Palestinian Man Carrying Bombs Prevented From Boarding Jerusalem Light Rail

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
JERUSALEM (JTA) — A Palestinian man in his 20s attempted to board the Jerusalem Light Rail during the morning rush hour with a bag containing pipe bombs that he planned to detonate.
The man, a resident of the West Bank near Hebron, was stopped as he began boarding the crowded light rail train at before 9 a.m., according to police. As he was questioned, security forces searched his bag, discovering at least three pipe bombs and knives. He was arrested and taken in for questioning.
The light rail was halted and the major downtown Jerusalem streets King George and Jaffa were closed.
סוכל פיגוע בי-ם: מספר מטעני צינור נמצאו בתחנת הרכבת הקלה ביפו בתיק שנתפס ברשותו של פלסטיני שנעצר לחקירה. הרחוב נחסם
— משטרת ישראל (@IL_police) July 17, 2016
“A large attack was prevented this morning thanks to the vigilance of Jerusalem’s light rail guards,” said Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat in a statement. “Our message to the public is to continue as normal, be alert and never give in to terror. We must hunt down terrorists everywhere without compromise and without restraint.”
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
