Shimon Gabbai, the bus driver stabbed on Lag B’Omer eve, Wednesday, was scheduled for release from the hospital on Thursday afternoon.

Shimon regained consciousness and told authorities that he feels it was a terror attack. “I awakened after a few minutes and saw an ambulance. I did not understand why. They got on and attacked. They did not speak with me at all. I identified one of them, but I do not know them. One wore an olive-green shirt. The second I did not get a look at. I waited for them to pay and they stabbed me. I have no ide why they did this. I did not speak with them at all”.

Shimon is thankful, acknowledging he is aware things could have ended much worse.

Police believe two youths boarded the bus and at some point, they began to stab the bus driver. As a result, Gabbai lost control of the bus and smashed into another vehicle. He was transported in serious condition to HaEmek Hospital in Afula.

Crime scene experts operating on the scene combed the area and late Wednesday night, they arrested a 28-year-old male suspect in Afula who they believed is tied to the attack. He is suspected of attempted murder.

In an act of protest over the incident, Superbus and Egged drivers struck during the morning hours on Thursday, between 9:00AM and 10:00AM.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)