Israeli Ambassador to US Updates on Son's Critical Condition After Terror Attack

Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yehiel "Jihad" Leiter, provided an update on his son Neria's critical condition following a severe terrorist attack last week at the Maccabim checkpoint. "His life is still hanging by a thread, but we have seen some encouraging signs and are clinging to them with hope," Ambassador Leiter stated on Sunday. He requested the public expand their prayers to include all victims of terror, emphasizing that Neria and his friends are heroes fighting for "the future of civilization."

Neria Leiter, a reservist in his 30s, was critically injured and left unconscious after being run over by a terrorist who was subsequently neutralized by security forces. He was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center. This incident comes after Ambassador Leiter lost his elder son, Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, who was killed in combat in Gaza on November 10, 2023.

Ambassador Leiter immediately flew to Israel after the attack. On Thursday, he had expressed hope for his son's recovery, thanking the medical staff at Shaare Zedek for their care. He noted that while Neria's life was still in danger, doctors had managed to stabilize his condition overnight, a significant improvement from initial fears.

Leiter shared that he had received an outpouring of support and prayers from numerous synagogues and churches he had visited during his tenure in Washington, suggesting millions, both Jewish and non-Jewish, were praying for Neria's recovery. He contrasted this experience with the immediate loss of his elder son, Moshe, where there was no opportunity for prayer or intervention.

Reflecting on the attack, Ambassador Leiter reiterated his view that the violence in the West Bank is primarily Palestinian aggression aimed at dislodging Jews from the land, stating that any deviations from the Israeli side are exceptions. He described Neria as his second son, who has been leading the family since Moshe's death, and expressed deep hope for Neria's full recovery.