Statement on the Murder of Israeli Teens

OTTAWA, June 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the bodies of three Israeli teenagers abducted on June 12th by Hamas were discovered in a cave outside Hebron. In response, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), issued the following statement:

"The Jewish community of Canada is in shock and grief at the news that the bodies of three abducted Israeli teens have been discovered. Having had their worst nightmares realized today, three families are broken and can never be made whole again. Jewish Canadians are united in our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the families of Eyal Yifrach, Naftali Frenkel, and Gilad Shaar --- may their memories be for blessings.

"Hamas is responsible for this outrageous and sickening act, and must be held accountable. Palestinian celebrations over the abduction, and the ongoing unity agreement between Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas, have only encouraged a Palestinian leadership increasingly bent on terrorism and fundamentalism. It cannot be overlooked that Hamas' vision of violence and jihad is no different than that which is wracking the broader Middle East today.

"Abbas cannot claim to want peace with Israel while remaining in lockstep with those who murder children. Now is the time for the international community to insist that Mahmoud Abbas end his unity agreement with Hamas."

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is the non-partisan advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada.

SOURCE: Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

Jordan Kerbel, Deputy Director, Communications, The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), [email protected], 416-317-9517