Please click here for a list of posts relating to the Arab rioting throughout Israel in May 2021.
Honenu Attorney Chayim Bleicher; Photo credit: Honenu
Thursday, February 13, 2025, 8:28 Recently, the Supreme Court canceled the seven-month prison sentence handed down to a terrorist who took part in an attack on a Jewish family during Operation Guardian of the Walls (May 2021). The terrorist, who is a minor, and additional Arab rioters chased the family’s car after they lost their way and drove into the village of Zalafa in Wadi Ara. The terrorist will not serve the sentence due to issues with his health.
Haifa District Court Judge Erez Porat sentenced the terrorist to only seven months’ imprisonment despite his conviction of serious charges, aggravated assault while committing an act of terror and racially motivated malicious vehicular vandalism. The State Attorney’s office also requested an eight-year sentence. Honenu Attorney Chayim Bleicher is representing the victims.
The indictment describes how the terrorist and dozens of additional rioters chased the family’s car while throwing rocks and anything else they could grab at it. One of the rioters rammed his car into the family’s car, destroying the rear bumper. The rioters blocked the family’s car, climbed on the roof, shattered the windshields, and tried to pull the family out of their car. The mother shielded her children from the beating and the rocks with her body. One large rock was thrown directly into her face from point-blank range. After a long time, the family was rescued and transported for medical treatment.
Honenu Attorney Chayim Bleicher, who is representing the victims, sharply criticized the decision to cancel the sentence: “The terrorist took part in one the most brutal attacks that occurred during Operation Guardian of the Wall. A mob tried to crush a baby with large rocks, and her mother was hit directly in the face by a rock. Despite the serious acts, the Haifa District Court handed down a pathetic penalty of only seven months’ imprisonment in consideration of the terrorist’s poor health. And now the Supreme Court justices have gone so far as to cancel even that minimal penalty. Their choice to completely ignore my client who was saved by a miracle from murder at the hands of a bloodthirsty mob is a disgrace and a badge of shame for the court. Whoever takes part in murderous acts of terror should be in prison even if his health will suffer as a result of his acts. Unfortunately, there are victims who have not yet recuperated, and their lives take precedence. It is a shame that in the war on terror considerations of mercy for the enemy are prioritized over the safety and well-being of loyal Israeli citizens.”
Three additional terrorists were sentenced for the attack:
Appeal accepted, sentence increased for Wadi Ara terrorist
Two more Wadi Ara terrorists sentenced