them to learn in regular schools. This helps them be part of the community.

Freedom of Expression

Dorner also had a broad view of free expression. In one case, a night school called Kidum wanted to use an advertising slogan. The slogan was "Go and excel!" Some people thought the slogan was inappropriate. However, Dorner ruled that the school was allowed to use it. This showed her belief in allowing people to express themselves freely.

Awards and Recognition

In 2010, Dalia Dorner received a special honor. She was invited to light a torch at the Israeli Independence Day ceremony. This ceremony takes place on Mount Herzl. It is a very important national event in Israel.