The family of British student Hannah Bladon, who was stabbed to death in Jerusalem on Good Friday, said they are “devastated” by the “senseless and tragic attack”.
They said the 20-year-old had been taking part in an archaeological dig that morning and described her as a “talented musician” who “served in her local church”.
She was attacked while travelling on a light rail train near the Old City, which was packed as Christians marked Good Friday and Jews celebrated Passover.
In a statement issued through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office they said: “Hannah was the most caring, sensitive and compassionate daughter you could ever wish for.”
Israeli media reported that her “final act of kindness,” was to give up her seat on the train for the woman who was holding a baby. Hanna had previously been sitting further back in the carriage, but got up for the woman, and went to stand near the exit door.
Hannah, a student at the University of Birmingham, had been on an exchange programme with the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem since January.
She was attacked by a Palestinian man who pulled a knife from his bag and repeatedly stabbed her as the tram neared Jerusalem’s City Hall.
“Hannah was a talented musician, part of a serving team at her local church and a member of her local archaeological group,” the family statement added.
“She was an enthusiastic rugby player and a keen Derby County supporter.
“She was driven and passionate and her death leaves so much promise unfulfilled.
“Our family are devastated by this senseless and tragic attack.”
See also: CUFI-UK statement on the use of the term “terrorist”
Israeli ambassador to the UK, Mark Regev, wrote on Twitter: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of UK student Hannah Bladon, who was murdered in a senseless act of terror in Jerusalem today.”
The Palestinian terrorist, named as 57-year-old Jamil Tanimi, was wrestled to the ground after the attack. He was reportedly suffering from “mental problem”, according to police, and had expected an Israeli soldier who was in close proximity to shoot him after the attack.
Shin Bet police said, “This is another case, out of many, where a Palestinian who is suffering from personal, mental or moral issues chooses to carry out a terror attack in order to find a way out of their problems.”
Security forces have been on high alert over the Passover and Easter holidays when hundreds of thousands of people visit Jerusalem. The army imposed a closure on the West Bank for the duration of the holidays.
Source: Jewish News / Times of Israel
