Stabbed Teen Dies: Shira Banki Stabbed At Gay Pride March In Jerusalem Dies From Her Injuries, Attacker Was Released From Prison Three Weeks Ago

During a Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem on Thursday, six people were stabbed, and 16-year-old Shira Banki has died from her injuries. The family of Banki say that the stabbed teen was murdered just because she wanted to support her friends. A spokeswoman from the hospital where the stabbed teen died has stated that Banki’s organs will be donated.

“She came to support the rights of her friends and any person to live as they wish. For no reason and due to evil, stupidity and negligence, the life of our wonderful flower was cut off.”

The attacker, Yishai Shlissel, has a history of violent behavior. Shlissel was arrested when he stabbed three people at a Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem in 2005. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the attempted murder. He was released three weeks ago and committed the same crime. This time, one of his stabbed victims died. Shortly before the heinous attack, Shlissel posted on the Internet about how it was an “abomination” to hold a Gay Pride parade in a city that is considered to be sacred in the holy community.

Police have since formed a committee in order to determine how Yishai was allowed to get as close to the Gay Pride parade as he did. The committee was formed due to a public outcry demanding answers. Yishai had a history of violence at a past Gay Pride event so he should never have been allowed to be close enough to attack more people.

Hundreds of community members came together for a candlelight vigil for the stabbed teen. The ceremony took place at Banki at Zion Square, which is near the area where Banki was stabbed.

Jewish extremists such as Shlissel are being cast under a spotlight due to recent extreme acts of terrorism committed by them. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the attacks during the Gay Pride parade and also a firebomb attack against a Palestinian family where an 18-month-old was killed.

“We are determined to vigorously fight manifestations of hate, fanaticism and terrorism from whatever side.”

Former president Shimon Peres spoke in Tel Aviv at an anti-violence rally the day after the stabbing and firebombing attack.

“Those who incite against Israel’s Arab citizens should not be surprised when churches and mosques are set on fire, and when finally a baby is burned in the middle of the night.”

What can be done to prevent attacks such as the ones faced by the stabbed teen and the family who had their home firebombed?

[Image via Shewired.com]