Body of 7-Year-Old Murder Victim Released for Burial in Beit Shemesh After Accelerated Forensic Process

The body of seven-year-old Hillel Mordechai Dadon, who was brutally stabbed and killed in Beit Shemesh on Monday, has been released for burial following an expedited forensic examination. The child died from his injuries at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, while his four-year-old cousin, also stabbed in the attack, remains in stable condition after surgery.

The forensic process was overseen by Rabbi Asher Landau, the chief rabbi of the National Forensic Institute, who supervised a minimal examination to respect the dignity of the deceased while fulfilling legal requirements. The legal department of ZAKA worked closely with the rabbi to ensure the procedure was swift, aiming to avoid prolonged court disputes and reduce distress for the family.

ZAKA deputy commander in Beit Shemesh, Yosef Chaim Hozi, transported the body from the forensic institute to burial arrangements. Michael Gutwein, head of ZAKA's legal department, emphasized the balance between respecting the deceased and enabling the legal process to bring the perpetrator to justice, citing relevant religious legal rulings.

The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the municipal cemetery in Beit Shemesh. The stabbing incident occurred when a 25-year-old neighbor, reportedly with a mental health background, entered the home and attacked the two children near an inflatable pool. The suspect was arrested by police.

Prof. Dan Arbel, head of pediatric surgery at Hadassah, reported that the younger child is recovering well post-operation, with family support by his side.