An Israeli court has acquitted Yona Schreiber after he pushed and kicked a French nun in Jerusalem, a brutal incident recorded on CCTV. The magistrates ruled that Schreiber was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of the attack, thus lacking criminal responsibility. He will instead be sent to a psychiatric hospital for up to six years.
The video of the assault ignited outrage across social media and deepened worries over a rise in attacks on Christian clergy in Jerusalem's Old City. The nun, who suffered bruises on her face and leg after striking a stone block, is a researcher at the French Biblical and Archaeological School.
Schreiber, now 36, had been charged with assault motive of religious hostility. A district psychiatrist reported he was in a psychotic state and not fit for trial. The prosecution accepted the opinion and requested his acquittal and hospitalization.
Judge Ofir Tishler emphasised the mental health basis for the verdict, despite the assault itself. The French Consulate condemned Schreiber’s aggression and called the action a "shameful act" violating Israel's values of coexistence and religious freedom.
The French school’s director described the attack as an act of sectarian violence. Israel’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding freedom of religion, stressing that Jerusalem must remain a safe place for all faiths.
Experts note that in recent years, religious Jews have increasingly targeted Christian symbols, leading to vandalism and disputes over church properties. A 2025 report by the Rossing Center highlights a surge in overt animosity towards Christianity, tied to growing polarization and ultra‑nationalist trends.
