June 13, 2014 — New York, New York
AJC joins with Israelis in expressing deep concern for three youths missing in the West Bank. A full-scale search by Israeli security forces is underway amidst concerns that they may have been abducted by Palestinian terrorists. The three, one of whom is a U.S. citizen, are students at a yeshiva in Gush Etzion. “The apparent kidnappings, combined with reports of celebrations among Palestinians across the West Bank, are outrageous, though not unexpected after last week's announcement of a Palestinian unity government that includes Hamas,” said AJC Executive Director David Harris. “We pray that the three teens are safe, but, ultimately, the leaders of the Palestinian government, headed by President Mahmoud Abbas, must be held accountable for any acts of violence. There can be no two ways about it.”
