Developing Story
HALHUL, Israel (TNA) — The bodies of the three abducted boys –Naftali Frenkel (16), Gilad Sha’ar (16), Eyal Yifrah (19) — were found Monday, June 30 by IDF searchers. They disappeared on June 12 from a hitchhiking spot not far from this community where their bodies were discovered.
The teams working to recover the bodies were attacked by Arab rioters.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks at the start of the Security Cabinet meeting Monday evening, June 30: “With heavy grief, this evening we found three bodies. All signs indicate that they are the bodies of our three abducted youths – Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frankel. They were abducted and murdered in cold blood by human animals. On behalf of the entire Jewish People, I would like to tell the dear families – the mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, and brothers and sisters – we are deeply saddened, the entire nation weeps with you. We will give the boys a proper burial. ‘Vengeance for the blood of a small child, Satan has not yet created.’ ; neither has vengeance for the blood of three pure youths, who were on their way home to meet their parents, who will not see them anymore. Hamas is responsible – and Hamas will pay. May the memories of the three boys be blessed.”
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was quick to offer condolences in a statement issued by the State Department: “The news of the murder of these three Israeli teenagers — Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach — is simply devastating,” he said. “We all had so much hope that this story would not end this way. As a father, there are no words to express such a horrific loss that shakes all people of conscience. We pray for these three boys and their families, and together we grieve with all the people of Israel. Knowing that Naftali was also an American citizen makes this an especially heavy blow not just to Israel, but to the United States. We condemn this despicable terrorist act in the strongest possible terms. The killing of innocent youths is an outrage beyond any understanding or rationale, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. This is a time for all to work towards that goal without destabilizing the situation.”
U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-New York) said: “Every parent’s greatest fear is harm coming to his or her child, and so I can’t imagine what the parents of Gil-ad, Naftali, and Eyal are experiencing on this sad day. As we look at the faces of these young boys, it is my hope that even those who seek harm upon us realize that children are off limits. Young kids should never be targets in conflict. I’m heartbroken today at the loss of these three boys. I wish comfort upon their families. And I hope whoever is responsible for this evil is brought swiftly to justice.”
U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-New York) said: “Our hearts are broken by this appalling act of terrorism against three innocent Israelis, and our prayers are with all of their family members in Israel and the United States. President Abbas must make clear that such extremism will not be tolerated, and lead the effort to hold accountable every single person who played a role in this evil act.”
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois) said: “I wish to express my deepest condolences to the families of Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar, and Naftali Fraenkel. Like so many others around the world, I had hoped for their safe return, but unfortunately our worst fears have been realized. These innocent children were intentionally and brutally murdered. Such a heinous act cannot go unpunished or without universal condemnation. We must ensure that those responsible are caught and held accountable for their crimes.”
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Illinois): “I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of Eyal Yifrah, Naftali Frenkel and Gilad Sha’ar, as well as to all the people of Israel. As a father, I can’t fully convey the sadness I feel in learning of these young boys’ death, nor can I imagine the anguish of their parents. The kidnapping and murder of three teenage students—children just ages 16 and 19—is an outrage and shows the cowardice, brutality and lack of humanity of the perpetrators. Hamas is an internationally recognized terrorist organization and should be treated as such. I pray for comfort for the Yifrah, Frenkel and Sha’ar families in their time of mourning, and I pray that the people responsible for these children’s death are swiftly brought to justice.” Last week, Rep. Schneider and Rep. Randy Weber introduced a measure calling for the immediate release of the Israeli teenagers
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-California) said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of the three Israeli teens, one of whom was also an American citizen. There is substantial evidence that this murder is the responsibility of Hamas. We must bring to justice, not only the murderers, but their commanders. Earlier this month, I attended a press conference with my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee calling for the safe release of these boys. We met with family of Israeli-American teen Naftali Frenkel. My deepest sympathies go out to the all the families and loved ones of the three boys.”
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Jewish organizations were also quick to respond.
The World Jewish Congress said: “We are shocked and saddened to learn that the three Israeli teenagers kidnapped on June 12 near the West Bank city of Hebron were murdered. The thoughts of the entire international Jewish community are with the families of Naphtali Fraenkel, Gilad Sha’ar and Eyal Yifrach after their bodies were discovered Monday near the site of their abduction.
“Israeli authorities have evidence that the abduction was done by members of the Islamist Hamas movement, which runs the Gaza Strip and recently entered into agreement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah group. Once again, Hamas has revealed its true colors: This group blatantly disregards human life, and it doesn’t even refrain from hijacking innocent teenagers. Those who committed this heinous crime must be hunted down and brought to justice.
Hamas is a terrorist organization and it must be dismantled. It is the responsibility of Mahmoud Abbas to remove all Hamas-linked officials from his government immediately and fight terrorism vigorously and urgently. Abu Mazen needs to show leadership now. We urge the United States and the European Union, along with the rest of the world, to halt all financial support for the Palestinian Authority until Hamas is excluded from all government bodies. Make no mistake: this murder must spur the world into action, and the fight against fanatic, extremist groups such as Hamas must be stepped up urgently.”
The Conference of Presidents of American Jewish Organizations leaders Robert G. Sugarman, chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman,, said: “We are horrified and devastated by the reports, now confirmed, that the three boys Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar, and Naftali Fraenkel, kidnapped on June 12th, have been found dead in the Hebron area. We have communicated our condolences and solidarity to the families and Government of Israel and pray that they will be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Those responsible for this heinous and barbaric crime and those who aid and abet them, support them, and inspire them must be brought to swift justice and be punished to the fullest extent of the law. It is time that the world stand in unity against those who advocate and execute, as well as justify, the murder of innocent young people who are brutally butchered in Israel or anywhere. It cannot be met by indifference or pro-forma expressions of sympathy. For too long the threats against Israel, including missiles and terrorism, have elicited limited responses, with the roles of victims and perpetrators inverted. It must stop. For now we mourn together with all the people of Israel and all who value human life. May their memories be for a blessing.”
The American Jewish Committee issued the following statement: “AJC is horrified by the murder of three Israeli teens, who were kidnapped on June 12. The bodies of Naftali Fraenkel, 16, Gilad Shaar, 16, and Eyal Yifrach, 19, were found today near Hebron. Hamas operatives are suspected of abducting the three Jewish boys and killing them shortly afterwards. We share the anguish of the parents and families of Naftali, Gilad and Eyal, and of the entire Israeli nation,” said AJC Executive Director David Harris. “Cowardly terrorists chose three Jewish youths, innocently hitchhiking to return home for Shabbat, to seize and mercilessly kill.”
The kidnapping and murders took place shortly after Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas established a unity government with Hamas. Since the kidnapping, more than 25 rockets have been fired into Israel, the AJC statement noted. “We can only hope that all people of goodwill will stand together in unambiguous, immediate condemnation of this murder, and give further thought to a Palestinian government that includes Hamas as one of its two pillars,” said Harris.
Americans for Peace Now said it “stands with the people of Israel as it mourns the death of the three Israeli Yeshiva students who were kidnapped earlier this month in the West Bank. APN strongly condemns the kidnapping and the killing of the three, and sends its condolences to their families. APN calls on the Israeli government, the Palestinian Authority and all Palestinian factions, to prevent further escalation and further loss of innocent lives. APN’s President and CEO Debra DeLee said: “In this somber moment, we bow our heads and stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Israelis are united in outrage in the face of this heinous act of terrorism. So are we. This terrible tragedy has already created a national crisis, and the crisis may now further escalate. We call on everyone involved to avoid escalation and to act responsibly. The perpetrators of this terrible crime are the enemies of what we all want: Peace between Israel and its neighbors.”
The Israeli American Council said it “shares in the senseless loss and the grief of the families of Gilad Shaar, Naftali Fraenkel, and Eyal Yifrach. The entire Israeli-American community mourns their devastating murders and joins together with the people of Israel, the Jewish community and the worldwide community in grieving these victims of terror. May their memories forever be a blessing. ”
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs expressed “profound sorrow and extended condolences to the families of three Israeli teenagers who were kidnapped two weeks ago, murdered, and whose bodies were discovered today. ‘This is the saddest possible news for the families of these young boys, Israelis, and all of us around the world who have been praying for their safe return since they disappeared two weeks ago,’ said JCPA Chair Susan W. Turnbull. “We extend our condolences to the families for their unspeakable pain. Nothing can undo the tragedy of their murders. “All of us today are mourning for Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar, and Naftali Fraenkel,’ said JCPA President Rabbi Steve Gutow. ‘They were just boys. They had their futures inhumanely robbed from them. We are torn to pieces with sadness. Our grief is matched by a resolve to support the effort to find those whose are responsible and expeditiously bring them to justice.'”
Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA)–On behalf of everyone at JINSA, we would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of Eyal Yifrach, 19, Gil-ad Shaar, 16, and Naftali Frenkel, 16, who were kidnapped and murdered by Hamas. JINSA stands united with our friends in Israel in the fight against terrorism, and we honor the tireless effort of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces as they undertook Operation Brother’s Keeper in order to bring the boys home.May the people of Israel and all those affected by this senseless tragedy find strength and comfort during these times, and may the perpetrators of this heinous act be swiftly brought to justice.”
Jewish National Fund: “This afternoon the world learned of the killings of the three teenagers in Israel, Naftali Frenkel, 16, Gilad Shaar, 16, and Eyal Yifrach, 19. Our prayers and thoughts go out to their families and to all who knew and loved them. In a way, their loss is one that we all share. Each of us came to know Naftali, Gilad and Eyal in the last two weeks through the global campaign #BringBackOurBoys. Their story and captivity brought people together from many backgrounds and nations to support their release. It was indeed an unprecedented display of emotion and community not seen in some time. However, the fact remains that these young men were abducted and struck down for no reason. They were not soldiers but Jewish students who loved Israel, desired to learn Torah, and had their entire lives before them.
“In tribute to their lasting memory, Jewish National Fund will create gardens to honor Naftali z”l, Gilad z”l and Eyal z”l. In the meantime, we will honor the customs of our forefathers and grieve with the families who have lost so much. Our prayers are with them all. May the families be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim. May the families know no more sorrow.”
Republican Jewish Coalition National Chairman David Flaum said: “On behalf of the leaders, members, and staff of the Republican Jewish Coalition, I offer our sincere condolences to the Frenkel, Shaar, and Yifrah families. Along with Jews around the world, we shared in the hope that Naftali, Gilad, and Eyal would return home safely. We are deeply saddened by the loss of the three young men. The Israeli government made every effort to find the boys after they were kidnapped on June 12. We hope that the people responsible for their kidnapping and murder will be swiftly found and brought to justice. May the Frenkel, Shaar, and Yifrah families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”
Stand With Us: “Our hearts are breaking at the horrific news of the murder of the three Israeli teenagers: Eyal Yifrah, Naftali Frankel and Gilad Shaer.Israelis, Jews and people of goodwill around the world were consumed with worry following the cruel and cowardly kidnapping of the teens. The news of their brutal murder is painful to absorb.As we stood with and embraced the families following the kidnapping, we stand with them today, sharing their grief and wishing them strength at this tragic time.
“This sad news reminds us that terrorists continue to act with impunity under Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. It reminds us that Hamas is a terrorist organization and has no place in any serious leadership or negotiating position. We see a clear link between the horrific acts of violence by Jihadists in Iraq and Syria and the acts of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian terror groups.
“Hate education against Jews and Israelis continues unabated in the Palestinian Authority, Gaza and many other Arab countries. The result is bigotry, violence and murder. The institutionalized incitement against Jews and Israel permeates education, the media, mosques and other social institutions, directed and supported by the Palestinian leadership. This ‘education’ produced the stomach-turning images of some Palestinians celebrating the boys’ abduction. This ‘education’resulted in the murder of our three innocent boys.
“The world has been united in keeping the boys and their families uppermost in our thoughts and prayers, and will continue to do so now. We pray for the strength that the families and our greater community will need to cope with this tragedy. International pressure must be placed on the Palestinian Authority to stop the ongoing incitement to bigotry, hatred and violence. The Palestinian leadership, both Abbas and Hamas, must finally be held accountable for their actions. EU and American funding of the PA should be tied to that accountability. We continue to support Israel’s security procedures that protect its citizens from acts of terror like this. We join all of Israel, and good people around the world, in mourning Eyal, Naftali and Gilad. May their memories be a blessing to all people of goodwill.”
Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) said it “mourns the deaths of the three Jewish Israeli youths — Eyal Yifrah, 19, Gilad Shaar, 16, and Naftali Fraenkel, 16 — snuffed out by Palestinian Arab terrorist murderers who abducted them earlier this month near Hebron. The corpses of the three teenagers were discovered earlier today by Israeli police, bound and partially buried, in an open field at Wadi Tellem near Hebron. The kidnappers have been identified by Israel as Marwan Kawasmeh and Amar Abu-Eisha, who belong to Hamas, which calls in its Charter for the worldwide murder of Jews and with which Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah/Palestinian Authority (PA) formed a new government last month. The ZOA has called on President Barack Obama to terminate U.S. taxpayer-funded aid to the Hamas/Fatah unity regime.
“The ZOA condemns this heinous crime committed by the Palestinian Arab terrorists and is also deeply critical of the fact that President Barack Obama did not condemn the kidnapping of the youths at any time during the 18-day ordeal, even though one of the youths, Naftali Frankel, was a dual American-Israeli citizen. ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said, ‘The ZOA mourns the lives of these three Jewish teenagers, mercilessly and viciously snuffed out by their Palestinian terrorist abductors. Our hearts are grief-stricken and go out to their families, who have endured an unimaginable nightmare, only to awaken to utter horror and loss. We condemn this unspeakable crime, one which Hamas has ghoulishly praised and welcomed, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal saying, ‘Blessed be the hands that captured them.’
“We now call upon Abbas to terminate his Fatah/PA unity regime with Hamas, especially in view of the PA’s statement earlier this month that it would do so if Hamas was involved in the kidnapping. We also condemn Abbas for his criticism of Israel having mounted extensive, house-to-house searches for the kidnapped youths. This is what any self-respecting country does when its citizens are victims of terrorism. When the Boston Marathon was bombed by radical Muslim terrorists, the Boston police locked down half the city and conducted house-to-house searches until they located the perpetrators. Why would or should Israel do any less?
“We are also critical of President Obama throughout this crisis. In 18 days, he uttered no criticism or condemnation of the kidnapping of the three youths, one of whom is an American citizen; he merely expressed concern. Condemnation of this terrorist act came only from Secretary of State John Kerry — after several days had passed. We believe it is grossly inadequate for an American president to fail to condemn this kidnapping, involving an American citizen. Did not President Obama say on May 23 at the National Defense University that the U.S. needed to conduct ‘a series of persistent, targeted efforts to dismantle specific networks of violent extremists that threaten America’? Surely this should mean cutting off a regime which includes just such a terrorist network? We call upon President Obama to demand that Abbas terminate his unity regime with Hamas, failing which he will cut relations and aid to the PA. In particular, he should immediate announce the cancellation of nearly $500 million recently announced to the Hamas/Fatah regime.”
Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg, former chairman Rabbis for Romney: “I have begged the reading public not to listen to Obama and the liberal Rabbis. You can not negotiate with savages. When I served as chairman of Rabbis for Romney, I was attacked by the liberal Jewish establishment. I have repeated my message over and over, never again, never, forgive , never forget. ”
Local Jewish Comment
Tifereth Israel Synagogue -“We join together with the citizens of the State of Israel, our Jewish brothers and sisters throughout the world, and all civilized and peace loving people, in expressing our grief and outrage at the murders of Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach. We offer our condolences to their families and pray that God will comfort them as they arrange the burial and shiva for their young sons. May their murderers soon be brought to justice, and may this senseless and despicable tragedy compel all who live in Israel and the Palestinian Territories to make a greater effort to find a lasting and just peace.” — Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal and Seth Krosner, congregation president.
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Rabbi Dr Bernhard Rosenberg your credibility is zeo. Who are you to knock President Obama a great friend to the Jewish People?… .