Victim's Sister Slams Return of Teen Murder Suspects to School

The sister of Yimnu Zalka, a 21-year-old who was fatally attacked on Independence Day, has sharply criticized authorities for their handling of the case involving the teenage suspects.

Yiros Zalka expressed outrage that two of the minors accused in her brother's murder were initially slated to return to their high schools in Petah Tikva for the upcoming school year. Following protests from parents and threats of boycotting classes, the municipality announced the teens would not return to their previous schools and would be placed in alternative educational settings.

"On whose expense do they want to rehabilitate them? On the expense of law-abiding children? On the expense of other parents? On our expense as citizens who want to live in peace? In my eyes, this is wrong," Yiros Zalka stated in an interview with Kan News.

Yimnu Zalka was allegedly attacked after confronting a group of youths who sprayed him with "snow spray" near a pizza shop where he worked. Sixteen minors have been indicted in connection with the incident, with one charged with murder and others with severe violent offenses. Yiros Zalka noted that her family had also been informed the suspects would not return to their former schools, describing the official responses as "very vague" and accusing authorities of "passing the buck."

She further highlighted the perceived weakness of victims' rights in Israel, stating, "We are transparent. We make a lot of effort to find out what is happening because they don't tell us." Zalka argued that returning the suspects to a regular school setting so soon after the murder sends a message that accountability is lacking. She credited public pressure and active citizen involvement for the eventual decision to find alternative placements, suggesting that without it, authorities would have "conveniently turned the page."