Mother Of Skver Yeshiva Firebomber Gets One-Year Probation

Montreal: A woman who tried to help her son flee prosecution for the 2004 firebombing of the Skver Talmud Torah in Montreal was given a one-year probation for her crime. Quebec Court Judge Robert Marchi ruled in September that Rouba Elmerhebi Fahd was guilty of trying to arrange for her son to escape to Brazil to avoid prosecution for the bombing. However, the Crown asked for a sentence of community service, even though she could have faced up to seven years in prison. Marchi decided against community service, citing Fahd's lack of remorse, but also pointed out that he could see how a mother might act in such a way for their children. Adam Atlas said on behalf of the Canadian Jewish Congress, "The judge, I think, was sensitive to that balance and taking into consideration all the factors, rendered a mild sentence." Moise Moghrabi of B'nai Brith Canada says it's not even a slap on the wrist. "It tells the public there is no deterrent," he said.