Bus Driver Severely Beaten by Passenger After Refusing to Open Doors

A bus driver for Nativ Express route 2 in Beit Shemesh was severely assaulted by a passenger on Sunday. The incident occurred around noon near the Jordan Street intersection when the passenger demanded the driver open the doors to let him off. The driver explained that he could not comply for safety reasons, which prompted the passenger to attack him with punches until he lost consciousness.

The injured driver, identified as 'A', was evacuated by ambulance for medical treatment. He recounted that the attacker shouted to his friends about the assault, suggesting it was planned. The driver stated the attack involved more than just fists, as the assailant appeared to have a metal object. "I lost consciousness and only woke up in the ambulance. Next time, who knows if I'll wake up?" he said, vowing to pursue the matter legally.

Following the attack, Itai Cohen, head of the transportation branch at the "Koach LaOvdim" (Workers' Power) organization, issued a strong statement. He warned that without action, attacks on public transport workers could escalate to fatal consequences. "We will not allow this to happen. This is exactly what we are fighting for," Cohen stated.

Cohen outlined three key areas for change: expanding security units, as Beit Shemesh currently lacks one; implementing full separation between drivers and passengers, a demand that has been repeatedly made; and officially recognizing public transport workers as public officials, ensuring their attackers face appropriate penalties.