Adiel Kolman, a father of four who worked as a security guard, died of wounds overnight Monday hours after being stabbed by a Palestinian in Jerusalem's Old City. The Palestinian was shot and killed by a police officer.
It was the second terrorist attack on Israelis in three days. Kolman, who was in his 30s, was a resident of Kokhav Hashahar, north of Jerusalem.
Kolman had been stabbed several times in the upper body and was in a critical state when he was rushed to hospital. As he was being evacuated, he managed to say, "I was stabbed, it hurts." The attacker was identified as Abdel Rahman Bani Fadel, 28, from the village of Aqraba near Nablus. He had a permit to work in Israel.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said Palestinian incitement was to blame. "The only answer is a determined and uncompromising fight against terrorism and the inciters, alongside continued construction in Jerusalem."
On Monday, Kolman was laid to rest in his hometown. His mother Yael eulogized him, saying: "Adiel, sweet boy, what can I possibly say about such a righteous person? You called me a lot recently, you asked how I was doing. … We wanted to keep you for longer but just as God decided to give you to us, God decided it was time to take you back. You are now in a place that is all good. You ended your mission, too soon, too painfully, but you are surrounded by light and sanctity." She recalled how "everyone who shook your hand smiled" and vowed that everyone "will raise your children the way you wanted."
Before the funeral, the mother told Israel Hayom that she refused to go and see him while he was fighting for his life at the hospital. "I didn't want to see him in this condition," she said. His widow, Ayelet, told the Galey Israel radio station on Monday: "Just a week ago, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary with a lot of good thoughts about the future; we never thought about something like this happening to us. He was such a supporting and loving husband, he accepted everyone for what they are. His children lost an amazing father."
Kolman's murder took place two days after two Israeli soldiers were killed and two others seriously wounded in a ramming attack near Mevo Dotan, in northern Samaria. The two soldiers were identified as Capt. Ziv Daos, 21, from the central Israeli city of Azor, and Sgt. Netanel Kahalani, 20, from the northern community of Elyakim.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman condemned the latest attacks in a tweet on Monday, faulting the Palestinian Authority for its conduct: "Tragedy in Israel. 2 young soldiers, Netanel Kahalani and Ziv Daos, murdered in the North, and father of 4, Adiel Kolman, murdered in Jerusalem, by Palestinian terrorists. Such brutality and no condemnation from the PA! I pray for the families and the wounded – so much sadness."
