Jewish Victim Seeks Civil Damages from Arab Attacker in Jerusalem Hate Crime

A new civil lawsuit was recently filed at the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court against an Arab man previously convicted of racially motivated assault against a Jewish youth in Jerusalem. The incident occurred in September 2019 when the Jewish victim and a friend, both with ultra-Orthodox appearance, were walking on Jerusalem Boulevard toward the Western Wall. Without any provocation, the attacker, who was a few meters behind them, threw three marble-sized objects at them out of hostility due to their Jewish identity. One projectile struck the victim’s neck and shoulder, causing pain.

The attacker was criminally charged and in March 2023 was convicted in a plea deal for racially motivated assault. He received a sentence of five months community service, four months suspended imprisonment, and a symbolic compensation of 2,000 shekels to the victim. Now, the victim is pursuing civil justice, demanding 65,000 shekels in total damages. This includes 40,000 shekels for pain and suffering and 25,000 shekels in punitive damages, emphasizing the malicious antisemitic nature of the attack.

The lawsuit details the lasting emotional harm suffered by the victim, including feelings of humiliation, insecurity, constant vigilance against further attacks, and anxiety affecting daily life. Tom Nisani, a legal intern at the Honenu organization representing the victim, stated, "Those who attack Jews will pay the price. This lawsuit is our message to ensure the victim’s rights are fully realized in civil court. Honenu will continue to stand guard and hold perpetrators accountable for harming innocent citizens on Israel’s streets."