Afula-Gilboa and the communities that make up the Southern New England Consortium (SNEC) have been partners for several years. During the present conflict in Israel, SNEC has sent 10 Solidarity Delegations with 120 participants to Afula-Gilboa, further intensifying the ties. When 23-year-old Afula resident Lior Atiyah was shot in a terror attack and subsequently died of his wounds, SNEC communities expressed their condolences to their Afula partners.

Letter from The Federation - Jewish Communities of Western CT, Inc.

We are saddened to learn of the Afula resident tragically shot in the PA autonomous city of Jenin.

On behalf of all of our SNEC communities, we stand firm in our support and share in the pain of the victim's family and all of our family in Afula/Gilboa. This tragic and cowardly act of terror instills fear and hardens hearts, which might otherwise hold room for promise. We must not allow these acts to deter us from seeking a peaceful solution to coexistence. We recognize the most difficult position of leadership Mayors, Itzhak Meron and Danny Atar must provide. Would you please convey our heart felt sorrow and support for them, Senior Deputy Mayors Menahem Yavor and Eid Salim and the residents of Afula and Gilboa. If you would please forward the name and address of the individual victim, we will send a letter of support directly to he and his family. We pray for his speedy recovery.

At the same time, we consider the victim treated by Red Crescent emergency medical personnel, transported to a PA hospital and then to HaEmek in Afula, an aspect of this tragic incident which deserves recognition. We hold in high regard the expressed humanity and cooperation, which exists in caring for the victim. This symbol of cooperation speaks to those who choose to rise above these senseless acts, to preserve life.

Nevertheless, foremost on our minds is an immediate and peaceful solution to this enduring conflict.

Warm regards,

Rob Zwang
Executive Director

Eric Albert
President

The Federation - Jewish Communities of Western CT, Inc.

Letter from SNEC Chair and Coordinator

Mayor Itzhak Meron, Afula, Israel
Mayor Danny Atar, Gilboa Regional Council
Eshel Fram, JAFI Regional Manager, Afula, Israel

Dear Mayor Meron, Mayor Atar, and Eshel,

Words cannot adequately express the sorrow we feel, having learned that Lior Atiyah, a 23 year-old Israeli Jew from Afula, was shot on the border between Gilboa and Jenin. From our families in SNEC, please convey our most sincere sympathy to the Atiyah family. This tragic act of terror only deepens our desire to achieve peaceful coexistence in Israel. We share your sadness and pain and we are vigilant in our hope for peace. Although we are on the other side of the ocean, our hearts and our minds are with our friends in Afula and Gilboa. We hope that the continuing presence of visitors from SNEC brings a sense of unity and intimacy among our communities.

Sincerely,

Mark Rosen
Chairperson
Southern New England Consortium

Debbie Swartz
Coordinator
Southern New England Consortium

  Shvat 5761 - February 2001