Officer who shot terrorist: I'm no hero

VIDEO - David Shapira, the IDF officer who shot and injured the terrorist at the Mercaz Harav yeshiva Thursday, was not even supposed to be at the place, after switching his weekend leave with another officer.

Eight people were murdered in the attack and 10 have been wounded. Three of those injured are in critical condition. 

Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi met with Shapira Friday and praised him for his actions. "You've demonstrated exemplary behavior, resourcefulness, courage and professionalism," Ashkenazi said. "You acted like any IDF officer is expected to act," he added.

Shapira currently serves as assistant chief of staff for operations in the 890 Paratrooper Battalion.

Video courtesy of Infolive.tv

Shapira, who was a student at the yeshiva prior to his enlistment in the army, came there Thursday to pray with other students, and later returned to his home nearby.

In a conversation with Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski after the attack, Shapira recounted the dreadful moments at the yeshiva. Shapira told the mayor that he was sitting at home when he heard gunshots. He immediately grabbed his gun and headed towards the seminary.

A police officer stopped him from entering the place, so Shapira entered the building through a side door and advanced towards the library, from where he heard the gunshots.

Shapira moved into the room, shot the terrorist in the back, and kicked his weapon aside. He then scanned the basement to see whether another terrorist was hiding there.

In the meantime, Yitzhak Dadon also arrived at the library, and seeing that the terrorist was wounded but not dead, shot him twice in the head and killed him. Shapira continued canvassing the place and attending to the injured.

Shortly after the attack, Shapira met with Lupolianski, who praised him for saving the lives of Jerusalem residents through his brave actions.

"I am no hero," Shapira replied. "I acted as required of me as an IDF soldier."