Parents Outraged After Son's Killer Released Early From Prison

The parents of Adir Rohkar, who was fatally stabbed at age 16 over a piece of bread, are expressing outrage over the early release of his killer. The assailant, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter, was released after serving less than nine years and his victims' parents were not notified.

"Without any warning, without any notice, he was simply released. This murderer murdered my son in cold blood, for no reason. I do not accept this, I am very angry," Adir's mother, Ofra Rohkar, stated in an interview. Adir Rohkar, from Ofakim, was stabbed in February 2018 at the "Knaf Shel Ahava" (Wing of Love) residential facility for at-risk youth. The indictment stated that an argument escalated over a piece of bread that fell on the dining room floor, leading the then 17-year-old defendant to stab Adir once with a kitchen knife.

The assailant was convicted of manslaughter and received a 10-year sentence, though the prosecution had sought 12 to 17 years. In a civil lawsuit settlement, the state and its insurer agreed to pay the family NIS 1.2 million without the state admitting liability. "He didn't even serve 10 years," Ofra Rohkar said. "A person took a child's life, a teenager's life." She noted that nine years would not have passed until the fatal incident until the Hebrew month of Shevat. The assailant was released in September, with about a year and three months remaining on his sentence.

The parents learned of the release from a journalist and stated they were furious they were not informed beforehand, suggesting they might have been able to prevent it. They reported being passed between the prosecution, the Prison Service, and the police without receiving a response. Their lawyer, Haya Manna, called the early release a "prize" given by a negligent state that failed to consult the parents before making the decision, as required by law. She intends to appeal to relevant authorities.

The assailant's initial request for early release in March was denied, but a subsequent review six months later led to his release. The committee noted his apparent remorse, his agreement to pay compensation, his participation in therapy and a group rehabilitation program at Hermon Prison. While deeming his risk level as moderate, the committee cited his personal circumstances, his commission of the offense as a minor, his clean disciplinary record, and numerous approved leaves as factors in favor of his release.

Lawyers for the assailant, Alina and Lior Kersanti, stated that their client "paid the price for his actions, served a lengthy prison sentence, and underwent significant therapeutic and rehabilitation processes." The Rohkars described the incident, based on accounts from other residents, as Adir commenting on the assailant dropping bread, leading to the fatal stabbing. They also criticized the facility for lacking adequate security and supervision. Adir was their only child, and they had previously lost another son in infancy 28 years prior. They adopted Adir legally and considered him their own. "This despicable murderer ensured we would have no more children," they said.