UPDATE: This story was last updated at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Biermacher, who Spanish-language media is identifying as Eduardo Birmajer, was originally from Argentina and is the brother of Argentine writer Marcelo Birmajer.
(JTA) — Two Israelis injured in a stabbing attack at the Jaffa Gate to Jerusalem’s Old City died from their wounds.
The two died in Jerusalem hospitals Wednesday night, the Times of Israel reported. Their deaths brought to 24 the Israeli death toll in the surge of violence that began in October. One hundred Palestinians have been killed, many while carrying out or attempting to carry out terrorist attacks.
One victim, who was accidentally shot by police during the terror attack Wednesday afternoon, was identified as Ofer Ben-Ari, 46, of Jerusalem.
The second was Rabbi Reuven Biermacher, 45, a rabbi at a yeshiva in the Old City. Spanish-language media identified him as Eduardo Birmajer and said he was originally from Argentina and the brother of Argentine writer Marcelo Birmajer. A third victim, who was stabbed multiple times in the attack, remains in serious condition.
The two Palestinians who carried out Wednesday’s attack were both shot dead by police. Palestinian media identified them as Anan Abu Habsah and Issa Assaf, both 21, from Qalandiya.
Jaffa Gate is a main entrance gate into the Old City from western Jerusalem. Many tourists can be found milling around the area, especially during the Christmas season.
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