In Memory of The 7 Israeli AMIT-Furst 8th Grade Girls Killed

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STATEMENT FROM AMIT -- March 13, 1997

In the aftermath of the tragedy that occurred today in Israel, AMIT has issued the following statement:

We are shocked and stunned by the heinous, bloody massacre of seven innocent, young Jewish girls that was perpetrated by a Jordanian border patrol guard at Naharayim. The incident occurred at around noon today. The victims were part of a group of seventh and eighth grade students of the AMIT Beit Shemesh School who were participating in a field trip.

We would like to let the families and friends of these children know that AMIT volunteers and personnel in this country and in Israel are here for them at this time of profound tragedy. We grieve with the families of these girls because every Jewish child is our own. In the interest of helping the families and friends of these innocent victims of terror, AMIT is extending itself in every way possible to assure their loved ones all the necessary support in helping them deal with this most intense period of feeling loss, despair, anguish, anger, sadness and helplessness.

AMIT National President, Evelyn Blachor, is preparing her imminent departure to Israel to make condolence calls to the homes and families of the seven victims.

AMIT has every confidence in the Israeli Government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that all necessary steps will be taken in working with Jordanian authorities and bringing to justice any and all of those involved in this murderous act.

AMIT is establishing a memorial fund for the families of the victims. For more information, contact AMIT at 212-477-4720.

Founded in 1925, AMIT is a U.S.-based non-profit organization that supports 13,000 children in Israel through a network of 34 residential and educational facilities.