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| 2014 Jerusalem synagogue massacre | |
|---|---|
| Location | Har Nof, Jerusalem, Israel |
| Date | 18 November 2014 (2014-11-18) |
| Deaths | 7 (4 civilians and 1 police officer, and 2 attackers) |
| Injured | 7 civilians |
| Perpetrators | Uday Abu Jamal and Ghassan Abu Jamal |
On 18 November 2014, two Palestinian men entered Kehilat Bnei Torah synagogue, in the Har Nof neighborhood of Jerusalem, Israel, and attacked the congregants with axes, knives, and a gun. They killed four dual-national attendees, three of whom were rabbis, along with a responding Druze Israeli police officer. The two attackers were then killed by police. Seven other people were wounded by the attackers. It was the deadliest terror attack in Jerusalem since the Mercaz HaRav massacre in March 2008.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, however the police chief stated he believes it was a lone wolf attack.
Victims
Killed were American-Israelis Rabbi Moshe Twersky (59), head of the Toras Moshe kollel, and son of Harvard professor and Rabbi Isadore Twersky); Rabbi Calman Levine (55); and Rabbi Aryeh Kopinsky (43); and British-Israeli Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg (68). All resided in Har Nof. Zidan Saif (30), a Druze police officer shot in the head during the attack, later died from his wounds. Seven more men were wounded by the attackers, two of them seriously.
Attack
At approximately 7:00 a.m, during the weekday Shacharit morning prayer, the assailants entered Kehilat Bnei Torah synagogue and attacked the worshippers with axes, meat cleavers, and pistols. Two traffic policemen who heard gunfire came running to the synagogue, and engaged the attackers. A third policeman arrived shortly after, and shot and killed both attackers. Two of the policemen were wounded, one of whom subsequently died from his injuries.
The first responder was Israeli Druze police officer Zidan Sayif. He was critically wounded when he was shot in the head during the ensuing gun battle, and later died.
According to witnesses, the perpetrators screamed Allahu Akbar as they attacked the worshipers.
Perpetrators and motives
The perpetrators, cousins Abed Abu Jamal (22) and Ghassan Muhammad Abu Jamal (32), came from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber, and worked at a grocery store near the synagogue. They were relatives of Jamal Abu Jamal, who had been held in Israeli prison for militant activity, and released by Israel as a gesture of goodwill to the Palestinian Authority as part of the 2013–14 Israeli–Palestinian peace talks. The two men were reportedly affiliated with the PFLP, but their family stated that they were unaware whether such claims were true.
Relatives of the perpetrators said the attack was motivated by what the attackers saw as "threats of a Jewish takeover of Al Aqsa", and the death of a Palestinian bus driver,Youssef al-Ramouni, in Jerusalem's Har Hotzvim bus depot. Israeli authorities concluded that the bus driver committed suicide, but the Palestinian pathologist attending the autopsy,Dr. Saber al-Aloul, said the results pointed towards "organized criminal murder", and many Palestinians believe he was murdered by Israeli settlers. Speculation circulated in the Israeli media that the attack might have been motivated by a desire to avenge the Kidnapping and murder of Mohammed Abu Khdeir, since the father of the prime suspect in that case is a rabbi who heads the Kollel in Har Nof.
Response
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu ordered the demolition of the terrorists' homes.
In response to the incident many protests were conducted around the world. Rabbi Avi Weiss conducted a protest at the Palestinian Embassy in New York City. Ten right-wing Jews were arrested at a protest in Jerusalem, and an additional 23 were arrested attempting to block the Jerusalem Light Rail.
Thousands attended police officer Zidan Sayif's funeral, President Reuven Rivlin among them.
Reactions
U.S. — President Barack Obama stated the he strongly condemned the attacks which killed 3 US citizens. John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, called the attack an "act of pure terror and senseless brutality and violence." New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he was “horrified and heartbroken” by the attack. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo released a statement condemning the "horrific terror attack", which he said "was a deplorable act of evil that should be denounced as such by all regardless of their political or religious beliefs." New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer also released statements condemning the attack. Schumer said the Palestinian Authority was a co-conspirator in the attack for carrying out "reckless incitement." The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced it will be investigating the incident.
United Kingdom — Prime Minister David Cameron condemned the Palestinian attack, writing "I'm appalled by today's horrific attack on worshippers at a Jerusalem synagogue. My thoughts are with the victims' families." The chairman of the Conservative Party Grant Shapps also condemned the attack, saying his prayers were with the families of the victims. He criticized former Cabinet Minister Baroness Warsi who apparently compared the attack to protests by "Israeli extremists" at Al-Aqsa mosque. Warsi stated that both Israelis and Palestinians have been killed by extremists and she wanted "justice for all".
Canada – Prime Minister Stephen Harper condemned the "barbaric act of terror." Harper said Canada's "thoughts and prayers are with the people of Israel."
European Union – Federica Mogherini, EU chief of foreign policy, condemned the deadly massacre as an "act of terror."
France – President François Hollande issued a statement condemning "the heinous attack ... in a synagogue in Jerusalem and those who dared to welcome the act". Hollande "expressed his deep concern over the chain of violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank."
Germany – Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German Foreign Minister, called the "deadly attacks targeting innocent believers in a place of worship" a "terrible transgression in an already extremely tense situation."
Turkey – Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu condemned the attack.
United Nations – Robert Serry, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said: "there can be no justification whatsoever for these deliberate killings."
Israel — Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, blamed the attack on Abbas' incitement, and stated that Israel will respond decisively.
Bahrain — Sheikh Abu Khalifa, the Foreign Minister of Bahrain, condemned the attack.
Palestinian Authority — Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, stated that "the presidency condemns the attack on Jewish worshipers in their place of prayer and condemns the killing of civilians no matter who is doing it."
Hamas – Hamas stated the attack was a response to a Palestinian bus driver who was found hanged; Israeli police said it was suicide, but the bus driver's family believe he was murdered. Hamas praised the attack as "an appropriate and functional response to the crimes of the Israeli occupation."- In the Gaza Strip people distributed sweets to celebrate, and brandished axes and posters of the killers. Palestinian television displayed photographs of celebratory scenes in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, and Palestinian radio called the killers "martyrs".
- File:Flag of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.svg Islamic Jihad – In Gaza, the Islamic Jihad praised the attack.
Media coverage
Major media outlets throughout the world covered the story. Two made errors in reporting that were interpreted as evidence of anti-Israel bias:
Originally, CNN reported the attack as Palestinians killed in a mosque. Additionally in its coverage CNN referred to the death toll as four Jews and two Palestinians, failing to note that the Palestinians were the attackers. CNN later removed its original stories and issued an apology.
CBC News in Canada ran the story under the title "Jerusalem police fatally shoot 2 after apparent synagogue attack", emphasizing the death of the perpetrators rather than the attacked party.. The next morning CBS News's anchorwoman chose to refer to the synagogue in Western Jerusalem as "a contested religious site".
See also
References
- ^ Soffer, Ari (18 November 2014). "Synagogue Massacre Victim Identified as Rabbi Moshe Twersky". Arutz Sheva. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- DEATH TOLL AT 5 IN JERUSALEM SYNAGOGUE ATTACK – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- "Four worshipers, one policeman killed in Jerusalem synagogue". CNN. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- "At Least Four Killed in Terror Attack on Jerusalem Synagogue". Time. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- Miller, Elhanan (18 November 2014). "PFLP terror group claims responsibility". Times of Israel. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- Police chief: Lone wolves apparently carried out deadly attack at Jerusalem synagogue – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- ^ Eisenbud, Daniel K.; Siegel-Itzkovich, Judy; Keinon, Herb (18 November 2014). "Police officer wounded in Jerusalem terror attack dies, bringing death toll to 5". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- BREAKING: Officer Dies, Becomes 5th Victim of Today’s Jerusalem Attack – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- Yaakov Lappin; Daniel K. Eisenbud (18 November 2014). "Report: East Jerusalem cousins suspected Palestinian terrorists in synagogue attack". The Jerusalem Post.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Israel Hayom Staff; Associated Press (18 November 2014). "4 Israelis killed in terror attack at Jerusalem synagogue". Israel Hayom.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ http://www.israelhayom.co.il/article/234633
- Muqata, Jameel (18 November 2014). "Israeli-Druze Policeman – First on Scene in Har Nof Massacre, Fighting for His Life". The Jewish Press. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- Thornhill, Ted (18 November 2014). "British rabbi and three Americans slaughtered in Jerusalem synagogue attack: Worshippers killed at dawn by fanatics screaming 'God is great' armed with knives, axes and guns". Daily Mail. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- Li, David (18 November 2014). New York Post http://nypost.com/2014/11/18/israelis-dead-after-attack-on-jerusalem-synagogue/. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
{{cite news}}:|url=missing title (help) - “The Images I Saw Inside the Synagogue Reminded Me of Images from the Holocaust” – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- Report: Har Nof Terrorist Worked Next to Synagogue – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- "4 Israelis killed in terror attack at Jerusalem synagogue". Israel Hayom. 18 November 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- Jerusalem synagogue axe attack kills four – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- Harriet Salem 'Lynching or Suicide? Conflicting Accounts of Palestinian Bus Driver’s Death Underscore Growing Tensions in Jerusalem,' Vice News 17 November 2014.
- ^ "Israel on Edge After Attackers Kill Five in Synagogue". New York Times. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- Sigal Samuel and Yael Even Or,Was Synagogue Terrorist Attack Revenge for Abu Khdeir Killing? The Forward 18 November 2014
- Netanyahu orders demolition of terrorists' homes after synagogue attack – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- Spanish lawmakers pass symbolic motion on eventual recognition of Palestine – Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- Ten right-wing activists arrested at J'lem rally – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- Right-wing demonstrations in Jerusalem: 23 suspects arrested so far during riots – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- http://www.israelhayom.co.il/article/234851
- Obama 'strongly condemns' Jerusalem terror attack, noting US citizenship of 3 victims – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- Four killed in Jerusalem synagogue terror attack – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- 4 People, Including Americans, Killed In Jerusalem Synagogue Attack. 18 November 2014.
- FBI launches investigation into death of US citizens – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- Jack Moore (18 November 2014). Jerusalem Synagogue Attack: David Cameron Condemns 'Horrific' Palestinian Killings in Holy City. International Business Times.
- Watt, Holly (18 November 2014). "Baroness Warsi slapped down over Jerusalem massacre comments". The Telegraph. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- The Canadian Press (18 November 2014). Canada condemns deadly attack on Jerusalem synagogue.
- "EU: Har Nof Massacre 'Condemnable by All Means'". Arutz Sheva. 19 November 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- Embassy of France in Washington (18 November 2014). Terror Attack in Jerusalem.
- Times Of Israel (18 November 2014). Kerry condemns Jerusalem attack, Palestinian incitement.
- "TURKEY AGAINST ATTACKS ON HOLY PLACES, FM ÇAVUŞOĞLU SAYS". Daily Sabah. 18 November 2014.
- United Nations News Center (18 November 2014). UN special envoy, human rights office condemn attack on Jerusalem synagogue.
- Netanyahu: Israel will 'respond decisively' to murder of Jews in synagogue terror attack – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- Islamic Country Strongly Condemns The Terrorist Attack In Jerusalem – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- Abbas condemns deadly attack on Jewish worshipers in Jerusalem synagogue – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- "Hamas: Jerusalem synagogue attack in response to death of Palestinian bus driver found hanged". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- Hamas: Jerusalem synagogue attack in response to death of Palestinian bus driver found hanged – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- ^ BBC (18 November 2014). Jerusalem synagogue: Palestinians kill Israeli worshippers.
- Hasson, Nir (18 November 2014). "Four killed in Jerusalem synagogue terror attack". Haaaretz. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- "Revelers in Rafah hand out sweets, brandish axes and posters in praise of terrorists". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- Reuters http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/18/us-mideast-palestinians-israel-idUSKCN0J20E220141118.
{{cite news}}:|url=missing title (help) - CNN calls incident ‘mosque attack’ – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- CNN apologizes for mistake in Jerusalem terror attack coverage – Retrieved 18 November 2014
- http://honestreporting.com/synagogue-terror-attack-top-headline-fails/
- http://honestreporting.com/cbs-anchorwoman-synagogue-attack-took-place-at-contested-religious-site-1/
- Current events from November 2014
- 21st-century attacks on synagogues and Jewish communal organizations
- Terrorism in Jerusalem
- Terrorist attacks attributed to Palestinian militant groups
- Terrorist incidents in Israel in 2014
- Islamic terrorism
- Massacres in Israel during the Israeli–Palestinian conflict
- History of Jerusalem
- Mass murder in 2014
- Palestinian terrorism