Yom Kippur Attacker Shot Dead In Jerusalem’s Old City
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel Police shot and killed a Palestinian man as he attempted to stab a Jewish man on his way to the Western Wall after the start of Yom Kippur.
The would-be stabber was charging at the Jewish victim brandishing a screwdriver about an hour after the start of the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
He then charged at police officers stationed on the street near the Damascus Gate, one of the main entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem, who shot him.
The assailant was identified as a 26-year-old man from Qalandiya, who was illegally in Israel despite a closure on the West Bank for the holy day.
“Policemen stationed on the route used by worshippers spotted the attacker running toward a Jew, attempted to harm him and bypassers tripped him up,” police said in a statement. “Afterward, he continued to run at police officers while brandishing a sharp object in his hand at them to stab the officers. The police acted immediately and with determination and neutralized the attacker.”
On the eve of Jewish fast Yom kipper police units responded to stabbing attack by Palestinian terrorist. A rapid response prevented injuries pic.twitter.com/HpJb05cqRp
— Micky Rosenfeld (@MickyRosenfeld) September 19, 2018
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
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.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
