American Leaders React To The Murder Of Three Israeli Teens

The following is a front-page article that I wrote for The Jewish Link of Bergen County, in which I detail some of the statements made by American political leaders upon the discovery of the bodies of 3 Israeli boys 18 days after their abduction at the hands of terrorists:

 

AMERICAN LEADERS REACT TO THE MURDER OF THREE ISRAELI TEENS

 

By: N. Aaron Troodler

 

The gruesome discovery of the bodies of three Israeli teenagers earlier this week in a field near Hebron was met with a great degree of shock and outrage from people throughout the world. Ever since they were abducted by terrorists on June 12, 19-year-old Eyal Yifrach, 16-year-old Gilad Shaar and 16-year-old Naftali Frenkel had been in the hearts and minds of countless people across the globe as they prayed for the teens’ safe return and hoped that they would be reunited with their families.

 

There was no shortage of reactions to the news from American governmental and political leaders, many of whom empathized with the grieving families and expressed anger at the ghastly terrorist act that shocked our collective conscience and claimed the lives of these three innocent boys.

 

“As a father, I cannot imagine the indescribable pain that the parents of these teenage boys are experiencing,” said President Obama as he extended his condolences to the families. “The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms this senseless act of terror against innocent youth. From the outset, I have offered our full support to Israel and the Palestinian Authority to find the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to justice, and I encourage Israel and the Palestinian Authority to continue working together in that effort. I also urge all parties to refrain from steps that could further destabilize the situation. As the Israeli people deal with this tragedy, they have the full support and friendship of the United States.”

 

In a statement, Secretary of State John Kerry condemned the killings and expressed outrage at the murder of the three boys.

 

“The news of the murder of these three Israeli teenagers - Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach - is simply devastating,” said Secretary Kerry. “We all had so much hope that this story would not end this way. As a father, there are no words to express such a horrific loss that shakes all people of conscience. We pray for these three boys and their families, and together we grieve with all the people of Israel. Knowing that Naftali was also an American citizen makes this an especially heavy blow not just to Israel, but to the United States.”

 

“We condemn this despicable terrorist act in the strongest possible terms,” continued Secretary Kerry. “The killing of innocent youths is an outrage beyond any understanding or rationale, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. This is a time for all to work towards that goal without destabilizing the situation.”

 

Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed solidarity with Israel and praised the unity that was engendered by this tragic episode.

 

“There are no words of condolence or solace that can ever comfort the bereaved families of Gilad, Naftali, and Eyal,” said Senator Menendez. “Hope for their recovery has transformed into mourning. During this somber period, we pray for their parents and communities who are heartbroken at this hour and overwhelmed by grief. This act of terrorism strikes at the heart of freedom loving people the world over and we stand with Israel as it works to bring to justice those who committed this murderous act. Over these past 18 days, the Jewish community and people of good faith in New Jersey, the United States, and throughout the world demonstrated an unbreakable unity of spirit in praying for Gilad, Naftali, and Eyal’s swift return. That strength will only endure.”

 

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey noted the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel and declared that he too is grieving the loss of the three boys.

 

“I am deeply pained by the news that the bodies of the three Israeli teens kidnapped on June 12th have been found,” said Senator Booker. “In recent months, the world has witnessed in horror the abduction of school girls in Nigeria and kidnapping of innocent teenagers in the West Bank. The use of children as a weapon of terror is simply intolerable and the perpetrators of this unconscionable crime must be brought to justice.”

 

“The U.S. and Israel maintain an unshakable bond and ever-strong partnership, and today I join my brothers and sisters in Israel in grieving for these three young, innocent children,” continued Senator Booker. “My prayers and thoughts are with the families of the victims.”

 

Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr., whose congressional district includes part of Teaneck, Englewood, and Tenafly, called the murders “hate crimes” and said that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

 

“It brings me deep sadness to learn of the tragic ending to the three missing Israeli teenagers, who have been the victims of what appears to be planned, conscious terrorism,” said Congressman Pascrell. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they deal with this devastating loss. These acts are hate crimes in every sense of the word, and while we can’t judge the whole by a few insane individuals, this has been too common, too frequent for too long.”

 

“If members of Hamas are responsible for any part of this heinous act, they must be brought swiftly to justice,” continued Congressman Pascrell. “I urge President Obama to reaffirm our commitment to the government of Israel. We are losing too many young people to such atrocities in every corner of the globe, but this will not break our resolve to defeat terror wherever it may occur.”

“This is a terrible tragedy,” said Representative Scott Garrett, whose congressional district includes parts of Fair Lawn, Paramus, Teaneck, and Bergenfield. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and loved ones of these young men. I fully support Prime Minister Netanyahu as he seeks to bring those that are responsible to justice.”

Governor Chris Christie spoke out about the tragedy as well and noted the grief that the victims’ parents are feeling.

 

“The news of the murder of Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Fraenkel is heartbreaking,” said Governor Christie. “As parents, Mary Pat and I can only imagine the unbearable devastation and sadness of losing a child. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the three families and to the people of Israel.”

 

Senator Charles Schumer of New York, who described the abductions and murders as “unconscionable,” stated that if the Palestinian Authority (PA) does not break ties with Hamas, the United States should halt its funding to the PA.

 

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of each of these young men - Eyal Yifrah, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frenkel - who were taken from us far too soon,” said Senator Schumer. “After these young men first went missing, their photos surfaced, and I know so many of us saw a little bit of our own children in each of them. To think that such a callous act could be done to these innocent young men is unconscionable. May their memory be a blessing.”

 

“It’s quite clear this was done by Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority made a terrible mistake by linking up with terrorists,” continued Senator Schumer. “When you associate with terrorists they become emboldened in their actions, like schoolyard bullies. In light of this tragedy and these new troubling revelations, the Palestinian Authority should break ties with Hamas immediately. And if they do not act independently, our government should put pressure on the Palestinian Authority to break from Hamas, even if it means stopping all funding to this coalition.”

 

Representative Eliot Engel of New York, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, extended his thoughts to the victims’ families and noted how incredibly tragic it is for parents to lose their child.

 

“Every parent’s greatest fear is harm coming to his or her child, and so I can’t imagine what the parents of Gil-ad, Naftali, and Eyal are experiencing on this sad day,” said Congressman Engel. “As we look at the faces of these young boys, it is my hope that even those who seek harm upon us realize that children are off limits. Young kids should never be targets in conflict. I’m heartbroken today at the loss of these three boys. I wish comfort upon their families. And I hope whoever is responsible for this evil is brought swiftly to justice.”

 

Representative Ed Royce of California, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, emphatically stated that the killers have to be held accountable and noted that a government which includes Hamas cannot be a partner for peace.

 

“Our nation’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of Naftali Frenkel, Eyal Yifrach and Gilad Shaar,” said Congressman Royce. “Naftali Frankel was a dual US-Israeli citizen. The killers must be held accountable. The brutal murder of these boys should leave the Administration with no illusion that a Hamas-backed Palestinian government will be a partner for peace. With these killings, the genocidal intent of Hamas has been laid bare yet again.”

 

Thank You For Standing With Us

The following is my latest column in The Jewish Link of Bergen County, in which I note that those elected officials that did speak out in the 18 days following the abduction of the 3 Israeli boys deserve our gratitude for standing with us during a very trying time:

 

THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH US

 

By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.

 
There has been much discussion about the reaction, or, in some instances, the lack thereof, of our elected officials following the abduction of Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar, and Naftali Frenkel. Although news of their tragic deaths earlier this week at the hands of terrorists who carried out a senseless and barbaric act of violence was met with virtual widespread condemnation, there were elected officials who were notably silent in the eighteen days following their abduction. Some of those who represent us in Washington were very vocal about the kidnappings, while others failed to address the issue completely.
 
Those that did speak about the horrific crime that occurred certainly deserve our thanks and our heartfelt gratitude. We sometimes assume that our elected officials will stand with Israel and the Jewish community at all times. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. However, when there are elected officials that display courage by standing in solidarity with the Jewish State and with our community in trying times, it is incumbent upon us to acknowledge their actions and thank them accordingly.
 
To that end, here is a compilation of statements from some prominent elected officials from New Jersey and New York about the kidnappings prior to learning about the boys’ heartbreaking deaths, some of which were made in the form of a press release and some which were made via Twitter. While others remained silent, these individuals spoke out. We should take some time to say “thank you” to our friends.
 
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) – June 19:
 
“Our hearts go out to the families of the kidnapped teens and the horror that they are living through right now. I offer my support to the Israeli leaders who are working around the clock to bring the teenagers home safely.
 
“This is an act of terror, perpetrated by those who reject negotiations, reject a two-state solution, support violence, and use terror as a political tactic. This situation is a direct outgrowth of President Abbas’ attempt to cozy up with a terrorist organization.
 
“That said, I am pleased that Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas are in communication, and that Abbas has pledged cooperation and security coordination with Israel on expeditiously locating the missing teens and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. And I am encouraged that President Abbas has rightly condemned this act.
 
“Naftali, Gilad and Eyal belong with their families and each day they are separated is a day of unending suffering. I pray for their speedy return home.”
 
U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) – June 16:
 
“Monitoring tragic kidnapping of 3 students in Israel - hoping for swift and safe return 2 families: #bringbackourboys”
 
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) – June 16:
 
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the three Israeli teenagers, including an American citizen, kidnapped last week. Reports have indicated that Hamas, a known terrorist organization, is involved in their disappearance. I strongly condemn this heinous act and urge the United States government to provide any available resources to assist in their safe return.”
 
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06) – June 20:
 
“The entire nation is devastated by the news that three Israeli teens were kidnapped last week. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Fraenkel. It is my hope that these families will soon be reunited.
 
“I encourage the U.S. Department of State to continue offering their full support to Israel in the search for these missing teenagers. I am certain that the United States will continue to gather information on this tragedy, so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.”
 
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ-04) – June 16:
 
“My heart and prayers go out to these three young men and to their family and friends. The young men are the victims of a horrendous crime – a crime Prime Minister Netanyahu has attributed to the Hamas terrorist movement. The fact that other terrorist groups are themselves claiming ‘credit’ for such a sick action shows the strength of the anti-Semitic poison circulating in the Middle East and elsewhere.
 
“The United States should stand publicly and vocally in solidarity with these suffering families. I urge President Obama to personally ensure that our government offers Israel any assistance it requests.”
 
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) – June 18:
 
“My prayers are with the three young men kidnapped in Israel, including Naftali Frenkel, who is an American citizen; as a parent, I can’t begin to imagine what their families are going through. It is essential that the Palestinian government first, denounce this horrible act, and second demand from Hamas that the boys be immediately released. We will continue keep the heat on our government, and do all we can to bring pressure to bear on the Palestinian Authority until we get a positive resolution of this situation.”
 
U.S. Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-NY-16) – June 24:
 
“We in the United States are saying, as people are saying all over the world, ‘Bring our boys home.’ And they’re our boys—they are everybody’s boys. This is a parent’s worst nightmare, and as long as we don’t do anything to combat terror, we are in essence condoning terror.
 
“The Palestinians must understand that they will never get their state built on the backs of terror. In fact, it will set them back. They will not get their state if they think that terror or kidnapping young boys is the way to achieve political goals.
 
“This again could be anyone’s son – anyone’s. All of us who are parents, people who are not parents, just imagine when you kiss your child goodbye, he goes to school, and you think he’s coming back and then suddenly he doesn’t come back. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. So it’s very, very important that we have demonstrations all over the world until those boys are brought safely home.
 
“The United States and Congress stands with these boys and with their families and we will not stop until these boys are returned safely to their families. And those who perpetrated this heinous crime will be brought to justice. We will track them down. We will work with our Israeli allies and partners, and track them down. People who use terror as a political means will never succeed because we are determined.
 
“Right now, the first thing we need is let’s bring our boys home. Three wonderful boys, one of whom, as you know, is an American citizen. But it really transcends any kind of nationality. Because again, as the aunt to one of these boys says, this could happen to anyone and it is every parent’s nightmare. So let’s bring our boys home.”
 
U.S. Rep. Nita M. Lowey (D-NY-17) – June 17:

“My thoughts are with the three Israeli teenagers who were kidnapped in the West Bank last week, and I pray for their safe and swift release. My thoughts and prayers are also with their families, including Naftali Fraenkel’s extended family living in Monsey in my Congressional district. I join the Administration in offering our full support for Israel as they work day and night to rescue the missing teens and to bring the captors to justice.

“Kidnappings and other forms of terrorism, especially involving children, have no place in decent, civilized societies. I call upon President Abbas to demonstrate his adherence to peace and security, address the allegations of Hamas’ involvement, and fully cooperate with Israeli authorities to ensure the boys’ safe return home.”

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY-06) – June 18:

“The kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers is outrageous and unacceptable, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. I demand that the perpetrators of this despicable crime release these innocent teens at once.

“My heart aches for the three young men and their families and I ask all Americans to pray for their safe and speedy return.”

U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY-04) – June 18:

“I join with many Americans in expressing outrage over this cowardly act. I urge Palestinian officials to do all they can to secure the release of these three kidnapped Israeli teenagers. I pray for their swift release. No trust can be established between the Israelis and the Palestinians if some in the Palestinian community resort to violence.”

U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-05) – June 18:

“Today, I add my voice to those in Israel, the United States and around the world who are calling for the immediate and safe release of Naftali Fraenkel, a dual Israeli-American citizen, Gilad Shaar; and Eyal Yifrach, three West Bank yeshiva students kidnapped on their way home six days ago. As a parent, I can’t imagine the anxiety and fear that the families of these young men must be enduring. These innocent teens must be set free and returned to their families now. Let no stone be unturned. Kidnapping of these youngsters is a provocation against the peace process which also undermines the credibility and sincerity of the Palestinian reconciliation government. Those responsible for their abduction must be held accountable.”

U.S. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) – June 18:

“The 3 kidnapped young Israelis and their families are in all our thoughts. Praying for Eyal, Gilad and Naftali’s safe return.”

U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) – June 17:

“Pray for the safe return of Naftali, Eyal and Gilad from their captors in the West Bank.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY-03) – June 18:

“Thoughts are with the families of the kidnapped Israeli teens and I condemn this cowardly act by terrorists.”

U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-09 – June 17:

“On behalf of myself and the people of the Ninth Congressional District of New York, I extend prayers and support for the expedited and safe return of Gilad Shaar, Eyal Yifrah, and Naftali Fraenkel, each of whom have family members here in our Brooklyn community. I share the concerns of the families and community leadership here in the United States, as well as, in Israel that their abrupt and unexplained disappearance is part of an attempt to threaten the security of an entire nation and I condemn in the strongest terms the kidnapping of these three teenagers last week. Furthermore, I add my voice in condemning those responsible for this act of terrorism, which Secretary of State Kerry said that ‘many indications (are) pointing to the involvement of Hamas.’ With President Obama, Secretary of State Kerry, my colleagues in Congress, and people of good will from around the world, I pledge my support to the effort to secure the safe return of Gilad Shaar, Eyal Yifrah, and Naftali Fraenkel to their loved ones.”

U.S. Rep. Michael G. Grimm (R-NY-11) – June 17:

“My heart goes out to the families of the three young Jewish boys kidnapped in the West Bank last week and I pray for their immediate release and safe return to their homes…especially 16 year old Naftali Frenkel, a U.S. citizen with broad family ties in Brooklyn. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in offering the Israeli government our strong support in the rescue of these young men and also reiterate our firm commitment to Israel’s right to defend its people from this kind of condemnable terrorism and intimidation.”

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo – June 17:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the three kidnapped Israeli teenagers. Hoping for their safe and swift return.”

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio – June 16:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the three missing Israeli teenagers. May they come home safely – and soon.”

N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler

My op-ed in The Jewish Press about the murder of the 3 young Israeli boys

The following is an op-ed that I wrote, which appeared in The Jewish Press, in which I talk about the heinous murder of the 3 young Israeli boys and the unity that we witnessed during this terrible ordeal:

THE BEAUTY OF JEWISH UNITY

 

By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.

 

It could have been our child. When 19-year-old Eyal Yifrach, 16-year-old Gilad Shaar and 16-year-old Naftali Frenkel were abducted as they waited for a ride to take them home to their families for Shabbat after spending a week studying at their yeshivot, we were all shaken. Every one of us felt that a piece of our heart and soul had been taken away by the terrorists who snatched the three innocent teenage students. As we watched the parents of the boys speak out publicly about their sons’ kidnapping, we all thought the same thing – that could have been us. And when we learned of the boys’ tragic fate earlier this week, we grieved alongside their families and felt their pain.

 

Historically, in times of crisis, Jews have generally come together. Irrespective of where any particular person is on the religious spectrum, we as a people band together when faced with a challenging situation. Religious and political ideologies are often laid aside when confronted with a trying set of circumstances, such as the one that we are grappling with now.

 

We remember all too well the torment we endured when Gilad Shalit was taken captive. After he was abducted by Hamas and then spent five years in captivity, we came together as a people. We prayed for his return and we suffered together with his parents until he was finally reunited with his family.

 

The situation we found ourselves dealing with over the past several weeks is equally as trying, and perhaps even more so. The boys who were abducted and then brutally murdered were not soldiers; they were students. They could have been our students.

 

Nothing is more precious to us than our children. We raise them, we nurture them, we educate them, and we love them. We would do anything to protect them. By grabbing Eyal, Gilad and Naftali and killing them in a cowardly and barbaric fashion, Hamas demonstrated the despicable depths to which they will sink to terrorize the State of Israel and the Jewish nation. The heartless and heinous kidnapping and murder that was perpetrated by Hamas is a sobering reminder that the terrorists will do anything in their power to strike at the very essence of the Jewish people.

 

And yet, despite the odious nature of this terrorist act, we refuse to let it break our spirit. We as Jews respond to a crisis and a tragedy the only way we know how – together.

 

Before we learned of their tragic death, Jews throughout the world took to the various social media platforms to raise awareness of the boys’ plight and the horrific act that turned our worlds upside down. #BringBackOurBoys and #EyalGiladNaftali were trending on Twitter. There was an outpouring of support from people around the world for the boys and widespread sympathy for the anguish that their families feel. We all talked about the need to bring back not the boys, but our boys.

 

As Jews, we also did what we should always do when confronted with an urgent situation such as this – we prayed. People across the globe gathered for prayer vigils and to recite Psalms in communal gatherings. We joined together to cry out and appeal for the swift and safe return of our boys.

 

Eyal, Gilad and Naftali may not have been our biological children, but they were our boys. They were young, innocent students who merited our full support and deserved our unconditional love and concern.

 

As the parent of a daughter, who, like Gilad and Naftali is 16-years-old, and who spent this year studying at a high school in Israel, this episode hit especially close to home. When she returns to Israel in the fall to begin another school year there, the abduction and murder of the three boys will be foremost in my mind.

 

I will be thinking about it not because I am in any way worried about my daughter, but because I understand that the fact that she wants to be in Israel and go to school there is proof that the terrorists cannot and will not win. There will always be young men and women, families, and seniors who want to travel to Israel, to be a part of Israel, and to live in Israel. That unquenchable desire to be in Israel is a testament to the resiliency that we have as a people and the undying love that we have for the Jewish State.

 

The Jewish unity that has been on full display during this terrible ordeal is a thing of sheer beauty. The torment that the Yifrach, Shaar, and Frenkel families have endured is unimaginable. Yet, despite Hamas’ evil intentions and monstrous actions, they have unintentionally caused Jews from all walks of life to come together. We tried to do everything in our power to bring our boys home, and now that they are gone, we continue to stand united with the victims’ families and we voice our collective outrage at the vicious terrorist act that claimed their lives.

 

We are one nation and one family. The tragic loss of Eyal, Gilad and Naftali is felt by each and every one of us. We will not rest until our boys’ killers are brought to justice and held accountable for their unspeakable crime.

 

N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler