B’chasdei Hashem, the bus driver who was seriously wounded in the Tel Aviv bus stabbing attack on Wednesday is reportedly out of life-threatening danger. Herzl Biton, 62, the driver of the Dan Company number 40 bus has regained consciousness and he is recuperating following emergency surgery in Ichilov Hospital. Biton remains in serious/stable condition. He was stabbed three times in his abdomen and there was damage to internal organs.

On Thursday morning 2 Shevat two people, a man and woman, remain in serious condition at Ichilov. Another person remains in moderate condition and two are listed in light condition. Doctors explain it is too early to know when they will be released.

According to Mr. Biton, the terrorist boarded the bus and two minutes later, he began stabbing him as he fought to maintain control of the bus as he tried to bring the vehicle to a halt. He then opened the doors and many passengers were able to flee.

Yaniv Biton, a son, explains “He is a bus driver for the past 24 years. It is most important to him that his passengers are not injured and that is why he continued fighting the terrorist. As a result, his injuries are more serious. There is no security for bus drivers. My father always told us this remains a constant threat to him and others…”

The tzibur is asked to be mispallel for Herzl Shimon ben Farcha bsoch kol cholei Am Yisrael.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)