MILAN - An Orthodox Jew, 40-year-old Nathan Graff, was stabbed last night in a Milan street, in front of the kosher 'Carmel' restaurant. He was transported to the Niguarda Hospital but is reported not to be in critical condition, though he was repeatedly stabbed in the back and face. The attack occurred at 8:15 pm local time.



The Israeli citizen, son-in-law of rabbi Hetzkia Levi, according to the local Jewish community, was attacked from behind by a masked man as he was returning home. It was a quick attack, which has so far not been claimed by anyone. The victim was repeatedly stabbed in the back and scarred in the face before the attacker fled the scene.



A woman who saw the attack and called for help could be a key witness for police investigators.



Other witnesses said they heard the attacker scream ''I will kill you'' and that they saw him take off his hood, revealing blonde hair.



The wounded man, the son-in-law of Milan rabbi Hetzkia Levi visiting the city with his daughter, is being treated at the Niguarda hospital and had to undergo face surgery.



The attack occurred in Via San Gimignano 14, just a few meters from the kosher restaurant which is always filled with students at lunchtime. Indeed the location of the attack is worrying the community with members fearing it was meant as a politically-motivated move. ''We fear this episode is similar to the ones that took place in Paris, with 'lone wolves' emulating what is occurring in the Middle East'', commented Ruggero Gabbai, a city councilor with the Democratic Party who is a member of the local Jewish community. ''It is the most serious incident ever reported in Milan'', commented the co-president of the Jewish community in Milan, Raffaele Besso. ''We have to state that the appeal by ISIS to target Jews wherever they are is unfortunately being followed'', added the president of the Jewish community in Rome, Ruth Dureghello.



The fact that Nathan Graff has been stabbed was widely reported in Israel and made the top news on military radio.



Local Orthodox websites expressed strong concern that the 'intifada of knives'' started by the Palestinians at the beginning of October could now expand to Europe. Meanwhile synagogues are praying so that ''Nathan, son of Haya-Sarah'' soon recovers from his injuries.

