Israel's former Consul General in New York Asaf Zamir wrote a character witness letter that a former employee's lawyer intends to present as part of their client's defense in an attempted murder case against him, Ynet has learned, a move that drew criticism from the victim.
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Jonathan Maimon, 24, an employee of the Israeli Consulate General in New York and the son of former Cabinet secretary Israel Maimon and judge Nitsa Maimon-Sha'ashua, is accused of attempted murder after allegedly attacking another Israeli with a glass bottle and causing him a brain hemorrhage.
While in office, Zamir wrote a letter of support which Maimon's lawyer intends to present to a Manhattan court in a hearing on the case next month.
The letter describes Maimon's employment history and speaks positively of his character according to colleagues and superiors. Maimon did not report directly to Zamir but was involved in the consulate general's security procurement mission.
Maimon was indicted for attempted murder after he attacked Ma'or Vanunu, 42, the owner of a hummus restaurant, with a glass bottle seven times outside a nightclub in Soho, Manhattan.
The violent incident occurred on February 26, and there was no prior acquaintance between the accused and Vanunu.
According to the indictment, Maimon also broke the window of a passing taxi and then began to attack Vanuno.
Security camera footage shows Maimon shirtless in the cold New York weather and holding the broken bottle in his hand.
At first, his associates claimed that he had been drugged. Maimon was released on bail and according to Defense Ministry, he "is on leave until the legal situation is clarified." If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison.
Vanunu was incensed upon learning about Zamir's letter. “When a serving consul supports a person who tried to murder, it’s a badge of shame on the State of Israel and a disgrace to us all,” he said.
“It’s irrelevant if this is his first violent incident, although it is clear that a normal person does not behave this way. It is obvious that this letter was only written because his father is connected. It is inappropriate and illogical. This is the reason why our government looks the way it looks. A government that backs criminals, is it a surprise it is also trying to protect the criminals within it?
First published: 00:52, 05.02.23