Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
British-Israeli Father Wins Legal Ruling for Compensation After Hamas Terror Attack
In a landmark legal victory, a British-Israeli father has secured a ruling enabling him to claim over £10.5 million from the Palestinian Authority (PA) as compensation for the Hamas terror attack that claimed the lives of his wife and two daughters. Rabbi Leo Dee, originally from London, tragically lost his wife Leah, 48, and daughters Rina, 15, and Maia, 20, in a brutal drive-by shooting in the West Bank in April 2023. The Israeli court’s decision marks a significant step in his pursuit of justice and potential financial recourse from the PA.
Tragic Loss in West Bank Terror Attack
The devastating attack occurred as the family travelled through the West Bank in separate vehicles, with Rabbi Dee driving just ahead when a Palestinian terrorist opened fire on their car. This horrific incident spurred Rabbi Dee to become a vocal advocate for victims of terror, initiating legal action against the Palestinian Authority several months ago to seek accountability and financial redress.
Israeli Court Grants Garnishee Order
In a significant development, Israeli courts have granted a temporary garnishee order. This legal instrument allows Rabbi Dee to seize a designated portion of frozen funds once his lawsuit against the PA is successful. The ruling is considered a substantial strengthening of his legal position in the ongoing case.
Legal Process Explained
Rabbi Dee elucidated the legal procedure, stating, “The Supreme Court of Israel authorized us months ago to sue and secure the funds.” He further clarified, “The Israeli treasury currently withholds tax funds belonging to the Palestinian Authority. While these funds are technically held by Israel, the legal question was whether they could be allocated to victims of terror. The court’s affirmative ruling on this matter was the initial crucial step.”
Seeking Justice and Financial Accountability
This legal case is believed to be unprecedented, and Rabbi Dee is now encouraging other families affected by terror to pursue similar legal avenues. His ultimate objective is to exert financial pressure on terror organizations, potentially leading to their financial collapse.
Call for Other Terror Victims to Take Action
“I am encouraged by this progress,” Rabbi Dee stated. “It is my sincere hope that other families will also initiate lawsuits against the Palestinian Authority.” He added, “My aim is to bankrupt them. Given the UN’s continued funding, independent action is necessary to halt their financial support and ultimately save lives.”
Accusations Against Palestinian Authority
Rabbi Dee asserts that the Palestinian Authority has cultivated “the most extensive terror scheme and incentive for terror globally,” despite no direct state of war existing between them.
‘Martyr’s Fund’ Controversy
The tax funds controlled by the PA are partly allocated to the controversial “Martyr’s Fund,” which critics denounce as a “pay-for-slay” program, a description Palestinians reject. This fund provides financial support to convicted terrorists incarcerated in Israeli jails. Upon conviction, accounts are established for terrorists, and substantial monthly payments, equivalent to hundreds of pounds, are deposited. Upon release after serving their sentences, terrorists can access the accumulated funds, which can amount to millions of shekels for lengthy incarcerations.
PA Pledge to End Scheme Remains Unimplemented
Despite PA leader Mahmoud Abbas signing a decree in February purportedly ending the scheme, it has yet to be implemented.
Letter to Yarden Bibas: Finding Strength After Loss
In a poignant letter addressed to Yarden Bibas, who tragically lost his wife Shiri and infant sons Kfir and Ariel after they were taken hostage on October 7, 2023, Rabbi Dee shared his personal journey of healing. He conveyed a message of resilience, writing about leveraging the memory of his family to perform good deeds. “Know that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir are in a good place…They are smiling down on you and want you to be happy…But for now you, as I, must live with the knowledge that we are here to achieve something more,” he wrote.
Campaign to Prevent Terror
Rabbi Dee intends to utilize the compensation funds to further his campaign dedicated to preventing future acts of terror.
Terrorists Behind Dee Family Murders Eliminated
The two terrorists responsible for the murders of Rabbi Dee’s wife and daughters were killed a month later during an Israeli security operation.
Shurat HaDin’s Role
The legal case was facilitated and spearheaded by Shurat HaDin, an Israeli non-governmental organization committed to combating terrorism through legal means.