A few minutes after 10:00 on Monday morning, 8 Shevat, a young Arab male entered the community store in Tekoa that sells second hand clothing. One of the women in the store at the time was Mrs. Michal Fruman, a daughter-in-law of the late mora d’asra of the community, Rabbi Menachem Fruman z”l.

Chaggai Gimpel, one of the people who runs the store, turned to the Arab teen in an effort to determine what he wanted in the store. In response, he pulled the knife and attacked Michal, stabbing the pregnant woman in her abdomen. Mrs. Michal bas Esther Fruman was transported in moderate-to-serious condition to the trauma unit of Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

In response to the shouts an armed community resident responded and neutralized the terrorist, wounding him seriously. He was transported to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.

IDF soldiers whom arrived on the scene instructed resident and educational institutions to lock doors and remain indoors as they began combing the community.

In light of recent attacks, the Gush Etzion district brigade commander ordered all Arabs to be sent out of all area communities, including workers and persons shopping in the Jewish communities.

Gush Etzion Regional Council head Davidi Perl said “The situation on the ground shows a worsening as well as the will and determination of the terrorists to perpetrate attacks. events which began with stabbings in open areas have become complex leading to attacks inside communities this week in Yehuda and Shomron. The government must step up its response and increase the punishment for terrorists and their families. Today we should start deporting families, confiscate bank accounts and significantly increase deterrence to prevent a further wave of terror attacks”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)