Beit Shemesh Stabbing: Child Survivor Recounts Attack

A day after the shocking tragedy in Beit Shemesh that claimed the life of seven-year-old Hillel Mordechai Dadon, his four-year-old cousin regained consciousness following complex overnight surgery for serious injuries sustained in the same brutal stabbing.

When the young boy opened his eyes and saw family members at his bedside, he described the terrifying moments he experienced with heartbreaking simplicity. "He kicked me, with lots of blood," the child said, according to a report in Ynet. His brief words captured the brutality of what occurred in the family's yard during what was meant to be a birthday celebration.

Professor Dan Arbel, head of pediatric surgery at Hadassah Medical Center, who operated on the boy alongside an extensive medical team, reported that the child is recovering satisfactorily. His condition is now defined as moderate and stable, with family members at his side as they simultaneously cope with devastating loss.

"A child who was supposed to carry a new school bag"

The horrific incident unfolded yesterday afternoon on Emek HaZeitim Street in Beit Shemesh's veteran neighborhood. The two boys, cousins aged four and seven, were attacked when a 25-year-old neighbor allegedly broke into the family's yard and assaulted them with extreme violence. Hillel Mordechai Dadon died from his wounds at the hospital, while his younger cousin underwent life-saving surgery.

According to reports, the children's father returned home to find both boys injured near an inflatable pool in the yard. The mother had gone shopping for birthday party supplies, and a 15-year-old relative who had been watching the children witnessed the brutal attack. Police arrested the 25-year-old neighbor on suspicion of carrying out the assault, with investigators believing the motive may have been a prior dispute between the two families.

A family member eulogized him: "This is a child who was supposed to walk with a new backpack and be excited about his friends. He was supposed to dream children's dreams. What did he see in his final moments?" He added in anguish: "What evil in the world dares to touch a pure child who did no wrong to anyone? The heart is shattered to pieces."

Prof. Saar Hashavya, Director of Pediatrics and Deputy Hospital Director, Updates (Video: Hadassa Hospital)

"Special joy of life, endless love"

Hillel's father, Amos, eulogized his son this morning through tears and a choked voice, describing the special character of the boy who was to have started second grade in just two weeks. "Hillel, like his name, praise. Anything I add will only detract. Special joy of life, endless love. A diligent child, excelling in school," the bereaved father said.

The father spoke of his young son's dedication and talents: "He excelled [at his] soccer club and would tell me: 'Dad, I'll be a good player.' I told him that's not the aspiration, but if you love it, you'll be the best. His prayers were something unusual. I tested him to read in Aramaic and he succeeded, he knew how to read it. He had endless friends."

The father recounted the final hours before the tragedy: "He went to his cousin's and an hour before they were photographed in the water, happy and joyful. I hope I'll be strong. All my strength was drawn from him, because we had a father-son love, something unusual. He showered love. Just a smile that never left. Seven and a half years I received a gift, yesterday the repair ended."

Intensive efforts for burial

Following intensive activity by ZAKA's legal department, the body of Hillel Mordechai Dadon was released for burial. After the body was transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir, representatives from ZAKA's legal department worked in coordination with Rabbi Asher Landau, the institute's rabbi, to minimize violation of the deceased's dignity.

During the accelerated coordination with all relevant parties, an agreement was reached to perform only the minimal examination required to complete the legal process. The examination was conducted under Rabbi Landau's close supervision, and upon completion the body was released for burial. Yosef Chaim Haouzi, deputy commander of ZAKA Beit Shemesh, departed from the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in a ZAKA ambulance with the child's body and transferred it for burial arrangements.

Michael Gottwin, director of ZAKA's legal department, explained: "In light of the legal department's many years of experience handling murder cases of this type, and with the goal of avoiding as much as possible dragging the family through prolonged proceedings, we acted with utmost sensitivity with all parties."

Hillel Mordechai Dadon is being laid to rest today at 4:00 PM at the Beit Shemesh cemetery, leaving behind a grieving family and an entire community praying for the swift recovery of his young cousin. The 25-year-old suspect was brought for a remand hearing at Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, and police continue their intensive investigation into the circumstances of the horrific incident.