Israeli Ambassador to US Shares Update on Son's Critical Condition After Attack

Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yehiel Leiter, provided an update on his son Neria's critical condition following a severe attack on Route 443. Speaking from Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, Leiter described a "very complicated night" during which doctors worked to stabilize his son, stating, "There was a fear that I would land here this morning without hope. Thank God, the doctors managed to stabilize his condition, but his life is still in danger."

Leiter drew parallels between his son's situation and the loss of another son, Moshe, who was killed in combat in northern Gaza three years prior. He noted the profound impact of this second tragedy, contrasting it with the immediate loss of Moshe, where there was no opportunity for family prayer. "Now the entire nation is praying for his recovery," he stated, emphasizing the widespread public concern and prayer for Neria.

He also spoke about the resilience of Neria's generation, calling them "the greatest generation of the Jewish people," who are united in their service and sacrifice. Leiter appealed to the Israeli public, "Continue with the prayers, we need a miracle."

Adding a poignant layer to the family's ordeal, Leiter revealed that his elder daughter, Sarah, gave birth to a baby girl two weeks ahead of schedule, while lying in the hospital just 40 meters away from her brother's intensive care unit. Sarah's husband is serving as a battalion commander.

Leiter also criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's statement that Hamas does not exist in Judea and Samaria, calling it either ignorant or malicious. He asserted that Palestinian violence aims to expel Jews from their land, a struggle he believes began not on October 7th, but with the establishment of the state. Neria, who has continued his reserve duty after his brother's death, has accumulated hundreds of days of service on various fronts since October 7th.