Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, issued an emotional update Sunday on the condition of his son, Neriya, who remains critically wounded four days after the terrorist ramming attack at the Maccabim Checkpoint on Route 443.
Neriya has undergone two complex surgeries since the attack and remains sedated and on a ventilator as doctors at Shaare Zedek Medical Center continue battling to save his life.
“My family and I are grateful to everyone who is praying for us and supporting us during this time,” Ambassador Leiter wrote. “Neriya’s life still hangs in the balance, but we have seen some encouraging signs and we are holding onto them with hope.”
Leiter pleaded with the public to continue davening for his son.
“We believe in the power of prayer, that Hashem hears prayers and can heal even when healing seems impossible,” he wrote.
The ambassador asked that the outpouring of tefillos not be limited to Neriya.
“Alongside my deep sense of gratitude to everyone who cares, I ask that the prayers for Neriya also include wishes for a complete recovery for everyone who has been seriously wounded at the hands of terrorists,” Leiter said. “Neriya and his friends are the heroes who ensure that we can persevere and prevail in the struggle against those who sow murder and destruction.”
In a remarkable development Sunday evening, it was reported that Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United States, Nada Mouawad, personally called Ambassador Leiter to express solidarity and condemn the terrorist attack that critically wounded his son.
The unusual conversation was first reported by Kan News, citing Western diplomatic officials whose account was relayed to a Lebanese journalist identified with Hezbollah.
The Israeli Embassy in Washington declined to deny the report, saying it had no comment.
Leiter and Mouawad reportedly know each other from previous meetings in Washington connected to efforts surrounding the complicated contacts between Israel and Lebanon.
The Lebanese ambassador’s reported gesture drew particular attention given the absence of diplomatic relations between Israel and Lebanon and the ongoing tensions involving Hezbollah.
Ambassador Leiter returned to Israel following his son’s critical injuries.
Neriya, a reserve soldier who has served hundreds of days since October 7 on multiple fronts, has already endured an enormous personal loss in the war. His brother, Maj. (Res.) Moshe Yedidya Leiter HY”D, was killed while fighting in the Gaza Strip during the Swords of Iron War.
Despite the devastating loss of his brother, Neriya continued reporting for reserve duty.
Following the attack, Ambassador Leiter thanked the IDF, the medical staff at Shaare Zedek and Jews around the world who have been davening for his son.
“I believe in the power of prayer, and I believe that when Am Yisrael unites, miracles happen,” Leiter said. “Neriya needs a miracle.”
The public is urged to continue davening for: נריה דב בן חנה for a complete and speedy refuah sheleimah.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
One Response
For accuracy, it was not the Maccabim Checkpoint where all 443 traffic goes through, but rather the Bell Checkpoint which is used only for traffic entering the 443 from Arab villages – closer to Beit Choron.