Palestinian convert shot by IDF soldier last month buried in Jewish cemetery in West Bank

A Palestinian convert to Judaism who was shot dead by an IDF soldier last month has been laid to rest in a Jewish cemetery in the West Bank settlement of Har Bracha, according to Hebrew media reports.

Hebron resident Sameh Muhammad Abd al-Rai Zaytoun, also known as David Ben Avraham, 63, was shot dead by a reservist soldier on March 21 after getting out of a Palestinian taxi at a bus station near the settlement of Elazar, south of Jerusalem.

A disturbing video that surfaced a week after the deadly shooting shows the victim raising his hands in compliance with orders from an IDF reservist who opened fire on him anyway.

The delayed burial comes after the Tel Aviv family court denied an appeal from the victim’s family to bury him themselves in Hebron, ruling that by converting to Judaism the deceased had indicated his will, Ynet reports.

Jewish funerals are usually held within 24 hours of death.

Ynet adds that the funeral was attended by dozens of mourners.

The Military Police has launched an investigation into the “serious incident.”

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