President Rivlin pays condolence call to Ettinger family

“The rabbi was an inspiration and example to us all. Your cries of grief echo from one end of the country to the other,” the president told Tamar Ettinger, the rabbi’s widow.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
President Rivlin with Ettinger Family (Beit HaNasi) (photo credit: BEIT HANASI)
President Rivlin with Ettinger Family (Beit HaNasi)
(photo credit: BEIT HANASI)
President Reuven Rivlin paid a condolence call today to the family of Rabbi Achiad Ettinger, who was killed in the terrorist attack at the Ariel junction.
Rivlin spoke to the rabbi’s widow and children about the many family connections between the Ettinger and Rivlin families.
“The rabbi was an inspiration and example to us all. Your cries of grief echo from one end of the country to the other,” the president told Tamar Ettinger, the rabbi’s widow. “We came here and fought for our land and we will not cease for a moment. Our faith must be strong, and we must be confident in our righteousness.”
“We must all work together to strengthen the yeshiva and continue his life’s work,” Tamar Ettinger said.
The president later visited the family of First Sergeat Gal Keidan who was also murdered in the terrorist attack at the Ariel Junction.
"Gal was an incredibly talented artist. He gave his all to the country with boundless dedication, and we must make sure that we are worthy of his dedication," the president said.
"Gal was so happy in the IDF. He became full of self-confidence and his shoulders broadened. He got so much from the army and was willing to give back twice as much. It was such a surprise to me. He was our baby and we did not think that military service would suit him so well, but he flourished and loved serving," Gal's sister Alona said.
The president hugged the family warmly and said before leaving that he hoped and prayed that he would meet them again on happier occasions.