Israeli Ambassador Sallai Meridor Reacts to Tragedy at Virginia Tech
April 17, 2007

WASHINGTON – The Ambassador of Israel to the United States, Sallai Meridor, expressed his shock and sorrow at the grievous loss of life on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

“The people of Israel grieve with all who have been touched by this horrible tragedy and pray for the speedy and complete recovery of the wounded and for the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Meridor said.

In letters to Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine and University President Charles Steger, Ambassador Meridor expressed his deep condolences and offered Israel’s assistance to the Virginia Tech community in coping with this tragedy.

Professor Liviu Librescu, 76, a Holocaust survivor, who was gunned down in his classroom while protecting his students, was a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen. Students of Professor Librescu report that he blocked the gunman's way into the classroom and saved their lives. The Embassy has dispatched a senior diplomat as well as a consular official to Blacksburg in order to assist the family.