Posted on 12/25/2002 1:11:10 PM PST by Nachum
Kinneret Rosental, mother of eleven and daughter of Hevron-pioneer Rabbi Moshe Levinger, will begin her four-month prison sentence today. Her crime: hitting a police horse.
The incident began six months ago when she drove up to a Jerusalem courthouse and a police officer told her to stop - while another officer told her to go. Confused, she began to drive, at which time a third policeman took out his gun and threatened to break her windshield. Beginning to panic, she started driving quickly away and ended up hitting a traffic island - on which was standing a police horse. The police forcibly removed her from the car and placed her in hand- and leg-cuffs, and she was charged with aggravated battery. Mrs. Rosental was acquitted of this charge, but found guilty of assaulting and interfering with a policeman and abuse of an animal.
Legal sources say that under the circumstances - no one was hurt, no intent, her family situation, and no previous criminal record - a sentence of public service should have been expected.
Mrs. Rosental refused both to appeal the verdict and to request a pardon, saying that she has no trust in the system. "An injustice has been done, and will continue to be done, and in such cases, one does not beg," she has been quoted as saying, with the backing of her husband. Her parents, however, have not lost faith in Israel's legal processes, and have requested a Presidential pardon from President Moshe Katzav. Despite Kinneret's lack of involvement, sources close to the family hint that "faxes from the public are very helpful." Katzav can be faxed at (972-2) 567-1314, and Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau at (972-2) 537-7872.
I dunno. Substitute "kitty" or "puppy" in any story in this country - see what happens. Sheesh.
I am not saying she is a bad person or deserves the sentence. I can sympathize with her plight. But shouldn't she also be worried about her kids and trying to "intervene" on her own behalf as well, whether or not she believes in the system anymore?
More than likely her kids are her best friends, so she'll probably really miss them.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.