Israeli Ambassador to US Speaks Out After Son Critically Injured in Terror Attack

Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Eran Leifer, delivered an emotional statement at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, where his son, Neria, is fighting for his life following a car-ramming attack near the Makkabim checkpoint on Route 443. Leifer described the past night as "very complicated," expressing initial fears he might land in Israel "without hope" after flying from New York, where he was preparing for the Prime Minister's UN visit. Doctors managed to stabilize Neria's condition overnight, but his life remains in danger.

The attack occurred when a terrorist, identified as 29-year-old Suleiman Mahmoud from the village of Beit Ur al-Tahta, intentionally rammed his vehicle into Neria Leifer, a reservist sergeant major and resident of the Havat Yair settlement in the Samaria region. Neria, who was on duty in a police vehicle with an officer as part of a joint police and IDF operation, was critically injured and underwent a lengthy brain surgery. Security forces at the scene shot and killed the attacker.

Ambassador Leifer drew a parallel between this incident and the death of his elder son, Moshe Yedidya, who was killed in combat in Gaza approximately three years ago. He noted the stark difference in the family's experience, as this time they have the opportunity to be at their son's bedside and rally public prayer, unlike the immediate loss of Moshe. Leifer also shared that he received an outpouring of support, with hundreds of thousands, possibly millions, of Jews and Christians worldwide praying for Neria's recovery.

Leifer asserted that the motive behind attacks like this, and the recent murder of Natanel Shokron, is to uproot Israelis from their land. He praised the current generation of young fighters, calling them the "greatest generation" in Jewish history, highlighting their dedication and willingness to sacrifice for the country, regardless of their background. He specifically mentioned Neria, a 39-year-old economist with four children who could have received an exemption from reserve duty but has served 450 days since October 7th.

In a poignant revelation, Leifer shared that his elder daughter, Sarah, whose husband is a Givati Brigade commander, went into premature labor and gave birth to a daughter while at her brother's bedside. She is now hospitalized in the same intensive care unit, just 40 meters away from Neria. Leifer concluded by appealing to the public for continued prayers, stating, "We need a miracle, and these prayers can bring about a miracle."