Press Release

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening , participated in the dedication of a Torah scroll in memory of the son of Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, Major (Res.) Dr. Moshe Yedidya Leiter, of blessed memory, a squad commander in the Sheldag Reconnaissance Unit, who fell in battle in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“To the dear Leiter family, to the many friends who are here today, this is a very moving moment. I remember visiting you during the seven days of mourning. Heartbreaking. When I learned that Moshe had fallen, it shook me to the core of my soul. He was a symbol and an example of an Israeli, a Jew, who fought for our existence and sacrificed his life for the eternity of Israel, and also requested and did much in the Kodkod program, so that all of us would join this sacred mission.

I saw the strength of the spirit in the family, in the mother and father and siblings. In you, Yechiel, who now bears the burden of representing Israel in the most important arena among the nations, and there you present the justice of our path, our right to Israel, the legacy of our people, the belief in our victory.

In the last two years, we have done much to establish our existence in this land. We struck the Iranian terror axis 360 degrees, and our arm is still outstretched, and it is also required. Today we experienced another Palestinian terrorist attack, and we are determined to complete the war on all fronts, including disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a greater danger.

But it seems to me that our greatest victory, which surprised the whole world, is the victory of the spirit. This spirit is wonderfully expressed in the story of the sacrifice and spirit of Moshe Leiter, may G-d avenge him, who is an example for all the people of Israel and also, I can tell you, for many of Israel’s friends around the world.

It is a tremendous privilege to be here for the dedication of a Torah scroll in his memory, and I ask to bless each and every one of you, who are engaged in this holy work of his commemoration and the continuation of his actions. May you be blessed.”