The attack near Rockefeller Junction; Video credit: Israel Police
Monday, August 31, 2026, 7:54 The Jerusalem Magistrates’ Court awarded three Jewish victims of a mob attack near Lions’ Gate NIS 60,000 each. The court also ordered the defendants to pay NIS 36,000 in legal fees and costs, bringing the total to over NIS 210,000. Honenu Attorney Chaim Bleicher represented all three victims.
The attack occurred on Jerusalem Day 2021, May 10 that year, amid the Arab rioting that spread across Israel during Operation Guardian of the Walls. The three Jewish men were driving toward the Western Wall when they encountered a mob of Arab rioters near Rockefeller Junction. The rioters threw rocks at the car, shattering the rear windshield, sprayed pepper spray inside, and assaulted the passengers. One defendant kicked a victim and hurled a large rock into the vehicle from close range.
All three passengers were injured. They suffered cuts to their bodies and eyes, and the driver suffered a head injury. The court described the incident as an especially serious mass assault motivated by nationalism. It found that the men were attacked because of their Jewish religious appearance, and that the fear they felt was a significant part of the harm they experienced.
Judge Eliad Weinshall ruled that both defendants are fully liable for the victims’ pain and suffering, even though others who took part were not sued. The court rejected the argument that one defendant played only a minor role and stressed that he took part in several stages of the attack. On that basis, it awarded each victim NIS 60,000.
Attorney Bleicher was pleased with the decision: “We welcome the ruling that imposes substantial compensation on terrorists who joined in a mob attack during Operation Guardian of the Walls. We will continue our efforts to ensure that every terrorist and rioter pays a heavy price, so that deterrence is increased and terrorism is eradicated.”