Judge Rules on Assault Case Involving Nun and Israeli Settler
A judge in Israel determined on Wednesday that Yona Simcha Schreiber, the individual accused of violently attacking a French Catholic nun in Jerusalem on April 28, acted out of an inability to control himself.
Surveillance footage shows Schreiber, a 36-year-old settler from the West Bank adorned with a kippah and ritual tassels, approaching the nun near King David’s Tomb and pushing her to the ground without warning.
The video reveals the nun, a researcher affiliated with the French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research in Jerusalem, grappling with pain after hitting her head against the stones. After initially walking away, Schreiber returned to kick her until another bystander intervened.
As a result of the incident, the nun suffered facial bruises and leg injuries, according to a report by the Jerusalem Post.
The violent encounter sparked global outrage, prompting Israeli officials to condemn the attack and pledge accountability. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated, “We strongly condemn this despicable attack. Violence against innocent individuals, particularly those from religious communities, has no place in our society.” Furthermore, they emphasized that such behavior contradicts the values of respect and coexistence that Israel stands for.
Following Schreiber’s apprehension on charges of racially motivated assault, George Deek, Israel’s special envoy to the Christian community, remarked that the legal process was evolving, showcasing Israel’s commitment to upholding the law.
Previously, in May, Schreiber had been indicted for what prosecutors deemed a religiously motivated attack, but he was acquitted on Wednesday due to insanity. A government psychiatrist diagnosed him with schizophrenia, stating that while his mental state didn’t definitively prompt the attack, it influenced his actions.
The psychiatrist indicated that Schreiber lacked the comprehension of his actions or the ability to restrain himself during the incident.
The victim’s attorney, Zaki Sahlia, expressed skepticism regarding the psychiatrist’s conclusion, arguing that Schreiber’s mental illness may not have been the decisive factor in the attack, particularly as he chose the nun when there were several other potential targets around.
Judge Ophir Tischler accepted the psychiatrist’s evaluation, concluding that Schreiber was in a psychotic state during the assault, thus exempting him from criminal responsibility. Consequently, the judge mandated his hospitalization for a maximum duration of six years.
However, a psychiatric committee holds the authority to conclude his hospitalization sooner if they determine an improvement in his condition.
Schreiber’s attorney, Idan Gamlieli, communicated to the Times of Israel that the ruling acknowledged the unfortunate episode as stemming from his mental illness, highlighting hopes that the treatment will enable him to return to normal functioning. Gamlieli also expressed empathy towards the nun, acknowledging her difficult experience and wishing her well as she navigates the aftermath of the incident.
The French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research in Jerusalem has yet to respond to inquiries for comment.
