Teenager Killed in Hit-and-Run During Selichot Prayers in Hadera

A 17-year-old named Amichai Attia was killed after being struck by a vehicle in the parking lot of a commercial center in Hadera on Thursday night, during Selichot prayers. Emergency medical services who arrived at the scene found Attia unconscious with a severe head injury and began resuscitation efforts. He was transported to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

The driver of the vehicle, who fled the scene, was apprehended by police shortly after. Initial investigations suggest the incident occurred at a shopping complex where Selichot services were being held. A dispute reportedly broke out between the driver and a group of youths attending the prayers. Security camera footage shows the driver, in a commercial vehicle, attempting to evade a group of people chasing him, and then hitting Attia while making a turn in the parking lot.

Following the incident, members of the Hadera volunteer emergency squad were called to the scene due to initial suspicions of a potential terror attack. A squad member fired at the fleeing driver, who was subsequently arrested. During questioning, the driver claimed he fled out of fear for his life and was unaware he had hit anyone.

Amichai Attia, a 12th-grade student from the settlement of Itamar, was remembered by his community. The head of the Shomron Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, expressed shock and sorrow, describing Attia as a young man with his whole life ahead of him. The Itamar community described Attia as a beloved, values-driven, and vibrant youth leader who left a deep mark on the community.