Jerusalem Boy Left Alone on Bus, Dropped Near East Jerusalem Neighborhood at Night

A nine-year-old boy was left alone on a bus line 68 operated by Extra company in Jerusalem after falling asleep during the ride. The incident occurred late at night between Sunday and Monday around midnight. The boy was traveling with his family but was overlooked when they disembarked near the Shmuel Hanavi neighborhood. The bus continued to the At-Tur area in East Jerusalem, where the boy was reportedly awakened and asked to leave the bus by the driver.

According to the boy’s account, the driver woke him by pulling his ear and directed him toward the At-Tur neighborhood. Extra company, however, claims the driver woke the child gently and offered to call the police, but the boy declined, saying he knew the way home and preferred to walk. After leaving the bus, the boy found himself alone in a dark area without a phone, crying and trying to find his way back.

The boy was found by a security officer from the Chevra Kadisha organization who was passing by on his way to a nearby cemetery. The officer approached the child, identified himself, and learned that the boy had missed his stop and was dropped off at At-Tur. The officer contacted the boy’s mother after the child recited her phone number, and shortly after, his siblings arrived to pick him up.

The family has not yet filed an official police complaint. The police stated that if a complaint is submitted, the driver will be investigated. The security officer emphasized the potential dangers the boy faced, warning about the risks of abduction or getting lost, and criticized the lack of assistance from the driver. Extra company confirmed the driver was questioned and maintained their version of events.

This case highlights concerns about child safety on public transportation in Jerusalem and the responsibilities of bus drivers when minors are traveling alone or fall asleep during their journey.