"Please pray for the Peace of Israel"  Psalm 122  [Chapter-6] 

 

A YouTube capture of a poster of Mohammad Abu-Khdair, who was
burned alive on Wednesday in Jerusalem.  While officials investigate his
death, most assume that he was killed in revenge of the murder of Naftali
Frenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach.

Israel was quick to condemn the murder, demands for revenge, and expressions of hatred among Israelis and Palestinians. Although most people immediately concluded that the murder of the Palestinian teen was nationalistic revenge in response to the deaths of the Jewish teens, the motivation for the killing is still unknown, and some suspect that it may have been an honour killing. Israeli President Shimon Peres promised Sunday that Israel would get to the bottom of Abu Khdair's killing and bring whoever is responsible to justice. "If Jews are becoming killers, they will be put to court like any killer," he told journalists.  "Whoever was killed, for us was murdered; for us [he] is a victim."

One of the Jewish extremist youths confessed to the Crime

Six Jewish suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of Abu-Khdair, and a Palestinian was arrested in connection with the murder of the Israeli teens.

 Israeli President Peres told journalists that Israel would get
to the bottom of Mohammad Abu Khdair's killing and bring the murderers
to justice.

After intensive questioning by the Israeli Security Agency, (Shin Bet), one of the arrested young Jewish extremists confessed to the murder and incriminated the other youths involved. Prime Minister Netanyahu pronounced that "Israel is a nation of laws and everyone must act accordingly to the law." Rabbi Elyakim Levanon of the Samaria region made a bold statement regarding the punishment of these Jewish youth if they are found guilty.  He stated that both the Arabs who murdered the three teens, and the Jewish youth who murdered the Arab boy deserve the death penalty. He went on to say that even though Israel does not have the death penalty, "Jewish law does not have mercy when it comes to brutal murder." 

In a Previous statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the police to "swiftly investigate who was behind the loathsome murder [of Khdair] and its motive." Netanyahu urged the country to be restrained in both actions and words. “Our security forces continue to investigate the background to the shocking murder of the boy whose body was found in the Jerusalem Forest.  Whatever the motive may be—this murder must be strongly condemned and we will bring those responsible for this crime to justice,” he said. “I appeal to all the citizens of Israel and ask you:  Please exercise restraint in your actions and words.  Our hearts ache, our blood boils, but we must remember that we are, first and foremost, human beings and we are citizens of a law-abiding country.  We are making decisions in a responsible, cool-headed and considered manner.”

Palestinians clash with Israeli police and throw rocks in protest of the
horrendous murder of Mohammad Abu Khdair.

Israeli President Shimon Peres also called for cooler heads and an end to incitement.

“We weren't born to hate, we weren't born to speak in a hateful language.  A few days ago we all behaved as one with dignity, even during our sorrow but together we called for restraint, we called for investigation, we were careful with our words,” Peres said. “It's time to stop incitement, it's time to be respectful and to respect the law. It's in our hands.  People who are engaged in incitement are not always aware where it can lead, to more sorrow, to more dangers.  It's time for all of us to show restraint, to show understanding and let us as human beings, all of us, be true to our morality, to our hope to live together in peace.”

Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat also forcefully condemned the murder of the teen.

“This is a horrible and barbaric act which I strongly condemn.  This is not our way and I am fully confident that our security forces will bring the perpetrators to justice.  I call on everyone to exercise restraint,” Barkat stated. The family of murdered Israeli teen Naftali Frenkel, almost immediately released a statement condemning revenge killing. "We do not know exactly what happened overnight in east Jerusalem,” the statement emphasized.  “The police are investigating the matter.  But if it turns out that an Arab youngster was killed for nationalistic reasons, then that is terrifying and shocking.  There is no difference between blood and blood.  Murder is murder, no matter what the age or nationality is.  There is no justification, forgiveness or atonement for such a murder."

Palestinians burn tires in protest of the gruesome murder of Mohammad

Abu Khdair.

A few strong Palestinian and Arab Israeli voices have resounded for peace, including Abu Khdair's father, Hussein, who stated, "I am against kidnapping and killing.  Whether Jew or Arab, who would accept that his son or daughter would be kidnapped and killed?  I call on both sides to stop the bloodshed." Hundreds of Israelis rallied in downtown Jerusalem to call for peace and non-violence. "It’s time to raise a different voice—one which I believe is more common, even if more quiet—saying, 'We don’t take revenge.  We deal with things like a civilized country,'" Rabbi Uri Ayalon said at the peace rally. Nadav Rothberg, 22, who came to Jerusalem from the southern Jordan valley to attend the demonstration, condemned the outpouring of hatred and violence, stating, "What's happening goes against my conscience and is also wrong from a Jewish perspective.  Violence is wrong, whether directed at us or at the Arabs."  (Times of Israel)

"… and bloodshed follows bloodshed.  Because of this the land dries up, and all who live in it waste away."  (Hosea 4:2–3)

  

Please pray for the healing and comfort of the broken-hearted parents who have lost their sons, as well as for peace and an end to hatred and the cycle of violence.