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Independence Day terror attack victim’s condition deteriorates

Shimon Maatuf was attacked by ax-wielding Palestinians in Elad during the holiday, suffering severe head wounds.

Israeli forces demolishing the home in Rumana, near Jenin, of one of the terrorists responsible for a deadly attack in Elad in May, on Aug. 7, 2022. Photo: Israel Defense Forces.
Israeli forces demolishing the home in Rumana, near Jenin, of one of the terrorists responsible for a deadly attack in Elad in May, on Aug. 7, 2022. Photo: Israel Defense Forces.

The condition of a 75-year old Israeli man who was seriously wounded in a terrorist attack in Elad on May 4, Israel’s Independence Day, has taken a turn for the worse, Israeli media reported on Thursday.

Shimon Maatuf, of Moshav Barkat, was employed as an armed security guard at the amusement park in Elad set up for the Independence Day celebrations. He was attacked by two Palestinians armed with axes, and suffered severe head wounds.

Following initial treatment he was moved to a rehabilitation facility, where he had remained until Tuesday night, when his condition worsened and became life-threatening, at which point he was evacuated to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.

Maatuf is married, the father of six children and a grandfather of 13.

The May attack claimed the lives of Yonatan Havakuk, Boaz Gol and Oren Ben-Yiftach, and left four people seriously wounded, including Maatuf.

In June, Jenin residents Assad Yussef Assad al-Rafa’i and Sabhi Imad Sabhi Abu Shakir were indicted on three counts of aggravated murder and committing acts of terrorism for their roles in the deadly attack.

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The panel conducts research on antisemitic activity and works with public and private entities on statewide initiatives on Holocaust and genocide education.