Extremist Jew Convicted for Killing a Girl at Gay Parade

An Israeli court on Tuesday, April 31, convicted an extremist Jew for the murder of a 16-year-old girl during last year's gay pride parade. This extremist Jew had killed the 16-year-old girl by stabbing her during the LGBTQ parade. According to AFP, this attack, which occurred in July 2015, sparked severe and widespread criticism against the Israeli police. Yishai Shlissel, the extremist Jew responsible for the attacks, who is now 40 years old, had been released from prison just three weeks prior to this incident after serving a ten-year sentence for a similar crime. At the same time, he had posted online stating that the 'abhorrent act' of the gay pride parade in the holy city of Jerusalem must be stopped by any means, even at the cost of his own life. Many questioned how the police allowed Yishai Shlissel to approach the location of the gay pride parade, which thousands attended. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moments of his attack on the marchers, stating he was wearing a long black coat typical of extremist Orthodox Jews and attacked people with a knife. The court severely criticized the weaknesses of the Israeli police in preventing this attack. In part of the ruling, it was stated: 'The evidence clearly shows that the police were aware of the dangers posed by the release of the criminal shortly before this event.' The court added: 'It is unimaginable that the criminal was able to infiltrate the ranks of the marchers so easily and carry out his criminal acts before being arrested.' In another part of the ruling, it was noted: 'The regrettable issue is that the lessons learned from a similar parade in 2005 were not implemented, and the information and other resources available to the police were not used properly. The warnings were very clear, but those responsible ignored them.' Following the attack last year, six senior Israeli police officials were dismissed. AFP adds that the court announced that sentencing sessions for the criminal will begin in mid-June. The judge also described Yishai Shlissel's freedom without any control or participation in rehabilitation programs as 'ridiculous.' Psychological tests have shown that the criminal was fully aware of his actions and thus is in a normal and suitable condition for trial. Yishai Shlissel shouted against homosexuals during the court session last August when charges were brought against him, even repeating the name of the 16-year-old girl he killed with his knife. With his long beard in the court session in Jerusalem, he said: 'In order for the soul of Shira Banki to go to heaven, the gay pride parade must be stopped.' Last August, on the sidelines of the court session, he told reporters: 'With all sorrow, everyone must know that anyone who participates in the gay pride parade in Jerusalem has declared war against God, and anyone who goes to war with God cannot complain.' Compared to Tel Aviv, which is very close to Jerusalem and is considered one of the friendliest cities in the world for sexual minorities, Jerusalem does not treat homosexuals well. Nevertheless, the LGBTQ community in this city, which holds significant religious importance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, holds its annual celebration and parade.