Boston Jews hold vigil for gay center attack victims
Greater Boston Jewish Community, comprised of numerous Jewish organizations, holds vigil on steps of city's Temple Israel in memory of Nir Katz, Liz Trubeshi killed in Saturday's attack on Tel Aviv gay youth center
WASHINGTON - The Greater Boston Jewish Community held a vigil Wednesday in memory of 26-year-old Nir Katz and 17-year-old Liz Trubeshi, who were killed in Saturday night's horrendous attack on the GLBT youth center in Tel Aviv.
Abby Noble, Katz's cousin, was at the event and said Nir did not fall under any stereotype – not gay and not Israeli, she said he was a person. She also noted that it was Tu B'Av, the Jewish holiday of love, and recalled that his greatest loves were his life partner Thomas and his two cats.
Nadav Tamir, Israeli consul in New England said, "The implications of the horrors which befell the Katz and Trubeshi families, as well as the entire gay community, are not only an obligation to remember those who are no longer with us, but are also a call to action for all of us here tonight.
"As Jews, we cannot accept the hatred which members of the homosexual community are made to deal every day. As humans and global citizens, we must not tolerate intolerance any longer".
Abby Noble, Katz's cousin speaking at vigil
The vigil, which was held on the steps of Temple Israel in Boston was co-sponsored by many Jewish organizations including the JCRC, the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, B'nai Brith, and more.
Nancy K. Kaufman, JCRC Executive Director condemned the attack on the gay center, and in a statement said: "We strongly condemn this weekend's brutal and hateful attack on the gay and lesbian youth center in Tel Aviv.
"We commend Israeli officials who are professionally and diligently pursuing those responsible for the attacks and will bring them to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the victims' families of this weekend's deadly attack in Tel Aviv."
She added that "Israel is a vibrant and diverse democracy in which gays and lesbians serve in the military and participate fully in Israeli society. We hope that this attack will inspire all of us to reject hatred and bigotry in all of its forms and work together to build a stronger and more cohesive society wherever we live.”
