Jerusalem: A 16-year-old girl who was stabbed during the Jerusalem gay pride parade on Thursday succumbed to her wounds at a hospital on Sunday, officials said.
Shira Banki, a high school student from Jerusalem, suffered critical injuries when she was stabbed by an ultra-orthodox man during the parade. She was admitted to the Hadassah Ein Karem hospital, Xinhua reported.
Five other people were also stabbed — one had critical injuries and the other four had light to moderate wounds. The critically wounded person has recovered and is expected to be released the coming week.
According to a statement by the hospital, despite medical intervention they were unable to treat Banki’s critical wounds.
Her family has agreed to donate her organs.
“Our beloved Shira was murdered simply because she was a joyful 16-year-old full of life and love, who supported her friends’ — and every individual’s — right to live their lives their own way,” her family said in a statement issued to Israeli media on Sunday, according to the Walla! news website.
“She died because of evil, folly and nonchalance. The family looks forward to less hatred and increased tolerance,” the statement said.
After the attack, the assailant, 39-year-old Yishai Schilssel was captured and arrested. He carried out a similar attack in 2005 during the pride parade in Jerusalem, and had just been released from prison three weeks ago.
–IANS