Shin Bet: Attacker had familial problems and was left by his wife

Nimer Mahmoud Ahmad Jamal, the attacker, in a farewell message to his wife on Monday evening, praised her and admitted that he had not treated her well.

By ADAM RASGON
Nimer Mahmoud Ahmad Jamal, perpetrator of the September 26, 2017 terror attack in Har Adar (photo credit: SOCIAL MEDIA)
Nimer Mahmoud Ahmad Jamal, perpetrator of the September 26, 2017 terror attack in Har Adar
(photo credit: SOCIAL MEDIA)
37-year-old Nimer Mahmoud Ahmad Jamal, who shot dead three Israeli security men outside of the Har Adar settlement near Jerusalem on Tuesday, had familial problems and was left by his wife weeks ago, according to the Shin Bet.
“An initial investigation into the attack indicated that the assailant had personal and familial problems including those related to domestic violence,” the Shin Bet said in a statement. “It was also discovered that the assailant’s wife fled to Jordan a number of weeks ago and left him with their children.”
Jamal, a resident of Beit Surik, was the father of four children and had a permit to work in settlements in the West Bank. According to Channel 2, he was fired from his job in Har Adar four years ago.
In a farewell message to his wife on Monday evening, Jamal praised her and admitted that he had not treated her well.
“I swear to God that the mother of Bahaa, my wife, truly was a righteous spouse and compassionate mother,” he said. “I was the one who treated her poorly only because of my foolish jealousy.”
Jamal also said that the attack he would carry out is unrelated to his wife.
“I say in full awareness: What you will witness tomorrow is not connected to my wife,” Jamal said.
He concluded his note asking his wife for forgiveness.
Jamal also posted on his personal Facebook page several times before carrying out the attack on Tuesday.
On Monday evening, he posted a photo which appears to be of himself lifting weights.
“I only fear God. I testify there is no god but God,” he wrote above the photo, referring to an Islamic creed about the oneness of God.
On Tuesday morning, he wrote “Oh God” in one post and the letter “Z” in another post.
Beit Surik Mayor Ahmad al-Jamal said while he did not know Nimer personally, he was surprised someone from his village would carry out an attack.
“I did not think someone from our village would do that. I was surprised,” Ahmad said in a phone call. “Our village is always quiet and many of our residents work in the settlement.”
The last time a resident of Beit Surik attacked an Israeli took place in October 2016, according to the Shin Bet.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said Jamal did not have a “past” of security related offenses.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, a branch of the Defense Ministry, issued a report in March, which concluded some Palestinians carry out attacks to escape personal and familial problems.
The report stated that victims of domestic violence, social criticism and psychological issues carry out suicide attacks against Israelis to liberate themselves from their difficult personal and familial circumstances.


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