US Ambassador: We stand with the family of terror victim Ben-Gal

“Perhaps the most difficult tasks I have as the US Ambassador to Israel is that of consoling victims of terror."

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
Updated: FEBRUARY 11, 2018 13:27
US AMBASSADOR to Israel David Friedman. (photo credit: Courtesy)
US AMBASSADOR to Israel David Friedman.
(photo credit: Courtesy)
The United States stands in solidarity with the family of terror victim Rabbi Itamar Ben-Gal, 29, America’s Ambassador to Israel David Friedman wrote in a letter he sent to the family.
“Perhaps the most difficult tasks I have as the US Ambassador to Israel is that of consoling victims of terror.
“Once again, my heart breaks as I reach out to a beautiful family that has lost a husband and a father.
“There is no greater contribution in life than providing for the education and development of the next generation,” Friedman wrote in a letter given to the media on Sunday.
Ben-Gal, a father of four, was stabbed to death by an Israeli-Arab terrorist as he stood near a bus stop outside the West Bank settlement of Ariel on February 5. He had been on his way to his nephew’s brit in his home community of Har Bracha, located in the Samaria region of the West Bank.
“By devoting his life to teaching at Yeshiva Bnei Akiva in Givat Shmuel as well as in your hometown of Har Bracha, Rabbi Ben-Gal pursued this mission not as a job, but as a higher calling,” Friedman wrote.
“Upon hearing your words at the funeral about the life of your husband, it became clear to me that you, too, have an inner strength and courage cultivated by a life of care and concern for others,” Friedman wrote.
“Just as Rabbi Ben-Gal dedicated himself to nurturing others, during this terrible time, the government and the people of the United States of America are standing with you, your precious family and community.
“Wishing you no further sorrow, and may Rav Itamar Ben-Gal’s memory be a blessing to your entire family,” Friedman wrote.
It is the second time he has spoke out about the attack.
Last week, he tweeted, “20 years ago I gave an ambulance to Har Bracha hoping it would be used to deliver healthy babies. Instead, a man from Har Bracha was just murdered by a terrorist, leaving behind a wife and four children. Palestinian 'leaders' have praised the killer. Praying for the BenGal family.”
US special envoy Jason Greenblatt also tweeted last week about the attack.
“Itamar Ben-Gal, an Israeli father of four, was stabbed to death by a terrorist while waiting for a bus. I pray for his family and all those affected. Will this attack be condemned or glorified?” Greenblatt wrote.


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