Horror in Jerusalem: Father Stabs His 3-Year-Old Child to Death

In a harrowing incident in Jerusalem’s Sur Baher neighborhood, a 3-year-old girl was fatally stabbed in her home early on July 7, 2025, with her father, a local resident in his 30s, arrested as the primary suspect. The attack, reported at approximately 4:00 AM IDT, prompted a swift response from Israel Police and Border Police, who apprehended the father after a brief chase when he attempted to flee the scene. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, has a documented history of mental health issues but no prior record of violent behavior, according to police. The girl was staying with him under court-ordered visitation rights, as her parents are divorced.

Magen David Adom paramedic Yarin Shitrit, who responded to the emergency call, described the tragic scene: “The girl was unconscious and suffering from penetrating injuries. We performed medical checks, but unfortunately, her injuries were severe and we had no choice but to pronounce her dead.” The child’s uncle, Ziad, expressed disbelief, stating, “We received the news with great shock. He is not mentally ill; perhaps people want to lighten his punishment.” The suspect’s brother alerted authorities to the crime, aiding in his capture. Commander of the Jerusalem District, Brigadier-General Yaniv Moyal, conducted an on-site assessment, with forensic teams collecting evidence indicating a criminal motive.

The murder has sent shockwaves through Sur Baher, a predominantly Arab neighborhood in East Jerusalem, where community violence has surged, with 47 reported homicides in Israel’s Arab sector in 2024. The ongoing investigation seeks to clarify the circumstances, particularly given the father’s psychiatric history and the absence of prior complaints. This tragedy follows a pattern of rising domestic violence in Israel, with 12 femicides reported in 2025, prompting calls for stronger mental health and family support systems.