An American yeshiva student who was stabbed Thursday near Jerusalem's Damascus Gate arrives at Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Photo: Magen David Adom.

JNS.org – A yeshiva student from Brooklyn was stabbed with a screwdriver on Thursday while he was on his way to the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

The victim, Joshua Fishman, was visiting Jerusalem’s Old City for his 21st birthday, the New York Daily News reported. Following the attack, which took place near the Damascus Gate, police began canvassing the area in search of the perpetrator, who as of Friday was still at large.

First responders who were dispatched to the scene said Fishman remained fully conscious and was taken to the Shaare Zedek Medical Center for treatment. “When we arrived at the Damascus Gate, we were led to the youngster, whose upper torso had been lacerated by a sharp object,” said Magen David Adom paramedic Rafael Herbst, Israel Hayom reported.

According to Herbst, Fishman recalled the moments before the attack, saying he had been walking in Jerusalem’s Old City when he suddenly felt a strong jolt in his back. Hospital officials said he sustained moderate wounds and was operated on after undergoing several scans.