Court Orders Terrorists to Pay Over $60,000 in Damages for Jerusalem Lynch Attack

A Jerusalem Magistrate's Court has ordered two terrorists who participated in a violent lynching near the Lions' Gate in the Old City during "Operation Guardian of the Walls" in 2021 to pay over 220,000 shekels (approximately $60,000 USD) in compensation to their victims. The court awarded 180,000 shekels in damages to the three Jewish victims, with an additional 36,000 shekels for legal fees and court costs.

The attack occurred on Jerusalem Day in 2021 as the victims were driving towards the Western Wall. Near Rockefeller Junction, a mob attacked their vehicle, throwing stones, spraying pepper spray, and physically assaulting the occupants. One of the convicted terrorists kicked a passenger and threw a large stone into the car at close range. The victims sustained injuries including cuts and severe pain.

The court described the incident as a particularly severe act of violence with nationalistic motives, emphasizing that the attack was solely motivated by the victims' religious Jewish appearance. Judge Eliad Winshel ruled that the two defendants bear joint and several liability for all damages, pain, and suffering, regardless of other uninvolved perpetrators. He dismissed attempts by one defendant to minimize his role, noting his active participation in multiple stages of the assault.

Each of the three victims was awarded 60,000 shekels in compensation. Attorney Chaim Bleicher of the Honenu organization, representing the plaintiffs, praised the ruling, stating, "We welcome the ruling that imposes significant compensation on terrorists who participated in a severe lynching act of terror as part of Operation Guardian of the Walls. We will continue to work to ensure that every terrorist pays a heavy price for their actions, thereby adding deterrence and eradicating terror."