JERUSALEM (Press Release) — Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin met with members of the Cohen, Braham and Saada families, whose loved ones were murdered in the terrorist attack on the kosher shop in Paris last month. The President spoke with the families and heard from them about their experiences over this difficult time.
The President told them, “Together with all the people of Israel, and the Jewish people around the world, we were shaken by the brutality of the horrific crime which led to such terrible loss. There is no comfort that can ease your terrible pain. Together with you, the whole people of Israel buried our brothers. Jews around the world today, are part of the State of Israel. All of us, wherever we are, are part of the same family. The connection with the State of Israel is clear. So many Jews from France come here for vacations, and there are many who also have homes here in Israel. When one of our sons fall, one of our people, in the streets of Paris, we see them as part of our flesh, and the solidarity we feel is palpable. Our brothers, you, your pain is our pain, just as in the future, your joy will be our joy, and will bring joy to all of us.”
The members of the families thanked the President for his words, and some went on to tell him of their plans to move to Israel and settle here. At the end of the meeting, the President warmly embraced the families, thanked them for the emotional gathering, and said that was his prayer they should meet again only on happy occasions.
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Preceding provided by the Office of President Rivlin