Ambassador's Son Critically Injured in Terror Attack, Daughter Gives Birth Nearby

Israel's Ambassador to the U.S., Yehiel Leiter, arrived at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem on Thursday to be with his son, Neriah Leiter, who was critically injured in a terror attack at a checkpoint on Route 443 the previous day. Neriah, a reservist and resident of Havat Yair in the Samaria region, was part of a police patrol vehicle crew when a terrorist rammed his car into the checkpoint. Neriah underwent a complex, hours-long brain surgery. Professor Alexander Yuskovich of Shaare Zedek reported that Neriah's condition is stable but still critical, with his life remaining in danger, though doctors are hopeful.

Ambassador Leiter stated at the hospital that he felt they were in the best hands and expressed gratitude to the medical team. He recounted that upon boarding his flight from New York, amidst preparations for the Prime Minister's UN visit, there was fear he would return without hope. "Thank God the doctors managed to stabilize Neriah's condition," he said, adding that his son's life is still at risk.

Leiter contrasted the current situation with the loss of another son, Major (res.) Moshe Yedidya Leiter, who was killed in Gaza in November 2023. "This experience is different from the night three years ago when I received a knock on the door after my son fell. He died immediately, there was no possibility then to bring him to a hospital and let Israel's top doctors work on him," he explained. He noted that Neriah has been a pillar of strength for the family since Moshe's death.

Adding to the family's ordeal, Ambassador Leiter revealed that his elder daughter, Sarah, whose husband commands a battalion, gave birth to a daughter named Shaked two weeks ahead of schedule during the ongoing conflict. Sarah went into labor and was admitted to the hospital just 40 meters away from her brother, Neriah, who is in intensive care.

Neriah's mother, Chani, told Galei Tzahal radio that Neriah's wife initially thought the ramming attack might have been a bomb. She described the family's ongoing shock and grief after losing Moshe, emphasizing Neriah's role in holding the family together. She also mentioned that Neriah's 11-year-old son was informed of his father's condition by his mother.