Azaria, was convicted of manslaughter by a military court also has 12 months probation tacked onto his 18 month prison sentence. In addition he was also demoted from the rank of the rank of Samal (sergeant) to Turai (private.)
Before he left to prison, he had an emotional farewell with his mother Oshra, who was also celebrating her birthday. Elor’s favorite singer, Elor loves the singer Haim Dadon was also in attendance and serenaded him and his mother as she hugged him with a tearful goodbye to the song “Gibor Shel Ima” (Mommy’s brave one). Dozens of supporters gathered at the Azaria family’s home in to escort him on his way to the military prison in Rishon Letzion.
Yoram Sheftel, the lawyer who represented Elor Azaria said at the family’s home that “this is a sad day for the country, for the IDF, and for 90 percent of the citizens of Israel. It’s a joyous day for the Arab enemy, and therefore a joyous day for the media.
“I’ve had to handle serious problems created by Elor’s former lawyers. No one has ever gone to prison with so many people lined up to escort him there,” Sheftel said.
The case has divided Israel where top IDF brass pushed for his prosecution saying he violated the IDF’s high code of ethics. However Israel’s nationalist right sided with Elor Azaria, calling him a hero.
