If there was any doubt, it has been laid to rest. The wave of violence — be it called the third intifada or by some other name — has been ratcheted up a level. The Nov. 18 attack on the Bnei Torah Kehillat Yaakov synagogue was not an individual attack by a lone assailant on an impulsive quest for revenge driven by a calling to defend the Haram al-Sharif. Rather, what we saw was a well-planned terrorist attack. Even the US Consulate in East Jerusalem issued an advisory to Americans visiting or living in the city, explaining that the attack on the synagogue in the Har Nof neighborhood was different from the recent “run over” attacks. The statement read, “Today’s incident differs from the recent attacks, potentially demonstrating low-level coordination to attack a pre-identified soft target.” It also recommended precautionary measures one could take.
Indeed, the two terrorists, Rassan Abu Jamal and his cousin Uday Abu Jamal, both from Jabel Mukaber, knowingly embarked on a suicide mission. Both probably knew they would not leave the synagogue alive. Armed not with explosive belts, but axes, guns and knives, Rassan and Uday planned to die as “shahids” (martyrs).