Revealed: Terrorist in today's attack was a German citizen, returned to Israel just last week

On Monday morning, a violent stabbing attack at the Lev HaMifratz Mall in Haifa left one person dead and several others wounded.

The terrorist began his rampage after arriving at the bus station, first stabbing passengers on a bus before disembarking and continuing his attack on those at the station. He was eventually neutralized by an armed security guard on the scene. According to the Israel Security Agency, Shin Bet, Shahin was a Druze Israeli Arab, and his actions left one person, a 70-year-old man, dead, while four others sustained injuries. Three of the wounded victims, including a woman in her 30s, a man in his 30s, and a 15-year-old boy, were severely injured. A woman in her 70s also suffered moderate injuries and was evacuated to Rambam Hospital for treatment.

Shahin’s background has since become a point of focus. The town of Shefa-Amr, where he lived, is located around 20 kilometers from Haifa. It is a predominantly Arab Muslim area with Christian and Druze minorities. Local officials, including the Deputy Mayor of Shefa-Amr, Faraj Hanifas, have stated that Shahin suffered from severe mental illness. Hanifas noted that Shahin had been under the care of Israel’s National Insurance Institute and had received a monthly disability allowance due to his psychiatric condition. "Yitro returned with his father from Germany two months ago... He was mentally ill and received a monthly disability allowance," Hanifas explained.

Further insight into Shahin’s condition came from his family. His cousin, Majid Shaheen, expressed shock over the attack, emphasizing that Yitro was mentally unstable and had even attempted suicide a month before the incident. "He was not in a sound state of mind. I sincerely hope this incident was not nationalistically motivated and do not believe it was," he said. Majid also highlighted that his family had a strong military background, with several members serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

The head of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, strongly condemned the attack and offered condolences to the victim’s family. "My heart is with the families. Before rushing to judgment, it is important to wait for a thorough investigation by security forces," Tarif urged. He also pointed out that the Druze community actively fights against terrorism, and members of the Druze community were involved in neutralizing the attacker.

Shahin’s attack has prompted diverse reactions from the community and beyond. The spiritual leader of the Druze community expressed deep sadness, noting that the motives behind the attack must be thoroughly examined. Meanwhile, Hamas issued a statement calling the attack a "heroic operation" and encouraged further violence against Israel during the Ramadan period. The terrorist’s actions have sparked a complex dialogue about the intersection of mental illness, violence, and terrorism, especially in light of his family's assertion that the attack was not politically or nationally motivated.

Despite the disturbing nature of this attack, the Druze community has made it clear that such actions do not reflect their values. "He cannot be buried in Shfaram, and no one will attend the funeral. He is neither Israeli nor Druze for us," said a local Druze leader. The Druze community's response underscores the division between the attacker and his heritage, emphasizing their commitment to peace and their rejection of terrorism.