Nova Festival Theft: Third Man Sentenced to 28 Months

San Lucian Tevel will spend 28 months in prison for helping steal two high-value sound systems from the Nova music festival site. The Beersheba Magistrate’s Court handed down the verdict on Sunday, marking the end of the legal process for the three men involved in the theft that occurred days after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.

The stolen equipment belonged to Matan Lior and his business partner, Amitai Rahum. Lior was killed at the festival after assisting in the evacuation of attendees under fire. The theft took place two days after the massacre, during a period when the site was still active and the owners were grieving.

Judge Amir Doron described Tevel’s role as logistical support that was essential to the plan’s success. Tevel rented a trailer, lent his vehicle to co-defendant Ram Shahin, and connected the individuals involved while knowing the circumstances of the crime. The judge noted that Tevel’s active assistance was close to full participation in the offense.

Tevel pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding aggravated theft. The court set his sentence at the lower end of the 28 to 36 month range, taking into account his guilty plea and his post-traumatic stress disorder. Doron stated that the condition did not warrant a sentence below the established range. Tevel was also fined NIS 10,000, ordered to pay NIS 20,000 to Lior’s parents and NIS 10,000 to Rahum, and had his vehicle forfeited.

The other two defendants were sentenced on October 7, the third anniversary of the attack. Ram Shahin, identified by the court as the driving force behind the scheme, received seven years in prison and a NIS 60,000 fine. He was ordered to pay NIS 75,000 to Lior’s parents and NIS 25,000 to Rahum. Daniel Hasson, whose role was found to be more limited, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. He received a NIS 30,000 fine and must pay NIS 40,000 to Lior’s parents and NIS 15,000 to Rahum.

Shahin attempted to persuade the court that he intended to safeguard the equipment and return it. The judge rejected this claim, citing repeated acts of deception, including falsely claiming to be Lior’s business partner to recover a seized truck. Hasson tried to sell the stolen items while posing as the owner.

Ofer Lior, Matan’s father, said the family had to confront the theft again with every court hearing. He stated that they fought to hold those responsible for harming what Matan left behind accountable. The Nova Tribe Community Association said it would continue to support the family in preserving the memory and dignity of Matan and all those murdered at the festival.