The People Vs Sameh Laham PDF

Page 1
The People vs. Sameh Laham

Prosecution Booklet
19 October 2016
Before Chief Judge Agar and Bustle
Page 2
Team Members
Caitlyn Yaede
#1 Rule in
Arguments: If
youre losing, start
correcting their
grammar.
Calvin Warner
Vera might have
made it off the bus
if Sameh would
have Warn er.
Wallis McCrea
I had a handle on
lifethen it fell
off.
Tyree
Westmoreland
What did Omar
say to Sameh? You
da bomb!
Shelby Kisiel
My babyface is good
at misleading people.
Youd never guess the
innerworking enigmas
of my mind.
Rachel Lagrone
Where did Omar
go during the
explosion?
Everywhere.
Page 3
Table of Contents
Opening Statement. pg 5
Character 1
pg 6-7
Character 2
pg 8-9
Character 3
pg 10
Character 4
pg 11-12
Character 5
pg 13-14
Character 6
pg 15-16
Character 7
pg 17-18
Character 8
pg 19-20
Character 9
pg 21-22
Page 4
Table of Contents
Character 10 pg 23-24
Artifacts
pg 33-36
Closing Statement
pg 37
Works Cited pg 38
Page 5
Opening statement
Written by Rachel Lagrone
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury-- willful, unlawful and premeditated intent to
kill resulting in multiple deaths is without a doubt first degree murder. On
Sunday, April 9th, fifty-four unknowing individuals boarded Israeli bus #9.
Among them, was Sameh Laham: a man with the intentions to detonate a bomb
onboard the bus. Today, you will hear from Thomas Wanninger and Vera
Brodsky, who were on the bus when an explosion rendered great physical and
mental damage to them. You will hear from police officials, medical
professionals, and the bus driver himself. We will be trying Sameh Laham for
over nineteen counts of first degree murder, based on the list of the dead initially
released. Nineteen. Sameh Laham without a doubt has done an inconceivable
thing. He has murdered friends, family, and coworkers. He has murdered sons
and daughters; mothers and children. Their names will be forever connected to
the heinous crime he has committed. Today, we intend on proving that he,
indeed, did kill them-- we plan on doing the victims he has ruined justice. Will
we leave the dead and the forever scarred dissatisfied by a mere slap on the
wrist? Or will we do them justice, and not allow his crimes to go unpunished?
That will be up to you, the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, to decide. Thank
you.
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Bus Driver
Portrayed by Luke Kauffman and Andrew Collins
Place of Origin: Israel
Relationship to Defend: Drove Israeli bus #9 during the suicide bombing
Fast Facts:
A) Noticed suspicious behavior and called out a warning for passengers to
restrain Sameh.
B) Was trying to merge into middle lane, but was consistently blocked by a
yellow van.
C) This is not the bus drivers first experience in a bombing; drover the bus
that got bombed in Beersheba, 1995.
Goal for the Witness: To convey the inconsistency in the defenses story
and reveal that Sameh was in the back of the bus, where most of the
damage was sustained, while Omars vehicle was towards the front; thus,
disproving the theory that Samehs bomb did not detonate.
Questions:
1) Can you please describe your typical bus route from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem?
Expected Response: It is a direct ride, with only two stops: Yonis Diner outside
Highway 1 and then Broshim, where the kibbutz is located. (pg. 65)
2) And approximately how many people were on the bus on Sunday, April 9th?
Expected Response: About 54 individuals
3) Can you please explain what happened after the bus stopped at Yonis Diner that day?
Expected Response: I got off and locked the bus to get coffee for myself. Afterwards,
I began to check individuals who were boarding the bus again, most of which were new
passengers, soldiers especially. (pg. 85)
4) And what was the appearance and behavior of the suicide bomber as he got on your bus?
Expected Response: He had red hair, green backpack, a shirt with Hebrew lettering definitely did not look Palestinian or suspicious, until afterwards. He walked very quickly,
with his head down, and began talking to himself.
5) And after you noticed this rather suspicious behavior, what then happened?
Expected Response: I shouted to the passengers, and one of the soldiers of the bus his
the man with the butt of his rifle. But he didnt fall over, despite being grabbed and hit at.
Meanwhile, I was trying to get into the middle lane but a yellow van kept blocking me,
driving extremely close. It was all so chaotic, before the explosion. (pg. 86)
6) So did the suspect immediately sit down or move towards the back of the bus?
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Bus Driver
Continued
Expected Response: He moved towards the back. (pg. 86)
7) While this was going on, you mentioned that where was a van attempting to cut you off,
correct?
Expected Response: Yes (pg. 86)
8) Implying that the van was towards the front of the bus?
9) [IF ANSWERED NO TO PREVIOUS QUESTION] Could you please explain how a
vehicle could cut you off from the rear?
10) Now on the bus, where was most of the damage and injury sustained?
Expected Response: In the back of the bus, I recall seeing a mother and children, who
did not survive. This is also where Sameh was. I was in the front of the bus, obviously, and I
was the only individual who did not have serious injuries. The bomb went off in the back of
bus, to the best of my knowledge. (pg. 76, 87)
11) And what kind of injuries did you have, from being in the front of the bus?
Expected Response: I was the only person who did not have serious injuries, in fact.
12) Just to be clear, Sameh was in the back of the bus where most of the injuries and damage
occurred, correct?
13) And the yellow van, was cutting you off from the FRONT of the bus, where you, the only
person left uninjured, was?
14) The defense claims that the driver of the yellow van, testifying today, is responsible for the
explosion. However, But given the circumstances you just outlined to me, do you believe the
bomb on the back of the bus was the one detonated?
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Dr. Stitti
Portrayed by Hunter Douthit and Brittney Najera
Place of Origin: Beit el ENab, Palestinian Authority
Relationship to Defend: Most qualified medical expert, providing his
testimony of the event as he treated victims of the attack.
Fast Facts:
A) Responder at the crime scene, and served as a paramedic when
transporting patients to Hadarim Hospital.
B) First hand witness of the injuries sustained by the victims of the attack.
C) Treated Vera Brodsky and Thomas Wanninger, who are testifying
today.
Goal for the Witness: To represent how the patients injuries correlate
with being involved in an explosion, going off in an closed area, such as the
bus. His testimony will show medical reasoning behind the notion that
Samehs bomb was, indeed, detonated.
Questions:
1) Can you please explain to the jury your relationship to this suicide bombing and your
profession?
Expected Response: I am a doctor at Haradim Hospital, where the victims of this
incident were being treated. However, this definitely isnt the first time I have worked with
suicide bombing victims. (pg. 82)
2) Can you please describe the injuries of the victims in this attack?
Expected Response: Yes...Much of the injuries include hemorrhaging in the eyes,
puncture wounds throughout the body, or materials lodged in the brain from metal objects
inclosed in the bomb. Injuries to internal organs and trauma is also seen from the blast waves
of the explosion. (pg. 83)
3) What are these injuries most consistent with?
Expected Response: Being in such a close range of explosion blast and the rapid
projection of metal materials - which are commonly placed inside bombs to maximize damage
(pg. 83)
4) How would you deem the notion that a bomb on the exterior of the bus caused this
damage?
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Dr. Stitti
Continued
Expected Response: Highly unlikely the injuries shown reflect an explosion in the
inclosed area of the bus. The burns and impact wounds would have been much less severe if
caused by an outside factor. (pg. 83)
5) I am now handing you what has been marked as Exhibit D. Is this an accurate
representation of patient Vera Brodskys emergency room admittance sheet, to the best of
your knowledge?
6) Can you please read over this patients preliminary medical report?
Expected Response: [have witness read print out of Vera Brodskys Emergency Room
Admittance Sheet]
7) Does the description of Ms. Brodskys injuries correlate with those you described earlier,
resulting from an explosion occurring inside of the bus?
Expected Response: Yes, they do. (pg. 84)
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Police Officer
Portrayed by Branden Devalt and Andrew Clark
Relationship to Defend: Reported on and investigated the suicide
bombing
Fast Facts:
A) Issued a police report (surprise arrest) for the actions and 16 year old
Sameh Laham.
B) Released the names off the dead, totaling approximately 20 individuals
in the initial count.
C) Working to uncover any connections between Sameh Laham, Omar
Joulani, and a terrorist organization.
Goal for the Witness: To show how, in both initial reports issued by
police, Sameh Laham was proposed as the main suspect and suicide
bomber in both accounts
Questions:
1) Can you please explain your job as it related to the investigation of this suicide bombing?
Expected Response: My job is to investigate the scene, salvage any tangible evidence,
conduct interviews with witnesses, and report to the public my findings. (pg. 128)
2) And can you please explain to the jury what you know about defendant Sameh Laham?
Expected Response: We know that he boarded the bus as it left Yonis diner on
Highway 1. Then, not even a mile away from the diner, a bomb was detonated. In fact, much
of the diner was damaged by the explosion. We have identified Sameh Laham as the main
suspect. (pg. 128)
3) And based on the police report filed in the Daily Globe, what do you suspect to uncover
about the defendant?
Expected Response: We aim to uncover ties he has with any terrorist organizations, or
with other terrorist suspects. (pg. 128)
4) Have you found any terrorist group taking responsibility for Samehs actions?
Expected Response: Yes, the terrorist group Islamic Jihad. (pg. 128)
5) And based on both the police report and the broadcast releasing the names of the dead,
who is identified as the suicide bomber in both accounts?
Expected Response: Sameh Lamah. (pg. 102, 128)
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Clive Burleigh
Portrayed by Adam Davis and Sam Studer
Place of Origin: Most likely outside of the middle east (i.e. United States,
etc.)
Relationship to Defend: Middle Eastern Correspondent, reporting on the
impact of the suicide bombing on Sameh and Omars home villages.
Fast Facts:
A) Described, in depth, the reaction of the Samehs village to his actions as
a shaheed
B) Recorded reaction of Amal Laham, Samehs mother.
C) Interpreted the video cassette of Sameh pronouncing himself a shaheed,
which was later sent to his family
Goal for the Witness: To show the villages and familys reaction to
Samehs actions as proud, opposed to ashamed and unaccepting of the use
of violence.
Questions:
1) Can you please explain your profession to the jury?
Expected Response: I am a WNS Middle Eastern correspondent, meaning I travel to
middle eastern countries to report on events that occur. (pg. 98)
2) What was the atmosphere of Zebedeid, Samehs home village, like when you visited?
Expected Response: There was mixed emotions...tears of sadness but also tears of
immense pride in Sameh. I learned that the shaheeds body was to be covered in the
Palestinian flag as he is given his burial, which explains the pride. Samehs own mother was
smiling, saying she was very, very proud. Samehs face was being spray painted throughout
the village, and there was singing and dancing. People from other villages traveled to honor
Samehs actions. (pg. 99-101)
3) Based on what you saw, how would say Samehs home village perceived suicide bombings
being carried out?
Expected Response: While many outside of the middle east or Palestine would see the
actions as despicable, it was quite obvious that suicide bombings were celebrated and honored
in Zebedeid.
4) This environment Sameh was raised in - did it condemn acts like this?
Expected Response: No, I cant say so. (pg. 101)
5) I am handing you what has been marked as Exhibit B. Is this an accurate transcript of
Samehs pledge as a shaheed, to the best of your knowledge?
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Clive Burleigh
Continued
6) Please read to the jury the first section of this transcript.
Expected Response: [read print out of video transcript]
7) Based on this transcript and interpretations you have heard in your correspondence, what
were Samehs intentions?
Expected Response: Sameh seemed to have wanted to serve or represent his country,
by ridding the land of the Jewish and Israelis. (pg. 100)
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Thomas Wanninger
Portrayed by Michael Brown and Grey Wilson
Place of Origin: Berlin, Germany
Relationship to Defend: On the bus as a kibbutz volunteer during the
suicide bombing
Fast Facts:
A) Had traveled to Israel to discover his own family history, especially his
grandfather who served for Germany in World War II.
B) First time being away from his mother, in a foreign country
C) In severe to critical condition, and in a coma for days following the
explosion
Goal for the Witness: To convey Thomas emotional response to the
attack, and to allow the jury to understand how such an event impacted
Thomas life substantially.
Questions:
1) Can you please explain your relationship to the suicide bombing incident?
Expected Response: I was on the bus when the bombing took place, heading to the
Broshim kibbutz (pg. 76, 77)
2) But you are not from Israel, in fact, this is your first time in the country. Where are you
originally from?
Expected Response: Yes, I am from Berlin, Germany (pg. 4)
3) Can you please explain to the jury what you were doing in Israel?
Expected Response: I was going to the Broshim kibbutz (just outside Jerusalem)
from the airport, as a volunteer. I was accepted into the SEEK program (See-ExploreEducate-Know) to learn about agricultural work in Israel. But above all, I wanted to learn
about by family history; specifically my grandfather, who was a Nazi soldier in WWII. (pg. 6,
7)
4) So what happened after you arrived in Israels Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, April 9th?
Expected Response: The plane arrived close to noon that day. I went into the
terminal and saw another kibbutz volunteer, Vera Brodsky, waving a sign with my name so
she could escort me back to Broshim. We ran to catch bus 9, which Vera told me had one
stop - a diner - before we got to the kibbutz. I was asleep most of the way, but Vera woke me
up at the diner. We got off to eat, and then reboarded the bus shortly after. The driver was
checking everyones bags, and although I didnt understand him, I showed him my backpack Vera told me I didnt even have to. We were not far from the diner when the driver shouted
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Thomas Wanninger
Continued
something and a few soldiers were hitting and pulling at a young man on the bus. The bus
itself was swerving and struggling to move on the highway...thats all I remember. (pg. 63-77)
5) Can you please tell the jury about the people you saw boarding the bus before departing
from Yonis diner?
Expected Response: I remember seeing a group of school kids with a teacher, soldiers,
a pregnant woman, a few business men, girls and boys my age, sets of grandparents with
grandchildren, and lots of other people from the airport (pg. 75)
6) Do you recall anything after the explosion?
Expected Response: Not a lot...I was on the ground surrounded by pieces of glass and
metal, with legs arms and other limbs pressed up against me. People were getting up and
moving around, but I felt frozen in place. There was a horrible smell of burning and fire, and
I couldnt hear anything and I was cold...something thick was coming out of my mouth but I
could barely move among the blood and flesh around me. Someone was picking me up, and
pushing on my chest. That's the last thing I saw (pg. 81-82)
7) How was your experience in Israel shaped by this incident?
Expected Response: I felt horrified of everything: doors slamming, voices being
raised. I was scared to leave and go into the public...I just wanted to hide away forever. I
made the decision to go back to Berlin with my mother, and I was never able to explore my
grandfathers past on my own. (pg. 160)
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Ilse Wanninger
Portrayed by Cassie Williams and Haleigh Kinder
Place of Origin: Berlin, Germany
Relationship to Defend: Mother of Thomas Wanninger, victim of suicide
bombing
Fast Facts:
A) Thomas Wanninger was Ilse Wanningers only son
B) Weary of allowing his son to travel to Israel; feared the violence and
constant attacks that occur
C) Emotionally hampered by almost losing her only son.
Goal for the Witness: To create an emotional connection between Ilse and
the jury, allowing them to understand how hard the experience was on Ilse,
as a mother who almost lost her child.
Questions:
1) What is your relationship to the suicide bombing on Highway 1 on Sunday, April 9th?
Expected Response: Son, Thomas Wanninger, was a victim of the incident while he
traveled to volunteer in Israel (pg. 17, 18)
2) Where are you and your son originally from?
Expected Response: Berlin, Germany (pg. 3)
3) Can you please describe what brought your son, Thomas, to Israel?
Expected Response: Explore family history, learn about grandfather who served in
the German military during WWII, and to learn about the communities impacted by WWII
(pg. 6, 34)
4) What was the importance of this trip, to Thomas?
Expected Response: Since he discovered photographs of his grandfather, not a day
has gone by that Thomas hasnt wondered about him. It was incredibly important for Thomas
to learn about his family, since both his father, grandfather, and grandmother have passed
away. (pg. 29)
5) However, was Thomas able to explore his family history in Israel?
Expected Response: No, suicide bombing occurred before he could even arrive at the
kibbutz (pg. 75, 76)
6) When were you made aware of the incident?
Expected Response: I was out of town, in Augsburg, when the head gardener of the
kibbutz contacted me. I received the message from my landlady shortly after. (pg. 94)
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Ilse Wanninger
Continued
7) What was your initial reaction to hearing that your son, and only son, was affected by such
a tragedy?
Expected Response: I immediately left Augsburg and traveled to Israel, where he was
being treated at the Haradim Hospital. I was so scared to lose Thomas, and for him to not be
able to learn about his own family (pg. 122). It was a feeling I want no mother to ever have to
go through.
8) What was Thomas condition, when you arrived?
Expected Response: He was in a coma, almost completely unresponsive (pg. 125). It
was a miracle to see my son awake, and to hear his voice when he finally woke up.
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Baruch Ben Tov

Portrayed by Blake Noble and Emilio Gonzalez
Place of Origin: Poland
Relationship to Defend: Head gardener and supervisor of Vera Brodsky
and Thomas Wanninger at the time
Fast Facts:
A) Holocaust survivor who moved to Israel following World War II.
B) Prone to anxiety attacks and increased blood pressure
C) Mental health declined greatly during the traumatic experience of the
bombing
Goal for the Witness: To create an emotional connection between the jury
and Baruch Ben Tov; thus, expressing the view point of someone who was
impacted mentally versus physically.
Questions:
1) What is your relationship to this event?
Expected Response: I am the head gardener of the Broshim kibbutz, where Vera
Brodsky and Thomas Wanninger - two victims of the attack - were volunteering. Vera, who is
like a granddaughter to me, was picking up Thomas, our newest volunteer from Berlin. (pg.
57-58)
2) What is the standard procedure for picking up new volunteers?
Expected Response: Typically an experienced member from the kibbutz, such as
Vera, will take the bus transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Its about an hour
and a half bus ride, that has only one stop between the kibbutz and the airport: A diner on
Highway 1. (pg. 38). A volunteer will welcome the new kibbutz member at the airport, the
kibbutz pays for transportation, and escort them back.
3) When did you find out that something had gone wrong?
Expected Response: The was kibbutz contacted, and I immediately went to the
hospital with Veras closest friend, Lidia, who is also a kibbutz volunteer. (pg. 90)
4) And can you please describe to the jury what you were asked to do by the doctors to help
patient Thomas Wanninger?
Expected Response: They asked me to speak to him in his coma. He spoke German,
and I was the only other person who was able to speak his own language; so I would spend
hours sitting with him, trying to get a response. It was discouraging - I rarely got any
response. (pg. 111)
5) What kind of toll did this emotional process have on your mental health?
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Baruch Ben Tov

Continued
Expected Response: Because of past traumatic experiences, I am prone to anxiety
attacks and high blood pressure. Being in the hospital setting and facing so much death and
emotion, I had to have my blood pressure monitored and was given medication (pg. 125)
6) When were you finally able to communicate with Thomas, the injured volunteer you were
watching over?
Expected Response: It was Tuesday, April 11th at around mid-afternoon when he
began to gain consciousness. The first thing I said to him was that I was sorry, I was just
trying to talk German so he would open his eyes. I explained who I was to him. He tried to
communicate back - by nodding and trying to ask about Vera, who as escorting him back to
the kibbutz. (pg. 148)
7) How did you expect your first meeting to go?
Expected Response: I expected to explain to him my past, to welcome him in the safe
of the kibbutz, to introduce him to the fellow kibbutz members. We missed meeting each
other like this by a few hours, and the acts of a crazy man. (pg. 125)
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Lidia Adler
Portrayed by Ciona Lalsen
Place of Origin: Argentina
Relationship to Defend: Closest friend of patient Vera Brodsky
Fast Facts:
A) Fled from Argentina, fearing her safety after her fathers open criticism
of the Argentinian government.
B) Aspirating photographer and artist
C) Has positive relations with all members of the kibbutz present today,
including Vera, Dan, and Baruch.
Goal for the Witness: To show Lidias deep concern for Veras recovery,
and how she is taking photographs to preserve her knowledge of the tragic
event.
Questions:
1) What is your relationship to this event?
Expected Response: I am close friends with Vera Brodsky, who was severely injured
in the attack (pg. 88)
2) Can you please describe your friendship with Vera to the jury?
Expected Response: I met her when I moved to Israel from my home in Argentina,
fleeing the danger my father put our family in when he spoke out against the government.
Vera and I were both volunteers, and got along so well. We were both 16, both came to this
new country without our parents. We were opposites, but we got along so well. I dont know
how many experience at the kibbutz would have been different without her. (pg. 89-90)
3) How did you initially react to hearing about Veras condition?
Expected Response: I was frozen in shock - it was unbelievable. I dont think Ive
ever been more scared. Tragedies like this, seem to only happen on television or in the
newspaper. Never to someone you love. (pg. 88-89)
4) Thank you. Now, what was the atmosphere of the hospital like?
Expected Response: It was loud, overwhelming and emotional. People were crying in
huddles - everyone around me was in tears. And there was so many different people: kids,
parents, news reporters, religious prayersI couldnt even hear myself think! (pg. 89)
5) And what condition was Vera in when you first saw her?
Expected Response: The first time I saw her, was in a photograph. I had to identify
her to the nurse. Her arms were limp at her side, and I was able to tell it was her because of
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Lidia Adler
Continued
her nail polish on her pale hands. I couldnt stand to look at the photo anymore than I needed
to. (pg. 92)
6) Now, Lidia, how did you make record of this tragic event?
Expected Response: I took photos. (pg. 131)
7) [OMIT IF ANSWERED IN PRIOR QUESTION]: Are you a photographer?
Expected Response: Yes, I want to be someday. (pg. 132)
8) I am now handing you what has been marked as Exhibit A. Is this an accurate
representation of the photographs you took, to the best of your knowledge?
Expected Response: Yes.
9) Can you please explain the purpose behind taking these photos?
Expected Response: Vera had looked so different after the bombing. Her beautiful
hair was almost completely shaved bare, she was bandaged, hooked up to machines - I wanted
to make document of her now to show progress as she recovered. And hopefully that she will
be able to be her beautiful self again.
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Dan Oron
Portrayed by Chase Sanders and Erik Ludlow
Relationship to Defend: Boyfriend of patient Vera Brodsky
Fast Facts:
A) Served in military was away with his platoon when told about the
attack
B) Lives with his family in the Broshim kibbutz community center
C) Has previously been deployed to and searched the home villages of
Omar Joulani and Sameh Lamah.
Goal for the Witness: To show the jury how he has been emotionally
impacted by seeing his girlfriend in her injured state.
Questions:
1) Can you please explain your relationship to this attack?
Expected Response: My girlfriend and fellow kibbutz volunteer, Vera Brodsky, was
on the bus during the explosion. (pg. 105)
2) Where were you when you were made aware of the attack?
Expected Response: I am a soldier in the armed forces, and I was just arriving home
after being away with my platoon in Jabel Fahm. It was late, yet the whole community hall
was lit up and I could immediately tell something was wrong. (pg. 105)
3) Can you please explain what the hospital atmosphere was, while you were waiting to see
your girlfriend?
Expected Response: It was incredibly busy with nurses and kids and family members.
It was loud too: sounds of phones, crying, children, talking. There was so many people of
diverse backgrounds all there for the same reason, caused by the same thing. I couldnt help
but think that the kids and worried adults would be peaceful and asleep if it wasnt for the
explosion. (pg. 110)
4) What condition was Vera Brodsky, your girlfriend, in when you saw her?
Expected Response: The nurse had told me she was in moderate to severe condition,
and that most of her struggles were going to occur when she began to remember the explosion
and the violence she saw. I hated to see my Vera so weak and defenseless, with bandages on
her arms and legs and eye. (pg. 112)
5) How did seeing her impact for the first time after the explosion make you feel? How did
you react?
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Dan Oron
Continued
Expected Response: I started crying the second I saw her. There is no feeling in the
world more damaging and more upsetting than seeing the one you love on the verge of death,
completely defenseless. (pg. 112-113)
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Vera Brodsky
Portrayed by Madison Ketch and Maddie Cabe
Place of Origin: Odessa, Ukraine
Relationship to Defend: On Israeli Bus #9 during the suicide attack
Fast Facts:
A) Was traveling to pick up a new volunteer for the Broshim kibbutz
B) Described as very mature; familiar with Israeli transportation and city
life
C) In moderate to severe condition, following her hospitalization
Goal for the Witness: To create an eyewitness and victim perspective to
the jury, and to represent the mental struggles Vera will continue to battle
Questions:
1) Where were you on Sunday, April 9th?
Expected Response: I was on Israeli Bus number 9, during the explosion, on my way
from Tel Aviv to the Broshim kibbutz. (pg. 72)
2) What were you doing on the bus?
Expected Response: I was picking up a volunteer, Thomas Wanninger, from the
airport as part of the kibbutz SEEK program. (pg. 64)
3) Can you please explain the SEEK program to the jury?
Expected Response: Yes. It stands for See-Explore-Education-Know and it is an
opportunity for students to travel into Israel, explore agriculture, botany, and learn about the
cultural aspects of living in Israel. (pg. 7)
4) And what led you to go to Israel and join this program?
Expected Response: I was escaping my past, my home in Odessa, Ukraine. I was
leaving behind my separated family, and trying to move on from my boyfriend who had
committed suicide. We wanted to go to Israel together. I was so much happier in Israel. (pg.
13-14)
5) [OMIT IF ANSWERED IN PREVIOUS QUESTION] Were you happier in Israel, than
in Odessa?
6) Thank you. Now moving on to April 9th, what do you remember from that day, after the
explosion?
Expected Response: I was under a bus seat, with a heavy metal bar pressing onto my
face. The first thing I saw was my own arm - I could see the bone from my elbow
downwards. My first thoughts were that I was gonna die, I was gonna die. I tried to calm
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Vera Brodsky
Continued
myself down, to cry for help. People came towards me and I told them my name and cried for
more help. Thats all I remember until I woke up again the next day in the hospital. (pg. 83)
7) How have the injuries and trauma you sustained impacted your life?
Expected Response: Ive been in so much pain, even since leaving the hospital. Only
medication makes the pain go away. But above all, I can not get rid of the smell of burning
rubber, burning flesh out of my head. I cant get rid of the memories from that day. (pg. 130,
131)
Page 25
The Boss
Portrayed by Michael Ensalaco
Relationship to Defend: Former employer of suicide bomber Sameh
Laham.
Fast Facts:
A) Illegally employed Sameh Laham, providing him with clothes, food, etc.
B) Owner of Yonis Diner, off of Highway 1 in Israel
C) Faces charges for his illegal employment of Sameh
Goal for the Witness: To show bias, and that the witness is testifying
defensively in the best interest of himself and his business.
Questions:
1) Sameh Laham is a past employee of yours, correct?
Expected Response: Yes, at my diner. (pg. 21)
2) [At your diner] Located in Israel, off Highway 1?
Expected Response: Yes. (pg. 66)
3) However, you are aware that Sameh is a citizen under Palestinian authority?
Expected Response: Yes. (pg. 21)
4) And it is illegal to work, and presumably hire, young Palestinians to work in Israel, is it
not?
Expected Response: It is (pg. 21)
5) Yet you hired him?
Expected Response: I did, yes (pg. 21)
6) Sameh took a lot of time off for his family, correct?
7) Would you say that Samehs focus and main concern was his mother and siblings?
Expected Response: Yes (pg. 66, 72)
8) In fact, Sameh gives the wealth and supplies you provide directly to his family, correct?
9) Would it be reasonable to conclude that Sameh would do anything for his family?
Expected Response: Yes (pg. 21, 66, 72)
10) Moving on, you feared for yourself after the attack, correct?
11) Because you felt, somewhat, responsible for employing Sameh, is this true?
12) You also worried for disapproval from your son, Yoni?
Page 26
The Boss
Continued
13) And your business, Yonis Diner?
14) So would you agree that your main concern, at the moment, is the best interest of your
business and your reputation?
Expected Response: Yes (pg. 114, 115)
Page 27
Sameh Laham
Portrayed by Cameron Murphy
Place of Origin: Zebedeid, Palestinian Authority
Relationship to Defend: Suicide bomber of Israeli Bus #9
Fast Facts:
A) Rendered a recording of him pledging himself as a shaheed
B) Has motivation the best interest of his family (ex: was likely offered
wealth for being a shaheed)
C) Undoubtedly boarded Israeli Bus #9 with explosives in his backpack
Goal for the Witness: To show the jury that Samehs actions fit the
description of first degree murder: willful, unlawful, and premeditated
intent to kill.
Questions:
1) You are from the village of Zebedeid, correct?
2) Which is Palestinian territory?
3) And prior to the incident, you worked at Yonis Diner, correct?
4) Which is in Israel, correct?
5) Sameh, you are sixteen years old, is that right?
6) And in your circumstances, it is illegal for a young Palestinian, like yourself, to work in
Israel. Is this true?
7) So you were aware of this fact?
8) Interesting. Moving on, you went to school with Omar Joulani, correct?
9) And Omar helped you meet with someone you described as the man in your affidavit?
10) This man asked you to explain your story to him, correct?
11) And then he offered you an opportunity to die a true martyr, is this accurate?
Page 28
Sameh Laham
Continued
Expected Response: It is. (pg. 70)
12) And to come back a month later when you have made your decision?
Expected Response: Correct (pg. 72)
13) And you agreed?
Expected Response: I did. (pg. 72)
14) And you pledged on and memorized the eight verses about the shaheed?
15) And on Sunday, April 9th you boarded bus 9 with a backpack containing a bomb,
correct?
16) Were your actions on your own will?
17) Was the intentions behind sneaking a bomb on a bus unlawful in any moral or legal
regard?
Expected Response: Yes
18) Was this plan premeditated?
19) When you boarded that bus, did you have the intent to kill?
Page 29
Amal Laham
Portrayed by Jessica Weis and Morgan Little
Place of Origin: Zebedeid, Palestinian Authority
Relationship to Defend: Mother of suicide bomber, Sameh Laham
Fast Facts:
A) In WNS Middle Eastern Correspondence documentary, expressed that
she was very, very proud of son
B) Lived in poor, underdeveloped region of the middle east
C) Has great pride in Palestinian heritage hung up Palestinian flag over
window after attack
Goal for the Witness: To show that Samehs actions to wrongfully rid the
land of Jewish people were fully supported by his community. This
supports the theory that Samehs environment played a major role in his
actions.
Questions:
1) You are Samehs mother, is that right?
2) And you live in the village of Zebedeid, correct?
3) After news of the suicide bombing, a cassette of Samehs pledge as a shaheed was delivered
to your home, yes?
4) And the village of Zebedeid was in a celebration of remembrance afterwards, was it not?
Expected Response: It was (pg. 101)
5) I am handing you what has been marked as Exhibit C. Is this an accurate depiction of the
spray painted images of Sameh around Zebedeid?
6) This spray painting was done by two boys, classmates of Sameh, from the village, correct?
7) Its purpose was to sanctify Sameh?
8) So his actions were supported and sanctioned by the community?
9) And you yourself claimed to have been proud, very, very, proud?
Expected Response: Yes, I am (pg. 101)
Page 30
Amal Laham
Continued
10) So you are proud of your son, Sameh, for his actions as a suicide bomber?
11) You, in fact, said that your heart is happy that you are a mother to a shaheed?
12) So you are, in essence, proud that your son attempted to take his own life, while taking
the lives of others?
13) You are not angry with your son?
Expected Response: No (pg. 118)
14) And you are not ashamed, are you?
Expected Response: No(pg. 118)
15) And do you believe that Sameh accomplished what he set out to do?
Page 31
Omar Joulani
Portrayed by Treymin Jackson and Spencer Montgerard
Place of Origin: Jabel Fahm, Palestinian Authority
Relationship to Defend: Friend of Sameh Lamah; provided connections to
terrorist organization
Fast Facts:
A) Has been interrogated by police officials, at least twice prior.
B) Stole yellow van, which was spotted trying to cut off Bus #9 prior to
explosion.
C) Supposedly had a bomb or detonator of his own to prompt explosion.
Goal for the Witness: To disprove any credibility towards the witness, and
prove that Sameh had terrorist connections.
Questions:
1) You are close friends with Sameh Laham, are you not?
Expected Response: I am (pg. 9)
2) You attend high school with him, correct?
3) And you are aware of the importance of family to Sameh, yes?
4) And that Sameh got emotional when discussing the state of his family?
5) Moving on, you were aware that Sameh planned on going through with this suicide
bombing?
Expected Response: Yes, [but I was worried if he was actually strong enough to] (pg.
68)
6) In fact, you provided Sameh with associations to a terrorist group who facilitated the
bombing?
7) And you brought Sameh back to the man when Sameh decided to became a suicide
bomber, a month later?
8) And then this man provided Sameh with a motive, his family?
9) And a plan to conduct the bombing?
Page 32
10) And you even ensured the terrorist leader that Sameh was trustworthy enough to be
given to supplies needed to blow up that bus?
11) And when you doubted that Sameh would go through with the plan, you followed him
with a bomb, detonator, or similar device of your own, did you not?
Expected Response: I did (pg. 77)
Page 33
Artifacts
Exhibit A
Description: These are photos of the injured from the bombing

in their slow process of recovery in the hospital. The pictures
were taken by Lidia Adler.
What it proves: The bombing had severe consequences that not

only led to life threatening injures and countless deaths, but also
emotional wounds and mental struggles.
Why it matters: These photos give a visual representation of
the mental and physical injuries sustained during the bombing,
and allow the viewer the put themselves in the position of the
victims.
Page 34
Artifacts
Exhibit B
Description: This is a transcript of Sameh Lamahs cassette

recording, that serves as a farewell to his family and his pledge
as a shaheed (Muslim martyr, suicide bomber).
What it proves: By recording this video Sameh proves that he

was taking part in a terrorist activity and that he was willfully
intending to kill via suicide bombing.
Why it matters: This video and what is admitted in it supports

the notion that Sameh should be charged with murder in the
first degree, by directly reflecting the definition of the crime.
Page 35
Artifacts
Exhibit C
Description:
A picture of Sameh spray painted on a wall in his village, by
two unidentified males.
What it proves: The picture shows that Samehs village believe

in his actions as a shaheed. They made the picture as a memorial,
in honor of what he had done.
Why it matters: This image is described as the sanctification of

Sameh when described by WSN Middle Eastern
Correspondent, Clive Burleigh.
Page 36
Artifacts
Exhibit D
Description: Veras Emergency Room Admittance Sheet, which

details her injuries, plan for treatment, identification, and
condition.
What it proves: Her injuries are consistent with a bombing that

took place in a confined area. As Dr. Stitti agrees with this
statement; it proves that the bombing was set off somewhere
within the bus.
Why it matters: Veras injuries show that Omar, outside of the
bus, did not set off the bomb but that the bomb was detonated
inside of the bus.
Page 37
Closing Statement
Written by Caitlyn Yaede
The victims have spoken. You have heard from Dr. Stitti, who explained to you
that the specific injuries found in Bus #9 victims are impossibly caused by an
exterior bomb. You have heard from the bus driver himself, who testified that
Omars van was nowhere near the rear of the bus, where most of the damage
was sustained. You have heard the lasting physical and mental impacts that this
tragic incident has had on its victims. The ones he did not kill, he has ruined
emotionally. These surviving victims will never forget the tragic scenes,
described before you today. However, the defense claims this not was the act of
Sameh Laham; that this was not the act of a young man who brought explosives
onto a public bus? Samehs actions were willful; he boarded Israeli bus 9 with
an explosive on his own accord. Samehs actions were unlawful; he endangered
the public, just by carrying a bomb in his possession. Samehs actions were
premeditated; he pledged his allegiance as a shaheed, and had over a month to
think through his decision. And Sameh Laham, decided to act on it. He had no
other intentions, when boarding bus #9 that day, than to kill. Willful, unlawful,
premeditated intent to kill is first degree murder by its very definition. The
defenses claim, that depends only on the guilty state of Omar Joulani, is
primarily backed up by a single speculation made in a police report. This lone
police report is merely one account amount various examples of evidence, all
provided by individuals more directly impacted by the attack. Dont let the
defense pull you in with a case shrouded in ifs ands or buts. Do not let
the defense alter your decision with vague probabilities. Do not let the defense
dehumanize those who were impacted. The prosecution asks that you find
Sameh Laham guilty of the charges placed on him today, and to do justice for
those he permanently impacted. Thank you.
Page 38
Works Cited
"Money and Todays Healthcare Systems." DRWANTED,
www.drwanted.com/2014/upfront-procedure-payments/. Accessed 18 Oct.
2016.
Pinterest. www.pinterest.com/explore/hospital-bed/. Accessed 18 Oct.
2016.
LaTorre-Snyder, Meg. "Patient Dies from DRESS After Taking
Antipsychotic." Pharmpro, www.pinterest.com/explore/hospital-bed/.
Accessed 18 Oct. 2016.
gettyimages. www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/palestinian-youthswatch-a-masked-member-of-the-islamic-news-photo/1828628?#palestinianyouths-watch-a-masked-member-of-the-islamic-militant-picture-id1828628.
Accessed 18 Oct. 2016.
Martin, Jennifer. "3 Upstate Teen Swimmers Competing in Olympic Team
Trials." Scene on Seven, wspa.com/2016/06/24/3-upstate-teen-swimmerscompeting-in-olympic-team-trials/. Accessed 18 Oct. 2016.

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Page 1

The People vs. Sameh Laham

Before Chief Judge Agar and Bustle

Baruch Ben Tov

Baruch Ben Tov

Description: These are photos of the injured from the bombing

What it proves: The bombing had severe consequences that not

Description: This is a transcript of Sameh Lamahs cassette

What it proves: By recording this video Sameh proves that he

Why it matters: This video and what is admitted in it supports

What it proves: The picture shows that Samehs village believe

Why it matters: This image is described as the sanctification of

Description: Veras Emergency Room Admittance Sheet, which

What it proves: Her injuries are consistent with a bombing that

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