Now that her husband’s murderers stand trial, the wife of a terror victim demands justice.
Hadas Mizrahi’s husband, Baruch, was murdered before her eyes as they were on their way to celebrate the Passover holiday. Now that the murderers are standing trial, she demands justice.
The trial of Ziad Awad, 42, a Hamas terrorist released in the Shalit deal, opened at the Ofer Military Court on Wednesday. He is charged with the murder of Police Commander Mizrachi and several other counts of terror-related offenses.
Ziad Awad (C) and his son Eddin (R) arriving at Ofer Mlitary court. (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Almagor, a terror victims’ rights advocacy organization, is representing the Mizrachi family and is officially demanding that the death penalty be considered as punishment. Awad is a second-time offender, having served time for previous acts of terror he committed, Almagor points out. They further demand that his son Eddin, 18, who helped execute the attack and then cover it up, be sentenced to life in prison.
‘We Will Overcome’
Hadas attended the trial opening but could not bring herself to enter the room where the terrorists were sitting.
“I couldn’t see the monster terrorists, and so I stayed outside,” she said. “I hope the State of Israel changes its approach and institutes the proper punishment, the death penalty, which is to be handed down to the lowly terrorists.”
Displaying strong emotion while speaking to reporters, Hadas described the difficulties her family has encountered on a daily basis.
“We will overcome, and do our best to be a happy family,” she declared.
Baruch Mizrahi was killed on Passover eve by a terrorist released in a prisoner exchange. (Photo: Police Spokespersons Unit)
Meir Endor, head of Almagor, demanded justice, vowing to pursue in the Knesset as well the issue of capital punishment .
Police Commander Mizrahi, 47, a father of five, was murdered on April 14th, on Passover eve, while traveling with his family to celebrate Passover. His wife was wounded in the attack. Awad, who murdered him, was arrested on May 7 by the Israel Police’s elite counter-terrorism unit. In October 2011 he was released from prison as part of the Shalit prisoner exchange deal after having been sentenced to life in prison for murdering Arabs suspected of collaborating with Israel.
Author: Aryeh Savir
Staff Writer, United with Israel