The victim of this week’s terrorist attack in Jerusalem died of his injuries on Saturday, bringing the death toll from the attack to two.
Tadese Tashume Ben Ma’ada was seriously injured in an explosion at a bus stop at the main entrance to Jerusalem on Wednesday morning. two explosions made the capital rumble.
In a statement from Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, trauma and resuscitation teams “are fighting for their lives, but unfortunately their injuries are very serious.”
“We offer our deepest condolences to their families,” the hospital added.
Ben Maada’s family said they were grateful for the outpouring of support they had received since the attack, but asked the public and media to respect their privacy.
50-year-old Ben Maada immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia 21 years ago. He is survived by his wife and six children.
On November 23, 2022, the Israeli flag hangs at the scene of the bomb explosion at the entrance to Jerusalem. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
In response to the news of Ben Maada’s death, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the family and praised the medical teams that treated him.
“Last week I visited his devoted family who surrounded him with love and the doctors who fought bravely for his life. My hugs to the family at this difficult time. Let me sleep peacefully,” Netanyahu wrote on Twitter.
Outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid said he was “heartbroken” to hear of Ben Maada’s death.
Initially, one person died and 22 people were injured in the double attack in Jerusalem. The first victim was identified as 16-year-old Aryeh Schupak, a yeshiva student in Jerusalem’s Har Nof neighborhood and a dual Israeli-Canadian citizen.
Arye Shupak, 16, killed in a bomb attack at the entrance to Jerusalem, November 23, 2022. (Courtesy)
Police suspect that the blasts at the two bus stops were caused by nearly identical remote-detonated explosive devices hidden behind the bus stops in the bushes. According to police officials, the devices were loaded with nails to increase casualties.
The first explosion at the bus stop at the entrance of the city caused the most serious casualties. The second, at Ramot Junction, slightly wounded five.
The blasts come amid heightened tensions following a series of Palestinian attacks in Israel and the West Bank since the start of the year that have killed 29 people.
Emanuel Fabian contributed to this report.
