We are heartbroken to wake up to the news of acts of terror that occurred this morning in Jerusalem. Two bombs were detonated at bus stops in Givat Shaul and Ramot, neighborhoods at the western entrance of the city. A 16-year old, Aryeh Schupak, was killed, and 22 others were injured. According to police officials, the remotely detonated devices were packed with nails to maximize casualties.
We send our condolences to Aryeh’s family and prayers for refuah shleima (complete healing) to all those who were injured and traumatized by these terrible acts of violence. May those responsible be held to account. May incidents like these soon become distant memories, and may God comfort those who mourn in Zion and Jerusalem.
Despite the pain and anger we feel in moments like these we remain, in the words of our tradition, אֲסִירֵי הַתִּקְוָה (a-see-ray ha-tikvah), prisoners of hope. We will continue to pray and act on behalf of security, safety, and peace.
—The Clergy of Stephen Wise Temple and Schools