Ambassador Leiter Speaks After Son Wounded in Terror Attack

Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, released his first statement following the critical wounding of his son Neriya in the ramming attack at Maccabim checkpoint.

"I am grateful to the IDF, to the medical team at Shaare Zedek who are now fighting to save the life of Neriya Dov ben Chana, and to the prayers of the people of Israel," Leiter wrote about his son, who was evacuated in critical condition to the hospital after the ramming attack.

Leiter previously lost his son Moshe, may G-d avenge his blood, an officer in the elite Shaldag unit who served as a fighters' commander and fell in battle in northern Gaza two months after the ground operation began.

Moshe Leiter, may G-d avenge his blood (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

"I believe in the power of prayer, and I believe that when the Jewish people unite, miracles happen. Neriya needs a miracle. Neriya continued to serve in the reserves after losing his older brother, Moshe Yedidya Leiter, of blessed memory. Since October 7th, he has served hundreds of days in the reserves on different fronts," the ambassador wrote.

"Palestinian terror seeks to uproot the people of Israel from their land. They choose death, we choose life."

Earlier, Defense Minister Israel Katz released a statement: "I am praying for the speedy recovery of Neriya Leiter, an IDF reservist who was critically wounded in the attack at Maccabim checkpoint, the son of Israel's Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter. Yechiel, I am strengthening you and your family and praying together with all the people of Israel for your son's recovery."

"I commend the heroic fighters who eliminated the terrorist. To the IDF soldiers and security forces: I believe in you and trust you, we will not allow terror to raise its head," Katz said.