Deaths of Naftali Frankel, Eyal Yifrach, and Gilad Shaar
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 30, 2014
The news of the murder of these three Israeli teenagers -- Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach -- is simply
devastating. We all had so much hope that this story would not end this way. As a father, there are no words to express
such a horrific loss that shakes all people of conscience. We pray for these three boys and their families, and together
we grieve with all the people of Israel. Knowing that Naftali was also an American citizen makes this an especially
heavy blow not just to Israel, but to the United States.
We condemn this despicable terrorist act in the strongest possible terms. The killing of innocent youths is an outrage
beyond any understanding or rationale, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. This is a time for all to work
towards that goal without destabilizing the situation.
ENDS