My name is David Lieberman and I am a first cousin of the slain settler, Hillel Lieberman.  My family has just completed the most difficult week of our lives.  Last Shabbat, my father (Hillel's uncle) received a call from Israel which said Shabbat or no Shabbat you must pick up the phone.  The caller explained that we must contact Hillel's wife, Yael Lieberman, immediately.  We were told that Hillel had been missing for the past twelve hours and they needed assistance in reaching Hillel's parents and sisters. Calls were placed to anyone and everyone that could possibly help.  Two hours after receiving the initial call a report came back that Hillel was found.  A tremendous relief washed over us only to be dashed by finding out  that it was false.

The first concrete signs of Hillel's murder came via the Internet.  An unnamed Arab organization had claimed credit for the kidnapping and murder of Rabbi Hillel Lieberman.  The Israeli army searched every where but initially to no avail.  We were told that at 11pm Saturday night (5am Israel time) the army would begin to search anew with dogs. They went and came back but nothing was found.  Early afternoon rumors were circulating that a body had been found in the area.  Yom Kippur had just started in Israel and communication with the family and authorities was difficult. Approximately 5pm on Sunday in the States the body that was found was brought to the Lieberman home for identification by his wife, Yael.  With a non-Jew on the phone with the US, the body of Hillel Lieberman was positively identified. He was badly beaten and shot eleven times.

The wail of despair that pierced through us was indescribable.  The question I get asked the most is were we close.  The answer is yes! Our family is small.  The only first cousins I have are Hillel and his two sisters. Being of similar age I had the opportunity to attend high school and college together with Hillel.  When I got married five of his children walked down at my wedding.

Hillel was a committed Jew.  His sense of purpose was strongly tied into his religious observance, his family and his love for the land of Israel.  For example, a few days before Hillel died, an Israeli border guard bled to  death at Joseph's Tomb.  The Palestinian Authority would not allow proper  medical attention to be delivered to the guard.  Hillel, along with several of his friends, went out in a bullet proof transport and paid a condolence call to the family of the guard.  This was done when transportation through this part of the country was dangerous and risky.  The part of the story that many people may not be aware of is that the guard was not Jewish but rather an Arab Druiz.

I have lost a cousin, but more important I have lost a friend.  I will miss his sense of humor and his hugs of hello and goodbye at the airport.  My parents have lost their only nephew and my uncle and aunt have lost their  only son.  Most important of all is that seven children ages 8 months to 13 years have lost their father.  I write to you on their behalf.  With Hillel now gone, the struggle to provide for the children will be difficult.  Any contribution would be greatly appreciated.  Please make checks out to "Congregation Beth Torah" (its a tax deductible contribution) and be sure to note "Hillel Lieberman" in the memo section of the check.  Please mail  checks to:

The Hillel Lieberman Fund
c/o Congregation Beth Torah
1061 Ocean Parkway
Brooklyn, NY  11230

www.ou.org

Photo Courtesy of the Jerusalem Post