‘I’m not angry,’ says daughter of man killed in crossfire during attack

The daughter of Ofer Ben Ari, who was killed by mistaken police fire while attempting to prevent a stabbing attack in Jerusalem, said Saturday that she feels no anger towards the policewomen who shot her father.

Ben Ari, 46, and Reuben Birmajer, a rabbi in the Spanish program of the Aish Hatorah yeshiva, were killed in the stabbing attack by two Palestinian terrorists at the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City on Wednesday.

“I’m not angry at all at the policewomen. They did their duties and tried to neutralize the terrorists,” said Ofek Ben Ari.

“My father was a hero and I’m sure he supports what they did,” she added.

Ofer Ben-Ari (Courtesy)

A third man remained in serious condition after sustaining stabbing wounds during the attack. He was not named.

Palestinian media identified the attackers as Anan Abu Habsah and Issa Assaf, both 21, from Qalandiya in the West Bank.

Witnesses said one of the victims struggled with his attacker on the ground and was stabbed numerous times.

The Old City of Jerusalem has seen multiple stabbing attacks against Israeli civilians and security personnel in recent months, although most have been around the Damascus Gate, the main entrance to the Old City’s Muslim Quarter.