Please click here for a list of posts relating to cases in which Honenu provided legal counsel to victims of antisemitic attacks in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Lior’s destroyed car (July 2022); Photo credit: Beit Orot
Wednesday, December 25, 2024, 16:01 One month ago, three terrorists hurled Molotov cocktails and rocks at the home of Rabbi Dov Lior in the Beit Orot neighborhood of Jerusalem. One window was shattered and the house caught fire. The terrorists were arrested and indicted. Honenu Attorney Chayim Bleicher who is representing Rabbi Lior and his wife, wrote to the State Attorney’s office demanding that the terrorists be served with long prison sentences. An additional terrorist who attacked Rabbi Lior’s home four months ago has been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. Attorney Bleicher wrote to the State Attorney’s office to request an appeal against the lenient sentence.
In his letter, Attorney Bleicher underscored the importance of imposing stiff sentences on terrorists and how harsh penalties contribute to deterrence: “Every Molotov cocktail hurled at a family’s home is the equivalent of attempted murder. However, the act is all the more serious when the home belongs to an elderly couple. This was not an isolated incident. My clients have experienced many similar attacks, both before and after the incident in question. The couple’s home has become a popular target for terrorists carrying out attacks. The sentence handed down to the terrorist is not a suitable response. It does not deter terrorists who would carry out attacks comparable to attempted murder.”
Attorney Bleicher leveled criticism at the authorities for inadequate security in the neighborhood: “Rabbi Lior and the other residents of Beit Orot have been suffering from repeated terror attacks for years. The security forces, the law enforcement agents, and the judicial system must put an end to terror attacks and treat Arab rioters with a firm hand. Prosecutors and judges must also realize the severity of the attacks and the detrimental effect that lenient sentencing of terrorists has on deterrence. The maximum penalty for terror crimes must be increased to improve the security of Jerusalem residents and all Israeli citizens.”
Rabbi Lior’s car was set on fire in July 2022. The terrorist was convicted and sentenced one year later.