Rivlin backs Alsheich in row over Ethiopian Israelis: He meant well

President Reuven Rivlin offers his support to beleaguered Israel Police chief Roni Alsheich, who has come under a wave of criticism for his comments about crime rates in the Israeli Ethiopian community.

Discussing accusations of police brutality and racial discrimination against Ethiopian Israelis at a conference earlier this week, Alsheich appeared say that it was “natural” for law enforcement officers to be more suspicious of members of this community than of other citizens.

According to Ynet, Rivlin says Alsheich meant well although he could have expressed himself better.

“His intentions were good,” the president says during a visit to a school in the Haifa suburbs. “They say that wise people are careful in when they speak, so they are not misunderstood. Once you are misunderstood — the responsibility lies with you.”