Representatives of The Jewish Agency met Aiza Goveberg, whose 51-year-old son Alon was killed in a fatal terror attack — just days before their visit. Alon was one of two men murdered by Palestinian terrorists armed with knives and a pistol on a bus in Jerusalem. Several other Israelis were injured seriously in the attack.
Israel’s president, Reuven Rivlin, joined the visitors at Ms. Goveberg’s home, and had this conversation with her:
President Rivlin: Israel is in the midst of a difficult time. Terror is striking civilians across the country.
Ms. Aiza Goveberg: But why did it have to be my son?
Rivlin: Unfortunately, fate can be cruel and does not differentiate between people — no one knows who will be hit next. This time, unfortunately, it was your son. The two of you were very close, right?
Goveberg: Yes, he was the only one that helped me and took care of my sister, who lives in a nursing home in Germany. Now we are alone; it is very scary.
Rivlin: It’s true. The situation is scary, but we are trying to do everything we can in the hopes that things will calm down. We need to be strong. I really feel your pain deep in my heart. Is there anything I can do for you?
Goveberg: Please help my sister get to me. She’s in Germany and they are causing problems for her. She is also an elderly woman. We are very close. She wants to come, and they are not letting her.
Rivlin: We will help you, so your sister will get here soon.
