Israeli Court Cancels 50,000 Shekel Debt of Former Border Police Volunteer Who Killed Illegal Palestinian

The Magistrate's Court in Kfar Saba recently erased a remaining debt of approximately 50,000 shekels owed by a former Border Police volunteer convicted of fatally shooting an illegal Palestinian resident during a 2014 operational incident. The volunteer, a former naval commando who joined the police to protect communities along the seam line, was involved in a chase that ended with the fatal shooting. He was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay 100,000 shekels in compensation to the victim's family.

According to a petition filed by attorney Yehuda Sharky on behalf of the legal aid organization Honenu, the volunteer took responsibility and has made extensive efforts to repay the debt. Before imprisonment, he paid 50,000 shekels and after release, he raised an additional 35,000 shekels through loans from friends. In total, he paid 103,875 shekels, exceeding the original compensation amount. However, late payment fines and interest increased the outstanding balance to about 50,000 shekels.

The petition argued that the volunteer’s personal, financial, and health conditions had deteriorated significantly, and continued debt collection harmed his ability to rehabilitate and support his family. Despite requests, the fine collection center did not provide a full breakdown of the debt components. A translated letter was also sent to the victim’s family seeking their position, but no response was received.

The court accepted the petition, ordered the remaining debt canceled, and closed the case entirely. Attorney Sharky praised the decision as correct and humane, emphasizing the volunteer’s background and current circumstances.