The three murdered victims, all fathers in their 40s, were identified Friday morning as Yonatan Havakuk, Boaz Gol and Oren Ben Yiftach. Together, they leave behind 16 children.
By JNS.org and United with Israel Staff
Security forces continue Friday morning to search for the attackers who murdered three Israelis and injured at least four people, two critically, in the central Israeli city of Elad, not far from Petach Tikvah. The attack on Thursday night came as celebrations for Yom Ha’aztmaut, Israel Independence Day, were winding down.
The three murdered victims, all fathers in their 40s, were identified Friday morning as Yonatan Havakuk, Boaz Gol and Oren Ben Yiftach. Together, they leave behind 16 children.
Havakuk reportedly died while fighting one of the terrorists.
“My husband fought against them with great heroism and saved many lives. He fought with them for long minutes, which allowed many to flee the scene,” Havakuk’s widow posted in a Facebook group for residents of Elad.
A witness at the scene heard shouts of Allahu Akbar during the attack, according to Israeli media.
The suspects, who attacked people in the city’s central park by Ibn Gvirol Street, were believed to be armed with an ax and perhaps a firearm. With the aid of at least one helicopter, security forces are searching the area for the assailants. Elad Mayor Yisrael Porush told residents to stay inside while security forces were operating.
Jewish groups worldwide immediately responded to the news, offering prayers and support.
“When will the hatred and violence end?” said a tweet from the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center in Canada. “We are sickened to learn of yet another suspected terror attack in Israel, which has taken the lives of three people and injured several others. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
Agudath Israel of America tweeted that it is “horrified by the news of a terror attack in Elad, Israel. We are praying for the victims and their families.” They followed up that tweet with the text of Psalm 130, which many recite in times of trouble.
Stand With Us tweeted: “At least three innocent people were murdered in tonight’s deadly terror attack in Elad, central Israel, #Israel, and at least 3 more are left fighting for their lives, as Israelis were celebrating Israel’s Independence Day. May their memories forever be a blessing.”
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean and director of global social action at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, said: “No current peace partner in Holy Land. Palestinian leadership continues to praise and support terrorists, and reward them and their families for murdering and maiming Jews. It will stop when the world holds [Palestinian] leadership accountable for their incitement and support for terrorism.”