Israel News for 9-17-18
Terror Attack
Yesterday morning, a 17 year old Palestinian terrorist stabbed to death Ari Fuld, a father of 4 from Efrat. Fuld was outside the Harim Mall at the Etzion junction (Judea) when the terrorist stabbed him in the back. Fuld managed to chase and shoot at his attacker before succumbing to his fatal wounds. Another passerby also shot the terrorist, who was moderately wounded and taken to Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem. Fuld was rushed to Jerusalem’s Shaare Tzedek Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The Harim shooping mall, where the attack occurred, is used by both Jews and Arabs from the surrounding area.
The terrorist’s mother reportedly warned security forces that she thought her son was planning an attack. But the warning was too late. Hamas praised the attack, while Palestinian Authority President Abbas apparently condemned all violence by Palestinians against Israel. Last night the IDF mapped the terrorist’s house for demolition. The house is in the the village of Yatta, near Hebron, which is a hotbed of terror activity and the home of many past terrorists.
Ari Fuld, 45, was a US citizen who immigrated to Israel and served in a combat unit in the IDF during the Second Lebanon War. He worked for Standing Together, a non-governmental organization that provides support to Israeli soldiers. He was known as a staunch advocate defender of Israel on social media and via speaking engagements throughout the world. He also recorded and distributed weekly videos with Torah thoughts and ideas. For the intro paragraph on his Facebook page he wrote, “Living the dream! I have a love for the Nation of Israel, Land of Israel and Torah of Israel.”
Fuld was buried in Gush Etzion late last night. Thousands of mourners attended the funeral. PM Netanyahu paid a visit to the house of mourning. Afterwards he said, “This evening I met the parents and siblings of the Israeli hero Ari Fuld. I embraced them in the name of the whole nation of Israel during this terrible time for them. We owe our lives to heroes like Ari. We will always remember him.”
Fuld’s sister-in-law said that Ari, “believed in the people of Israel, in the Land of Israel, according to the Torah of Israel. He loved the country, was an educator, a teacher, and persistently fought for the truth … The people of Israel and the Land of Israel lost a true knight today whose entire soul and actions were for the sanctity of God and the people of Israel.”
Fuld’s brother Hillel said, “My brother lived his life as a hero and died as a hero, he was a hero until the last moment.”
May his memory serve as a blessing. And may God bless Israel with peace.
To watch a full video of the emotional funeral click here.
Soldiers Wounded
Two IDF soldiers and a female officer from the mixed Karakal combat battalion were lightly wounded Sunday in the Qalandiya refugee camp by Palestinian stone throwers, when their bus accidentally entered the camp. The officer sustained injuries to her face and limbs caused by broken glass shards.
Border Police and Karakal forces—assisted by Palestinian policemen—extricated the bus from Qalandiya shortly after the Palestinian defense establishment and the IDF activated their rescue protocols.Border Police officers detained three Palestinian in their 20s and 30s suspected of attacking the bus. During the rioting, a Border Policemen suffered a head injury and evacuated to the hospital.
For further reading click here.
Frozen Funds
The US has decided to freeze all bank accounts belonging to the PLO in the US. The Palestinian envoy to the US Husam Zomlot also said on Sunday that his permit to stay in the US has been annulled, his families’ bank accounts have been closed and that he and his family have been requested by authorities to immediately leave the country. This follows last week’s decision by the US administration to close the PLO mission in Washington.
For further reading click here.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins this Tuesday at sunset and lasts until nightfall on Wednesday. It is a day on which the Torah mandates that we “afflict” ourselves. We accomplish “affliction” by refraining from eating, drinking, wearing leather shoes, bathing for pleasure or engaging in marital relations. We spend then day asking God for forgiveness, but not nearly enough time asking the same from our fellow man. Let’s focus a bit more this year on treating our fellow man with the respect and dignity that every person deserves. In that merit, may we all be granted forgiveness and be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life.
Wishing you all an easy fast and a Gmar Chatima Tova.
