Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered the demolition of the home of the Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva terrorist.

On March 6, 2008, the Jabel Mukaber resident came to the yeshiva, located in the Kiryat Moshe neighborhood. He ran through the building firing indiscriminately, murdering eight and leaving others wounded.

Despite his heinous act, the government has remained paralyzed, afraid to take action against the family of the terrorist, who was shot dead at the scene of the attack.

Barak on Wednesday ordered the demolition of the family home after 54 MKs signed a petition supporting the move, one that many believe will serve as a deterrent to future attacks. In addition, following the attack, family members and neighbors of the terrorist applauded his actions and there was dancing in the streets and sweets were distributed to the children. The bereaved family also established a mourning tent and they labeled their son a “Shahid” (holy martyr).

It appears that the bereaved families have finally succeeded in persuading lawmakers to take action months after the attack. Nevertheless, it will probably take a number of weeks at the very least until the order is actualized if at all, since the family will undoubtedly turn to the courts and there will be numerous appeals to the Supreme Court on their behalf in the hope of preventing the demolition.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)