Nova Massacre Victim's Sound Equipment Stolen, Thieves Sentenced

A Beer Sheva court has sentenced Ram Shahin, 34, to seven years in prison for stealing sound equipment from Matan Lior Mordechai, who was murdered at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Shahin was also fined NIS 60,000 and ordered to pay NIS 75,000 in compensation to Mordechai's parents. The court found Shahin guilty of aggravated theft and obtaining property by deception, noting his manipulative behavior and false claims of acting out of "generosity and altruism." The judge stated Shahin cynically exploited the chaos at the festival, targeting the expensive sound systems.

Daniel Hasson, 30, received a 40-month prison sentence for his involvement in the theft, including attempting to trade Mordechai's property. He was also ordered to pay NIS 40,000 to the victim's parents. The sentencing for a third defendant, San Lucian Tevel, 35, was postponed due to medical reasons. Hasson and Tevel were convicted of aiding aggravated theft and attempted deception as part of a plea deal. The three were arrested in November 2023.

Judge Amir Doron condemned the defendants' actions, stating they displayed "complete insensitivity" in a situation demanding human compassion. He highlighted that their crimes occurred while the nation mourned and that they exploited the tragedy for financial gain, calling it an "extreme moral low." The judge emphasized that the court must send a message that desecrating the honor of the dead will be met with a harsh legal response.

Matan Lior Mordechai was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizen's Heroism Award for his bravery in saving lives during the attack. His mother, Sarah, described the defendants as "despicable people" who showed no regard for the horrific scene of bodies and burning cars.