Holocaust survivor dies from hit-and-run injuries

Fania Feizelberg was struck three weeks ago while being pushed in wheelchair on Haifa sidewalk; suspect set to stand trial.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
police arrest handcuffs suspect cops criminal 311 (R) (photo credit: Benoit Tessier / Reuters)
police arrest handcuffs suspect cops criminal 311 (R)
(photo credit: Benoit Tessier / Reuters)
An elderly hit-and-run victim died of her injuries on Wednesday, three weeks after being struck by a car in Haifa, and days before the suspect’s trial was due to begin.
Holocaust survivor Fania Feizelberg, 82, was being pushed along in a wheelchair on the sidewalk by her daughter when both were struck from behind.
The 61-year-old daughter, Larissa Goldenberg, remains hospitalized in moderate condition.
The trial of the 23-year-old suspect, Moran Maron of Haifa, was due to begin this week, though now state prosecutors have asked for a delay so that they can amend the charges in light of the death.
Police said that after the accident he abandoned his vehicle near the scene and fled on foot. Police launched a wide-scale search before Maron turned himself in.
During the initial investigation, the suspect refused to speak to police.
Maron has a record of property theft, drugs and driving offenses despite having his license revoked.
Two additional suspects who sat in the vehicle as passengers were also charged.
The charge sheet specified how the three continued driving without stopping to offer assistance, abandoning their vehicle near a Haifa beach in the Bat Galim area.
Before leaving the car behind, the suspects allegedly removed its license plates to avoid being caught.
Maron faces charges of abandoning the scene of an accident with casualties, driving without a license, negligent driving, endangering lives and causing harm to others.