Multiple terror attacks Thursday near Israel’s border with Egypt claimed at least seven lives, many of them civilians. As the military moved to respond to the attacks, social organizations and local rabbis, such as those affiliated with the Chabad Terror Victims Project run by the Chabad-Lubavitch Youth Organization in Israel, reached out to victims and their families in a demonstration of support.

According to Israel Defense Force Southern District Cmdr. Tal Russo and media reports, the terror began at around noon when Egged Bus No. 392 was apparently ambushed on the popular Route 12 as it traveled towards the Red Sea resort city of Eilat from Mitzpe Ramon. Packed with soldiers on leave, the bus was overtaken by a vehicle carrying three gunmen, who stopped alongside the road, jumped out of their car and opened fire. The Israeli bus driver, Benny Bilevsky stepped on the gas and sped away.

Less than half an hour later, a second bus exploded when a rocket-propelled grenade was fired by a cell operating near Eilat, sending more than a dozen passengers, many seriously wounded, to the city’s small Yoseftal Hospital. Minutes later, a military vehicle, possibly responding to the two earlier attacks, ran over a roadside bomb that detonated on impact. Later in the day, a shooting attack north of the city injured one person.

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Locals expressed horror and frustration with the incidents, which came amidst a state of lawlessness on the Egyptian side of the border.

“You could actually shoot us with a water pistol along that road, the border is just that close” commented Tzvi B.G., an American immigrant who was recently in the area to visit friends at a local kibbutz. “It’s ridiculous.”

Oddly, the city itself was calm despite the chaos on the highway, according to Rabbi Mendy Klein, director of the Eilat Chabad House.

Egged Bus No. 392 sits at the side of Route 12 not far from where it was attacked by gunmen. (Photo: Channel 10)
Egged Bus No. 392 sits at the side of Route 12 not far from where it was attacked by gunmen. (Photo: Channel 10)

“Many parents are calling to check up on their children, to make sure they’re alright,” he said. “Hundreds of youths come here during the summer vacation, and we host many of them each week for Sabbath meals. Parents know that we are the go-to address for Jewish needs, or to check in about their children.”

Although Klein did not personally know any of the wounded, his colleagues with the Chabad Terror Victims Project are at the hospitals.

“CTVP’s emergency response teams are meeting with the victims and their families, bringing them comfort and hope and serving as a lifeline of support as they struggle to cope with these violent acts of terror,” the organizations said in a statement. “CTVP’s support and assistance will continue for as long as it is needed, whether it is for days, for weeks, for months or for years, as those affected struggle to reclaim their lives.

“May G‑d bless the wounded and may we only share good news,” the statement continued.

In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Eilat’s mayor that the country would respond appropriately.

“We’re talking about a serious incident in which Israeli citizens were hurt and the country’s sovereignty was harmed,” Netanyahu said, according to The Jerusalem Post.