An Israeli settler accused of kicking and injuring a French Catholic nun in Jerusalem will face trial for assault motivated by hostility toward a religious group, according to Israel’s justice ministry.
The attack on the nun, a 48-year-old researcher at Jerusalem’s French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research, took place on Mount Zion, just outside the Old City.
The suspect, Yona Simcha Schreiber, 36, is from the Peduel settlement in the occupied West Bank.
He has been in custody since April 29, and prosecutors have requested that he remain detained until the trial, the ministry said in a statement. Schreiber is charged with assault causing injury, motivated by hostility toward a religious group.
Attack on French nun in Jerusalem draws widespread condemnationRead more
Surveillance footage from the scene shows a man rushing toward the nun, who was wearing a white habit and black veil, violently pushing her to the ground, where she narrowly avoids hitting her head on a stone block. The man leaves the scene but returns to kick the nun before a passerby intervenes.
The French consulate in Jerusalem condemned the attack and demanded the man be brought to trial.
In a statement at the time of the incident, the Faculty of Humanities at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem expressed “profound shock and condemnation” and criticized the “troubling pattern” and nature of the attack.
The faculty said: “This is not an isolated incident, but part of a troubling pattern of rising hostility toward the Christian community and its symbols.”
Israel’s foreign ministry also condemned the “shameful act” in a statement on X, and said Israel remains committed “to safeguarding freedom of religion and freedom of worship for all faiths.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the case of an Israeli settler standing trial for attacking a French nun in Jerusalem
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is this story about
An Israeli settler is being prosecuted for physically assaulting a French nun in Jerusalem The attack reportedly happened in the Old City and the case is going to trial
2 Who is a settler in this context
A settler is an Israeli citizen who lives in a settlementa Jewish community built in territories occupied by Israel since 1967 such as the West Bank or East Jerusalem These settlements are considered illegal under international law though Israel disputes this
3 Why did the attacker target a nun
Authorities havent released a confirmed motive but the attack appears to be part of a broader pattern of harassment and violence against Christians clergy and religious sites in Jerusalem by some extremeright settlers
4 What does standing trial mean
It means the suspect has been formally charged with a crime and will have a hearing in court A judge or jury will hear evidence and decide if he is guilty or innocent
5 Is the nun okay
Reports indicate she was treated for injuries but survived the attack Her exact condition hasnt been widely publicized for privacy reasons
6 Is this a common problem
Unfortunately yes There have been multiple documented cases of settlers spitting at shouting at or physically attacking Christian clergy and nuns in Jerusalem especially in the Old City
AdvancedLevel Questions
7 What specific charges is the settler facing
The charges typically include assault causing bodily harm insulting a religious figure and possibly motivated by racism or hostility toward a religious group The exact charges depend on the severity of the injuries and evidence
8 Why is this case considered significant politically
It tests how the Israeli legal system handles crimes by settlers against nonJewish religious figures Critics argue that settlers often face lighter sentences or delayed trials A conviction here could set a precedent for protecting minority religious groups
9 Could the settler face jail time
Yes Under Israeli law assault causing bodily harm can carry up to several years in prison If the court finds a racist motive the sentence can be increased However many settlers receive plea deals or community service in
