Israeli Court Awards NIS 335,050 Compensation to Man Assaulted in Rishon Lezion Club Brawl

The Bat Yam Magistrate's Court ruled this week that a 23-year-old man assaulted during a nightclub brawl in Rishon Lezion in December 2018 will receive a total compensation of 335,050 shekels. The payout will come from several of the assailants and the club's owners as part of a settlement agreement.

The incident began after the victim lightly tapped another patron on the shoulder, escalating quickly into a physical fight involving multiple people. Security footage played a key role in the civil case, showing the victim being punched and kicked, falling to the floor, and continuing to be attacked both inside and outside the club. The victim’s lawyer, Itamar Ben-Ami, argued that the club staff failed to properly separate the parties, allowing the violence to resume outside. One attacker allegedly chased the victim with a broken glass, causing additional injuries.

The club operated without a license, employed insufficient security personnel, and staff were inadequately trained to handle violent incidents, according to the lawsuit. The club was subsequently shut down by court order, and criminal charges were filed against the assailants, who were convicted of assault and causing serious injury. The victim was hospitalized for three days at Sheba Medical Center, undergoing surgery for a fractured lower jaw and was assessed with a 5% disability.

The defendants claimed the victim was intoxicated and aggressive, and that some injuries occurred later outside the club by an uncharged individual. The club owners and insurer argued that security intervened appropriately inside and that the later attack was a separate, unforeseeable event.

Following plea deals in the criminal case, the victim filed a civil claim for damages including lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future costs. The parties reached a settlement without admission of guilt. One attacker will pay 89,700 shekels, another 76,000, a third 17,350, and the club owners and insurer will pay 152,000 shekels. The court recently approved the settlement as a binding judgment.