The State Attorney’s Office has indicted 36-year-old Yonah Simcha Schreiber following a religion-based assault on a Christian nun in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Schreiber appeared in the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court, where he faces charges of common assault and assault causing actual bodily harm. According to the indictment, the latter charge was motivated by hostility toward a religious group.
Details of the Assault
The incident occurred on April 28 at approximately 5:42 p.m. Near King David’s Tomb in Jerusalem. Prosecutors state that Schreiber targeted the complainant—identified only by her initials—solely because she was a Christian nun and was dressed in nun’s clothing.
According to the indictment, Schreiber ran toward the woman and forcefully pushed her to the ground. The impact caused her to hit her head and experience dizziness. While the assailant initially moved away, he returned several seconds later to kick the woman hard while she remained on the ground.
The attack was interrupted by an unidentified passerby who stepped in to prevent further violence. Prosecutors allege that Schreiber responded by kicking and punching the passerby as well. The nun suffered bruising to her leg and face.
Broader Context of Religious Tension
This indictment comes amid a series of reported incidents targeting Christian figures and symbols:
- Desecration of Statues: An IDF soldier was relieved of combat duties and sentenced to 30 days in military detention after smashing the face of a Jesus Christ statue in a southern Lebanese village. In a separate incident on Wednesday, another IDF soldier posted a photo of himself smoking a cigarette while placing one in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary.
- Obstruction of Clergy: On Palm Sunday (March 29), the Latin Patriarchate reported that police stopped the convoy of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and forced it to turn back as he was heading to church for Sunday Mass.
Legal Outlook
The prosecution has notified the court that it may seek actual prison time for Schreiber if he is convicted of the charges.
