The state prosecution has filed an appeal with the Central Lod District Court against what it describes as a lenient sentence given to 82-year-old Carol Fassler, who was convicted of abandoning 4-year-old Rafael Adana after a fatal hit-and-run in Netanya in 2023. Fassler was sentenced by the Traffic Magistrate Court to one year in prison, despite the prosecution requesting a three-year term.

According to the appeal, the sentence does not reflect the severity of the offense or repeated Supreme Court calls for harsher penalties in cases of abandonment. The court had determined that Fassler was aware she struck the child yet chose to drive home without stopping or calling for help. Rafael later died from his injuries four days after the incident.

The prosecution argued that deterrence and proportionality should outweigh the defendant's personal circumstances, emphasizing the shocking nature of the case and the public interest involved. It also noted that Fassler did not take responsibility during the proceedings.

In addition to seeking a longer prison term, the state is appealing the 10,000 shekels in compensation awarded to the family, arguing that the amount does not reflect the tragic consequences of the incident.