President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday afternoon 3 Av, paid a shiva visit in Elad, at the home of Elad Salomon, who was murdered together with his father Yossi, and sister Chaya in a terror attack on Friday night in N�vei Tzuf. The President was accompanied on his visit by the Director General of the President�s Office, Harel Tubi, and by the Mayor of Elad, Yisrael Porush.

On his arrival to the house, the President embraced the members of the bereaved family, and asked Tova, Yossi�s widow, about her recovery from injuries which she sustained in the brutal attack. Tova said that she was getting stronger, and told the President about her husband, her daughter – who was renowned as an excellent and dedicated teacher � and about her son who had been born after three sisters with whom he shared a close bond.

Orit, one of Elad and Chaya�s sisters, told the President how Elad had fought against the terrorist, while Tova also spoke of her appreciation to the soldier who was able to stop the massacre and the terrorist. �I raised him,� said Tova, who was the soldier�s kindergarten teacher, �he was in my kindergarten, and now he saved me.�

Orit, told the President of how she discovered that the attack had been at her parent�s home, and of the horrific phone call with Michal, Elad�s widow, who told her what had happened. The President was greatly moved when she told him of how Elad and Michal�s eldest, Avinoam, had acted. The President hugged Avinoam and whispered words of support in his ear.

�The entire people of Israel are with me in this house today, astounded by your strength, and the family strength you displayed,� said the President, and added that he had learned of Elad�s special personality, and said could see how such a wonderful man was raised.

Elad’s widow, Michal, turned to the President and emphasized her tremendous appreciation for the soldier who shot the terrorist. �We heard all kinds of voices from outside asking questions about why he only neutralized and did not kill him,� she said. The President responded by saying, �Anyone who asks this, should first ask themselves if they could do what he did.�

Michal continued, �The soldier was in the right place at the right time. Simply put, he stopped this massacre. Thanks to him and his father, my children and I are here today. It is truly important to me to say that. There are no words to express my appreciation to this family. I owe them my life. And it’s important to me that it is understood: this man is a hero.�

�You also carry values ??within you that we wish all of us in the Jewish people will respect,� said the President.

Before he left, the family members asked to thank the community in N�vei Tzuf and in Elad, for their unwavering support they had received from the moment of the terrible murders.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem/photo credit: Mark Neiman, GPO)