Attack This Morning Not Terrorism, Mental Illness Episode by Druze Man
On the Thursday of March 3, 2025, a grievous stabbing incident occurred at Haifa’s Lev Hamifratz bus station, resulting in the death of a 70-year-old man and injuries to four others. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Jethro Shahin from the Druze community in Shfaram, was subsequently shot and killed by armed civilians at the scene.
Security footage reveals that Shahin disembarked from a bus arriving from Shfaram and, without apparent provocation, began attacking individuals nearby. The deceased victim was identified as Hassan Karim Dahamsheh, a resident of Kafr Kanna. Among the injured is a 15-year-old boy who was transported to Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center in critical condition. The hospital later reported that the teenager was stable following emergency surgery.
In the aftermath, Druze community leaders and Shahin’s family have asserted that the attack was not terror-related but stemmed from Shahin’s longstanding mental health challenges. Member of Knesset Hamad Amar of the Yisrael Beytenu party emphasized that Shahin had been hospitalized multiple times for psychiatric issues and was receiving a government disability allowance due to his condition. Amar stated, “There has never been a Druze terrorist, nor will there ever be a Druze terrorist.”
Shahin’s father, Suqrat, expressed profound shock over the incident, highlighting the family’s two-decade residence in Germany, where they engaged in anti-violence initiatives. He remarked, “I raised my children for tolerance and love of others. None of us ever had ever thought to harm other people, regardless of who they are.” Suqrat Shahin is confident that authorities will reconsider the initial classification of the incident as a nationalistic attack.
Faraj Khanifas, Shfaram’s deputy mayor, corroborated the family’s account, noting Shahin’s history with mental health institutions and his ongoing support from the city’s welfare services.
Following the attack, Acting National Security Minister Haim Katz conducted a situational assessment and stated that security forces are on high alert. He urged the public to remain vigilant, acknowledging the challenging days ahead.
The Israel Police have initiated an investigation to ascertain the motives behind the attack, taking into account the assertions regarding Shahin’s mental health. Authorities are also examining his recent return to Israel after spending several months abroad.
The Forum of the Heads of the Druze and Circassian Authorities issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with the victims. They emphasized that such acts contradict the moral and human values upheld by the Druze community, which is integrally involved in defending the state and its principles.