Jewish Suspect Released to House Arrest After Shooting Arab Municipal Worker in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM – A Jewish suspect who shot an Arab municipal worker in downtown Jerusalem was released to house arrest on Thursday, despite apparent lack of justification for opening fire, according to court documents.

The incident occurred late Wednesday night when Ahmad Nijam, 41, was attacked by a mob of Jewish extremists who reportedly chanted “Death to Arabs” before one of them shot him in the leg.

Witnesses described a violent confrontation that began with the group questioning Nijam’s presence in the area, throwing water bottles at him, and demanding that he open his backpack.

Nijam recounted the attack in an interview with Channel 13, stating that the assailant ordered him to lie on the ground before shooting him in what appeared to be a clear violation of open-fire regulations.

Footage from the scene showed Nijam writhing in pain while the suspect and another man in an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) uniform stood nearby without offering assistance.

An acquaintance of Nijam filmed the aftermath and called police, who arrived alongside a Magen David Adom ambulance. Before authorities reached the scene, however, the suspect fled. He was later tracked down and arrested by police.

Despite the severity of the attack, Nijam himself was summoned for questioning upon his release from the hospital. He told Channel 13 that police inquired why he was out so late at night.

The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, defended his actions by claiming that Nijam had shouted “Allahu Akbar” at a group of Jewish revelers before the shooting. However, no other witnesses corroborated this version of events.

On Thursday, Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court Judge David Shaul Gabai Richter ruled that the suspect be released to house arrest, explaining that heightened tensions due to the ongoing war played a role in his decision.

“Although this was an incident in which a weapon was used… I do not believe that the defendant can be deemed a… criminal,” Judge Richter wrote in his ruling.

The decision has drawn criticism amid concerns over rising violence against Arab municipal workers in Jerusalem, particularly following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 hostages taken.

In the aftermath, attacks on Arab workers surged, leading to fear and reluctance among municipal employees to carry out cleaning and maintenance duties.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion had previously spearheaded an initiative condemning such violence, with senior rabbis signing a letter stating that such actions violated Torah teachings. The letter specifically called on Jewish youth, who have been disproportionately involved in the assaults, to refrain from violence.

Despite these appeals, incidents of nationalistically motivated attacks continue to occur, raising concerns about law enforcement’s response and judicial leniency.

Nijam’s shooting has further fueled debate over the treatment of Arab victims in the Israeli justice system, particularly in cases where Jewish assailants are involved.

Authorities have not confirmed whether additional charges will be filed against the suspect, while Nijam’s legal team is reportedly considering further action regarding the handling of the case.