Despite efforts by Israel Prison Authority officer Meir Mignazi and his attorney Rafi Ashraf to show military commanders the paperwork attesting to the legality of his three-story home, the commanders on the scene in Hashmonaim on Thursday would not hear of it, and the building frame was demolished in compliance with the demolition order issued by the Defense Ministry. Well, it appears the paperwork was indeed in order and yes, as Modi’in Illit Mayor Gutterman tried telling the officers, the frame of the building was up prior to the 10-month construction freeze and their demolition order must be erroneous. Once again, despite the fact the mayor personally tried to intervene, the commanders form the Civil Administration were determined to knock down the home and they did just that.

Ashraf questioned why his client did not receive prior warning as required, but the inspectors said notice was served to Modi’in Illit City Hall which legally is responsible for the Ganei area of Hashmonaim, but R’ Gutterman insisted no such notice was ever received. According to a HaMevaser report, the agents were simply unwilling to look at any of the documents presented to them and they ordered the people to leave the building, which was subsequently knocked down.

As the demolition was taken place officials realized the home was legal, but not before some of the concrete walls were down and others were hanging precariously.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)