Sgt. Shira Suslik Obituary, Death – A tragic terror attack at the Beersheba bus station on Sunday afternoon claimed the life of Border Police officer Sgt. Shira Suslik, a 19-year-old resident of Beersheba. The incident unfolded when a gunman entered a McDonald’s inside the central bus station and opened fire on those present. Suslik was among the victims and succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The assailant was identified as 29-year-old Ahmad al-Uqbi, an Israeli citizen from the unrecognized Bedouin village of Uqbi, near Hura. Al-Uqbi had a prior criminal record and was killed on-site by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers who responded to the attack.
In addition to the tragic loss of Sgt. Suslik, at least ten others were injured in the attack, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Magen David Adom (MDA) reported that the injured were transported to Soroka Medical Center for treatment. Among the victims, one woman remains in serious condition, while four men are listed as being in moderate condition, all suffering from gunshot wounds. Five other individuals were treated for less severe injuries, including cuts from shattered glass and blunt force trauma. Additionally, three people required medical attention for acute anxiety following the attack.
In the wake of the incident, leaders from the Arab community strongly condemned the violence. MK Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra’am party, which represents Arab Islamist interests in Israel, described the attack as a “heinous crime against innocent civilians.” He emphasized that acts of terror do not reflect the values of the Arab community, reaffirming their commitment to peace and non-violence.
Authorities are currently investigating the possibility that the attack may have involved both gunfire and stabbings, though this has yet to be confirmed. The attack has left the Beersheba community reeling, as they mourn the loss of Sgt. Suslik and pray for the recovery of the injured.
This incident has brought attention once again to the ongoing tensions and violence in the region, while leaders across different communities have called for calm and unity in the face of such tragic events. Sgt. Shira Suslik’s death is a somber reminder of the toll that such acts of violence take on both individuals and society as a whole.