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Hannah Bladon’s family devastated by murder of ‘caring and compassionate’ 20-year-old student in Jerusalem | Hannah Bladon’s family devastated by murder of ‘caring and compassionate’ 20-year-old student in Jerusalem |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The family of British student Hannah Bladon, who was stabbed to death in Jerusalem on Friday, has said they are “devastated” by the “senseless and tragic attack”. | The family of British student Hannah Bladon, who was stabbed to death in Jerusalem on Friday, has said they are “devastated” by the “senseless and tragic attack”. |
They said their 20-year-old daughter had been taking part in an archaeological dig the morning she was killed. | They said their 20-year-old daughter had been taking part in an archaeological dig the morning she was killed. |
Ms Bladon, a University of Birmingham student, had been on an exchange programme with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem since January. | Ms Bladon, a University of Birmingham student, had been on an exchange programme with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem since January. |
She was stabbed several times in the chest while travelling on a tram near the Old City and died shortly after the attack in hospital. | She was stabbed several times in the chest while travelling on a tram near the Old City and died shortly after the attack in hospital. |
In a statement issued throughout the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ms Bladon’s family said: “Hannah was the most caring, sensitive and compassionate daughter you could ever wish for. | |
“Hannah was a talented musician, part of a serving team at her local church and a member of her local archaeological group,” the statement continued. | “Hannah was a talented musician, part of a serving team at her local church and a member of her local archaeological group,” the statement continued. |
“She was an enthusiastic rugby player and a keen Derby County supporter. | “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. | “She was driven and passionate and her death leaves so much promise unfulfilled. |
“Our family is devastated by this senseless and tragic attack.” | “Our family is devastated by this senseless and tragic attack.” |
Witnesses say they saw Ms Bladon’s attacker pull a knife out of his bag and stag Ms Bladon several times in the upper part of her body as the tram was approaching City Hall. | Witnesses say they saw Ms Bladon’s attacker pull a knife out of his bag and stag Ms Bladon several times in the upper part of her body as the tram was approaching City Hall. |
An off-duty policeman who was on the tram with his family pulled the emergency brake and charged at the Palestinian man. | An off-duty policeman who was on the tram with his family pulled the emergency brake and charged at the Palestinian man. |
A 30-year-old pregnant woman and a 50-year-old man were also injured in the attack. | A 30-year-old pregnant woman and a 50-year-old man were also injured in the attack. |
A 57-year-old man was arrested at the scene. Police believe he suffers from mental illness. | A 57-year-old man was arrested at the scene. Police believe he suffers from mental illness. |
The University of Birmingham released a statement saying it was “deeply saddened” over Ms Bladon’s death. | The University of Birmingham released a statement saying it was “deeply saddened” over Ms Bladon’s death. |
It said it would be offering support to any students affected. | It said it would be offering support to any students affected. |
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem also expressed “deep sorrow” over the loss. | The Hebrew University of Jerusalem also expressed “deep sorrow” over the loss. |
The school said in a statement: “We extend our deepest condolences to her family and we share in their sorrow. | The school said in a statement: “We extend our deepest condolences to her family and we share in their sorrow. |
“The university condemns such acts of terror that harm innocent people, and especially a student who came to Jerusalem to study and widen her academic horizons.” | “The university condemns such acts of terror that harm innocent people, and especially a student who came to Jerusalem to study and widen her academic horizons.” |
The university department that Ms Bladon studied with said she was taking Bible studies, archaeology and Hebrew courses during her exchange programme. | The university department that Ms Bladon studied with said she was taking Bible studies, archaeology and Hebrew courses during her exchange programme. |
The Rothberg International School said Ms Bladon’s “friends described her as an inquisitive and adventurous student who made the most of her opportunity to learn and experience life in Israel”. | The Rothberg International School said Ms Bladon’s “friends described her as an inquisitive and adventurous student who made the most of her opportunity to learn and experience life in Israel”. |
Israel President Reuven Rivlin said he was “filled with sadness” over the attack and that his country’s “thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim”. | Israel President Reuven Rivlin said he was “filled with sadness” over the attack and that his country’s “thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim”. |
He said: “This week thousands have come through the ancient gates of Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts of Passover and Easter throughout the city – while the security forces work to ensure the safety of the dear residents and visitors to the city. | He said: “This week thousands have come through the ancient gates of Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts of Passover and Easter throughout the city – while the security forces work to ensure the safety of the dear residents and visitors to the city. |
“And so we will continue to do. Terror can never overcome us. Terror will never destroy our lives here.” | “And so we will continue to do. Terror can never overcome us. Terror will never destroy our lives here.” |
Jerusalem has been on high alert during Holy Week after an increase in knife attacks by Palestinians. | Jerusalem has been on high alert during Holy Week after an increase in knife attacks by Palestinians. |
Palestinians have killed 42 Israelis and two visiting Americans, mainly in stabbings, car ramming assaults and shooting attacks since September 2015. | Palestinians have killed 42 Israelis and two visiting Americans, mainly in stabbings, car ramming assaults and shooting attacks since September 2015. |
Israeli forces have killed at least 243 Palestinians during that time, most of them identified as attackers by Israeli authorities. | Israeli forces have killed at least 243 Palestinians during that time, most of them identified as attackers by Israeli authorities. |
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