Homeless Man Steals Food Vouchers, Asks to Stay in Jail for Meals

A homeless man in his 30s, known to welfare authorities, was arrested just before Rosh Hashanah after allegedly stealing food vouchers worth approximately NIS 2,000 from a welfare office in central Israel. The man, identified as 'A', had gone to the office for assistance before being transferred to a hostel. Instead, he is suspected of taking nine envelopes containing the vouchers.

Following his arrest, police sought to extend his detention for five days. In a highly unusual turn, the man himself requested to remain in custody, telling the court, "I did it because I needed food. The welfare worker needs to take me to the hostel, I am 100 percent disabled and have nowhere to go. I prefer to stay in detention and eat there."

Magistrate Judge Dorit Bonda of the Ashkelon Magistrate's Court criticized the police's insistence on detention, questioning why a police officer hadn't released him earlier. "Given his request, I am extending the detention by one day," she stated, noting that the offenses stemmed from his difficult personal circumstances and that he had stolen vouchers intended for needy individuals like himself.

The following day, police again requested his continued detention due to his failure to meet release conditions. The judge reiterated her stance that the investigation should proceed with him released, emphasizing his dire situation. Despite the police's continued efforts, including a request for a delay to consider an appeal, the man was ultimately released following the court's firm position.

The court ordered the decision to be immediately forwarded to the social services department in his city of residence, the same department from which the vouchers were allegedly stolen. The court also mandated that the social services department provide him with immediate assistance.