Victim's family plans to sue Teitel
Family of Samir Balbisi, an east Jerusalem taxi driver allegedly murdered by Yaakov Teitel, announces plans to sue 'Jewish terrorist' as well as National Insurance Institute
The family of Samir Balbisi, an east Jerusalem taxi driver who was allegedly murdered in 1997 by 'Jewish terrorist' Yaakov Teitel, on Wednesday announced that they plan to file a civil lawsuit against him and against the National Insurance Institute.
Balbisi's brother, Hani told Ynet that despite the years that have passed since the murder, his family is having a difficult time getting back on track: "Since the moment that they told my father that Samir is dead he stopped working.
"He sits at home and is unable to continue driving at the transportation company that he worked at. My mother got diabetes after the murder. She can't hear, doesn't see well, and forgets a lot of things," he said.
When the allegations against Teitel came to light, Balbisi's friends suggested he hire a lawyer to demand compensation, in hopes of finally getting his family's life back to normal.
"My parents counted on Samir very much," he added painfully.
"Samir was the eldest brother, and was about to complete his construction engineering studies at the Ort College in Jerusalem. The entire family was waiting for him to finish so he can help us all make a living. When I became the eldest brother I remained the main breadwinner for a family of 10."
Attorney Yossi Graiver, who is slated to represent the Family, said that several legal steps are now being considered in the matter. "We are currently looking into what rights the family has. As of yet there is nothing concrete," he said.
On Tuesday police announced that Teitel will be indicted soon on charges of first degree murder, malicious damage with explosives, and incitement to racism. In addition the Petah Tikvah Magistrates' Court remanded Teitel's arrest by three days, during which the indictment against him must be served.
Early last week the court cleared for publication that 37-year old Yaakov Teitel, from the settlement of Shvut Rachel, was suspected of terrorizing Palestinians, leftists, and members of the LGBT community for many years.
Police and the Shin Bet claim Teitel was responsible for the murder of two Palestinians, rigging an explosive device that injured Professor Zeev Sternhell in 2008, and sending a package of explosives that injured a teen from Ariel, also in 2008. They are also investigating whether Teitel was involved in an attack that killed two police officers in the Jordan Valley in March.
