An ultra-Orthodox man in his twenties was stabbed by Palestinians in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah on Thursday. He is currently in moderate condition.

Two suspects were apprehended near the scene of the stabbing shortly afterward, and taken in for questioning. Police believe that there were nationalistic motives behind the attack.

Three ultra-Orthodox Jews in their twenties claimed they were coming from the tomb of Simon the Just, walking through the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood toward the Haredi neighborhoods of East Jerusalem, when they were attacked by Palestinians wielding knives next to a gas station.

Yossi Marciano, a Magen David Adom medic, arrived on the scene. “The injured man was confused, and in shock, but able to speak. We bandaged the wound, stopped the bleeding and rushed him to Haddash Ein Karem in an intensive care ambulance,” said Marciano.

According to witnesses on the scene, the attackers fled toward Wadi Joz.

MK Uri Ariel (National Union) responded to the events. “I expect the police and security services to secure the area, to attend to guarding the holy sites and protect the worshippers at every site holy site in Israel. (© Copyright 2012 Ha´aretz 04/20/12)