Decision to be handed down in Zemora case

Sunday, October 6, 2019, 10:05 On Monday, October 7, a decision will be handed down on the appeal filed by the Military Advocate General opposing the exoneration of attempted murder of the terrorist who stabbed Nirit Zemora. The terrorist was convicted only of aggravated assault. Zemora: “I ask of the judges – fulfill your duty. It must not be that a murderer does not receive the maximum penalty he deserves.”
During the May 20 deliberation on the appeal the two sides were asked by the judges where, if the appeal by the Military Advocate General is accepted, they would prefer to have the penalty adjudicated, at an appellate court or at the court where the original ruling had been made.
Honenu Attorney Chayim Bleicher: “After the deliberation on the appeal it appears that there is no longer a doubt in anyone’s mind that the terrorist must be convicted of attempted murder. The terrorist attempted to murder Nirit because she is a Jew, as the murderous friends of the terrorist have done and are trying to do, and as the Palestinian Authority media and the Arab leaders constantly order and incite.”
Bleicher added: “We expect the Military Court of Appeals to not turn a blind eye towards attempted murder and cruel destruction targeting Israeli citizens, and to convict the terrorist of attempted murder. We are hopeful that the court will impose a penalty on the terrorist that befits the severity of his acts and that will deter potential murderers.”
At the deliberation, Nirit Zemora turned to the judges and described the moments of the attack, how the terrorist tried to remove the knife from her back, and how she and her family have been coping since then.
“I felt a strong blow to my back. To this day I remember the sound of that unusual blow. I was surprised and I exclaimed something, while the assailant was still pulling at something in my back. Later, I understood that he had made an attempt to remove the knife from my back. I felt my left leg becoming weak and I collapsed on the spot. From eye witnesses I heard that the murderer called out ‘Allah hu akbar’ and ran with a knife raised. Since then my family and I have been coping with all of the ramifications of the attack and the injury.”
Zemora added, “I say to you, attacking a woman from behind is an act of cowardice. The injury was close to my heart. This was an act of contempt towards every family in Israel. The People of Israel is eternal; one can harm only individuals. I ask the court to impose the maximum penalty in situations such as this. I wonder who is willing to defend this murderer. I am certain that the People of Israel and all humankind will prevail.”
After the deliberation Zemora described her impressions: “This time the general feeling seems to me to be positive. I hope very much that I am not mistaken, because last time I was very disappointed. I left with very painful feelings. I hope that this time the truth will come to light. At this opportunity I would like to thank the Honenu organization, in particular Chayim [Bleicher], and the Military Advocate General, who have done excellent work.”