New York City Mayor visits hospitalized terror victims in Jerusalem

"When you are attacked, we also feel attacked," says de Blasio.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
Updated: OCTOBER 19, 2015 01:08
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio visits stabbing victims in Jerusalem hospital
Shortly after arriving in the capital to participate in the Annual Conference of Mayors, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio accompanied Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to visit badly wounded Jewish terror victims at Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem.
During the Saturday night visit, de Blasio said he has been in close contact with Barkat since the terror wave began earlier this month, and expressed solidarity with the people of Israel.
“When you are attacked, we also feel attacked,” said de Blasio.
“We in New York are very familiar with the effects of terrorism,” he added, alluding to the recent anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that destroyed the Twin Towers, and killed thousands of New Yorkers.
Barkat emphasized that terrorism has become an international epidemic that must be swiftly eradicated.
“The war on terror is global and common to many countries, and the September 11 attacks, as well as our wave of terror, originate from the same source of evil that we must eradicate,” he said.
“We have all experienced difficult times in which terror hit us and tried to disrupt the routine of our lives, but our residents are strong, determined and believe in the justness of our cause, and the desire to live in peace together.”
Barkat added that the Arab incitement that leads to terrorism must also be rooted out.
“This is not just a war against the terrorists themselves, but also factors that foment and create propaganda, lies and disinformation that we have to refute every opportunity to say instead of one thing: the truth,” he said.
Barkat thanked de Blasio for his support, saying he hopes the city will return to normal soon.
“The visit of the mayor of New York City in Jerusalem, specifically in these challenging days, is an expression of true friendship and solidarity,” said Barkat.
“I have no doubt that, like New Yorkers who also overcame terror, Jerusalem too will soon return to normal.”
De Blasio also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.
The Prime Minister’s Office released no details about that meeting.