News Article

Ofer Ben Ari murdered outside Jaffa Gate

Father of two girls

Dec 23, 2016 - Ofer Ben Ari, 46, of Jerusalem was hit by a stray bullet fired by two Border Police officers during a stabbing attack outside Jaffa Gate, at the entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem.

Shortly after 1 PM,  two terrorists began stabbing passersby outside Jaffa Gate, at the entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Ofer Ben Ari tried to stop the terrorists and was killed by a stray bullet fired by Border Police officers at the terrorists, caught in the crossfire. He was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center where he died of his wounds. "My father was a hero," said his daughter.

Ben Ari owned a recording studio in Jerusalem and for years would open it free of charge to distressed youth. He also provided temporary housing for the homeless in an underground property he owned.

Ofer Ben Ari will be buried in the Givat Shaul cemetery in Jerusalem. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.