President Rivlin paid a condolence call in Lod
President Rivlin paid a condolence call at the home of the family of Yigal Yehoshua who was lynched by an Arab mob last week.
Photo: Mark Neyman
The president told the family that their pain had wrenched the heart of the country as a whole, and that there was no forgiveness for the dreadful acts perpetrated on Yigal.
Yigal’s brothers told the president of the many people who had come to pay their respects, from Lod and from all around the country, and about the family’s extensive roots and Yigal’s and the whole family’s connection to the country.
“We have no choice, my dear ones. We are here and are not going anywhere. I have said this time after time since the dreadful murder, and I will continue to say it. We have no other choice,” said the president. “I think about what to say, how to offer my support and say to myself – what would your brother have told you today? How would he give you all strength?”
Yigal’s brothers said that they had no doubt that he would have told them to keep their chins up and continue on the basis of his profound belief in coexistence. They spoke of how they implored him not to go, but that he explained to them he had no concerns about his safety because everyone knew him.
“There is nothing more tragic than a loss like this, and it was so important for me to be here and tell you how deeply we respect you,” said the president about the family’s decision to donate Yigal’s organs. “I pray that you will find consolation and that from now onwards you will know only joyous occasions.”
“We must continue to believe and to make it happen. To work for the people and the country with determination and belief. We have no other choice, my dear ones,” said the president at the end of his remarks.
