Four-Year-Old Survives Brutal Birthday Attack in Beit Shemesh as Cousin Dies

A four-year-old boy critically injured in a violent stabbing attack during a family birthday party in Beit Shemesh has regained consciousness after a complex surgery. The child, cousin of the seven-year-old victim Hillel Mordechai Dadon who was fatally stabbed, described the horrific event in brief, chilling words: "He kicked me, there was blood everywhere." The attack occurred on Emek HaZaytim Street in the old neighborhood of Beit Shemesh when a 25-year-old neighbor allegedly broke into the yard and assaulted the children. Hillel succumbed to his wounds in the hospital, while his cousin underwent life-saving surgery and is now in stable condition, according to Prof. Dan Arbel, head of pediatric surgery at Hadassah Medical Center.

The family was devastated, with relatives preparing for Hillel’s funeral scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Beit Shemesh cemetery. Hillel’s father, Amos, tearfully described his son as a joyful, talented child who was about to start second grade and excelled in school and sports. The attack happened while the mother was out shopping for the birthday celebration, and a 15-year-old relative who was watching the children witnessed the brutal assault. Police arrested the 25-year-old suspect, who is believed to have acted due to a prior dispute between the families. His detention was extended, and he will undergo psychiatric evaluation.

ZAKA’s legal department expedited the release of Hillel’s body from the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine, ensuring minimal intrusion on the family and respect for the deceased. The community mourns the loss while hoping for the recovery of the surviving child. The police continue their investigation into the circumstances of the attack.