by A victim of this week’s terror bombing in Jerusalem succumbed to 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 Jerusalem’s main entrance on Wednesday morning, one of two bombings that rocked the capital.
A statement from Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem said trauma and ICU teams “fought for his life, but unfortunately his injuries were too severe.”
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family,” the hospital added.
Ben Ma’ada’s family said they were grateful for the support they have received since the attack, but asked the public and media to respect their privacy.
Ben Ma’ada, 50, immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia 21 years ago. He leaves behind a wife and six children.
The Israeli flag hangs where a bomb exploded earlier today at the entrance to Jerusalem, on November 23, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
In response to reports of Ben Ma’ada’s death, Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu sent his condolences to the family and praised the medical teams who had treated him.
“Last week I visited his devoted family, who lovingly enveloped him, and the doctors who fought valiantly for his life. I hug the family at this difficult hour. May he rest in peace,” Netanyahu said on Twitter.
Outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid said he was “heartbroken” when he learned of Ben Ma’ada’s death.
The double attack in Jerusalem initially killed one and injured 22 others. The first victim was named as 16-year-old Aryeh Schupak, a yeshiva student from the Har Nof neighborhood of Jerusalem, who holds dual Israeli-Canadian citizenship.
16-year-old Aryeh Schupak, killed in a bombing at the entrance to Jerusalem, November 23, 2022. (Courtesy)
Police believe the explosions at two bus stops were caused by nearly identical remote-detonated explosives hidden in bushes behind the bus stops. The devices were packed with nails to inflict as many victims as possible, police officials said.
The first explosion at the bus stop at the city entrance claimed most of the victims. The second, at Ramot Junction, hurt five slightly.
The explosions came amid heightened tensions following a series of Palestinian attacks that have killed 29 people in Israel and the West Bank since the beginning of the year.
Emanuel Fabian contributed to this report.
