By Ed White
Associated Press
DETROIT (AP) — A Michigan Supreme Court justice said Thursday that he has been overseas for three months, participating in an international program to improve the perception of people with disabilities while pulling all-nighters to keep up with his work back home.
Richard Bernstein, who is blind and Jewish, said he’s passionate about the work he’s doing in the United Arab Emirates and Israel and is in no rush to return to Michigan while the court is closed for face-to-face business because of COVID-19.
“Why would I waste another entire year doing nothing?” he told The Associated Press.
The court heard arguments in seven cases Wednesday and had five more on its docket Thursday.
Bernstein participated by phone from Tel Aviv, Israel, while his six colleagues listened to lawyers and asked questions by video conference. A photo of Bernstein in a black robe was in his Zoom box.
Bernstein said he can be an effective judge no matter where he’s living.
“Everyone is working by phone. What’s the difference — from my apartment versus whatever?” Bernstein said. “If we did anything in person, I’d be there in a second. I’m not allowed in the building. If there wasn’t a pandemic, you can’t do this.”
He said he works “all night” to prepare for oral arguments, which are typically held two days a month back in Michigan.
Chief Justice Bridget McCormack couldn’t immediately be reached for comment while the court was in session Thursday.
Bernstein said he arrived in Israel last week after about three months in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He said he’s made media appearances and tries to inspire people while talking about his life as a blind lawyer and judge.
He said the invitation grew out of the Abraham Accords, recent agreements between Israel and four Arab nations to establish diplomatic and cultural ties. Bernstein said he’s not paid for his work and might next go to Uzbekistan.
“I was asked to go for two weeks,” he said. “It was so successful that they asked for it to be extended. ... I’m really passionate about this. A lot of the leadership in these countries have kids with disabilities. They’re struggling. It’s seen as a taboo.
“Oh my god, people tell me they now realize a different path for their children. They can experience things they didn’t think was possible,” Bernstein said.
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