Israel stands with the US after shooting in Vegas. Illustrative. By Joshua Spurlock
The Israeli government offered their formal condolences to the American people following Sunday’s brutal shooting spree in Las Vegas. The motive for the attack, which Foxnews reported was the worst in American history with 59 dead and over 500 wounded, is still unknown. While ISIS claimed credit, Foxnews said the FBI concluded at this time that the shooter was not affiliated with international terrorists.
That may mean that he was another “lone wolf” shooter—a solitary attacker who plots and carries out their murderous plans without operational guidance from a terror group. Israel is all too familiar with such lone wolf attackers, although their anti-Israel motivation is generally obvious.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement published by his office, said, “On this terrible day, the people of Israel stand shoulder to shoulder with the American people in mourning and sorrow. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families and we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. We grieve with you.”
Similarly, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin sent a letter to United States President Donald Trump in which said his nation sends their “deepest sympathy” and asked President Trump to “convey our heartfelt condolences” to the families who lost loved ones.
According to a press release from his office, Rivlin wrote, “We stand with you as you mourn the terrible loss of life and injury following this senseless attack on people who had merely gathered together to listen to music.”
As they have done in joint sympathy with the national victims of other terror attacks around the world, the main Tel Aviv municipal building lit up their lights in the colors of the American flag in a symbol of solidarity. Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai posted a photo of the flag in lights to Twitter, noting that “tonight our hearts are with the people of #LasVegas.”
Tonight our hearts are with the people of #LasVegas as we light the Municipality building with the colors of the American flag ?? pic.twitter.com/VieiTff2tH
— Mayor of Tel Aviv (@MayorOfTelAviv) October 2, 2017
The Israeli military also joined the chorus offering their condolences. The IDF Spokesperson posted a traditional Jewish blessing for the departed on their Twitter feed: “The IDF stands in solidarity with the American people and the city of Las Vegas. May the victims’ memories be a blessing #prayforvegas.”
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, October 2, 2017)