Freed after 11 years in Iraqi prison, Ben Hassin visits Western Wall ahead of Yom Kippur

Ben Hassin, an Israeli-Canadian citizen freed after 11 years in prison in Iraqi Kurdistan, arrived at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Sunday, the eve of Yom Kippur. The visit marked a symbolic homecoming for Hassin, who once faced execution in an Iraqi prison and returned to Jerusalem as a free man.

Hassin, a Jew of Kurdish descent, was about 20 when he traveled to Iraq to visit relatives, according to earlier reports. During his stay, he joined a local militia fighting ISIS. He was arrested and convicted of murder after shooting a taxi driver during an argument while returning from the frontlines.

His family said at the time that the driver suspected he was Jewish and Israeli and threatened to hand him over to ISIS. Hassin maintained that he fired in self-defense.

A death sentence imposed on Hassin was reportedly lifted following a pardon last year. His release followed a reconciliation agreement with the driver's family.

In footage circulated on social media after his release, Hassin was seen crying in the back seat of a car. “I can’t believe it; I’ve longed for this day. These are tears of joy,” he said.