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A 37-year-old father of two remains in critical condition after being stabbed by a group of teenagers in a late-night altercation in Tel Aviv earlier this week, police and hospital officials confirmed.
The incident occurred on Rothschild Boulevard as the victim was returning home from celebrating a friend’s birthday at a bar. At a sidewalk scooter rack, the group confronted the man over a rentable electric scooter he was attempting to pay for.
Footage captured by a nearby café’s security cameras shows the teenagers cornering the victim near the rack. Within seconds, one of the attackers stabbed the man in the leg before casually walking away with the group. The injured man hobbled briefly before collapsing on the sidewalk, prompting bystanders to intervene.
Emergency medical services quickly arrived and transported the victim to Ichilov Hospital, where he remains in intensive care. Doctors have described his condition as serious but stable.
Friend Witnessed Aftermath
Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12 News, a friend of the victim recounted the chaotic moments following the attack.
“I received a call from him in the middle of the night, but I didn’t hear his voice—just shouting and background noise,” said the friend, who had been with the victim earlier in the evening. “When I ran out of the bar, I saw him lying in a pool of blood, unconscious.”
The friend added that the dispute began when the group of teenagers insisted the scooter belonged to them. The victim, attempting to defuse the tension, reportedly told the group there were enough scooters available for everyone. However, his efforts to calm the situation proved futile.
Community Frustration Over Investigation
Frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation, the victim’s family and friends have taken to social media to demand swift action from authorities.
“Almost four days after the incident, we don’t know what’s going on with the investigation,” the victim’s friend told Channel 12. “The police say the case is being handled, but in the meantime, the attackers are still free.”
A spokesperson for the Tel Aviv District Police told The Times of Israel that the investigation is ongoing.
“We have leads, but at this stage, there is no update,” the spokesperson said. “I hope that in the coming days, we will have something.”
The attack has sparked outrage in Tel Aviv, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and typically safe streets. The footage of the stabbing, widely circulated online, has prompted public outcry and calls for justice.
Victim’s Condition and Ongoing Efforts
The victim’s family has remained by his side at the hospital as he fights to recover. Meanwhile, the community has rallied to raise awareness and pressure authorities to bring the attackers to justice.
“This kind of violence is unthinkable,” said a family friend in a social media post. “We won’t rest until these attackers are held accountable.”
The case has underscored growing concerns about urban violence and the misuse of public amenities in the city. For now, the victim’s loved ones await answers—and justice—in the aftermath of a senseless act of aggression.