An unusual claim for compensation was filed in Haifa, Israel magistrate court by a young local woman, to the tune of 500 thousand shekel ($135 thousand) against a young Israeli man with whom she had spent time at his expense in Europe, following which he allegedly proposed marriage over Facebook, Krayot.com reports.
The defendant, who lives in Europe, argued that although he financed the plaintiff’s plane tickets and her hotel stay, he soon realized that the plaintiff had taken advantage of him, spending the bulk of her time visiting relatives rather than with him.
The defense also argued: “While in the heart of the plaintiff some feelings of love did begin to develop, the acquaintance was still in its early stages and at that point he did not say that he wanted to marry the plaintiff, but merely stated that his intentions were pure and serious.”
In addition, the defense argued that the defendant told the plaintiff that “He would need a few months before he is certain he wants to marry her, but that statement should not be taken as a marriage proposal, after such a short time together.”
The young defendant’s counsel, attorney Talia Limor Skolnick, said this week: “There is no breach of promise of marriage by the defendant, because a hall has not been rented and no invitations have been distributed. Though, generally speaking, the desire to marry was being discussed, their relationship hit a rock, as that can happen in any couple, and they separated. Therefore, the court should delete the claim.”
The court accepted the defendant’s argument and the suit was removed, but without ordering the plaintiff to pay the defendant’s legal costs.