Israeli attacked in Thailand reports attacker's release: 'He is walking free'

Paul William Berko Gober, a French citizen who violently attacked a 62-year-old mother and her 23-year-old daughter last week on Koh Phangan, Thailand, has been released from detention after posting bail of approximately 12,000 shekels. The two Israelis, who sustained serious injuries in the attack, were notified of his release today. The mother remains hospitalized following two surgeries, while her daughter has been discharged after undergoing similar procedures.

'I feel better, but I am still hospitalized,' the mother told ynet from her hospital bed. 'My daughter received a message from our hotel on Koh Phangan stating they learned the attacker had been released. We verified this with the police and confirmed he paid bail and is now walking free on Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.' The mother expressed deep anxiety regarding their safety, noting that Gober had been violent toward police officers during his arrest. 'There is a sense of injustice; a man beats and nearly kills two women, and now he is free. We decided to warn others because he is a danger to the public, especially to Israelis and Jews,' she added.

The attack was motivated by antisemitism. The daughter underwent two nose surgeries, while the mother required two ear surgeries, including reconstruction under general anesthesia. She also underwent a spinal procedure to drain fluid from her head following a brain hemorrhage.

Details of the Attack

The incident occurred during a trip to a waterfall on Koh Phangan. According to the mother, Gober approached them and asked where they were from. Upon learning they were Israeli, he began to provoke them.

'He said, "I don't like what Israel is doing in Gaza." I told him we were on vacation and did not want to discuss the subject. He replied, "I am against violence," and the conversation seemed to end,' the mother recalled. 'Suddenly, he came down toward us and began beating me brutally. My daughter tried to protect me and was also struck. At some point, I likely lost consciousness.' When the attacker noticed other people nearby, he fled on his motorcycle. The women were subsequently treated by bystanders and transported to a local hospital.