Ma’arat HaMachpela; Photo credit: Gershon Elinson /Flash90
Thursday, November 11, 2021, 12:45 On Thursday, November 11, a penalty hearing was held at the Ofer Military Court in Yehuda in the trial of a terrorist who attacked three Jews in Hevron approximately two years ago. The terrorist, who was a minor at the time, has been convicted of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault.
The victims were present at the hearing and described to the judges the physical and emotional suffering that the attack had caused them. M. and K., who got married several weeks after the attack, testified about the difficulties that they have in common, with which they are forced to cope every day. The third victim lost his father and his brother in a shooting attack approximately 28 years ago, which increased the impact of the attack on him.
The attack occurred near Ma’arat HaMachpela (Cave of the Patriarchs). The terrorist, who was carrying a knife with an 8.5 cm. blade, noticed M. and K., a young Jewish couple, walking together towards him, and stabbed M. in the back. The blade penetrated his back to the depth of 6.5 cm. and then broke.
A passer-by noticed what was happening and called out, “Murderer, murderer”. Then the terrorist made stabbing gestures towards M. with the knife handle, beat him with his fists, and left him. Next, the terrorist chased K., beat her, shoved her, and pulled her hair. The passer-by attempted to separate K. from the terrorist, who attacked him, injuring his back, chest, head, and face. Security forces arrived and overpowered the terrorist. M. was evacuated to the hospital and underwent an operation to remove the knife blade from his back.
Honenu Attorney Chayim Bleicher, who is representing the victims: “The terrorist attempted to murder and injure as many Jews as possible, only because they were Jews. We expect the court to hand down the maximum penalty by law, a penalty that will create a deterrent against brutal terrorists.”