Israeli Minister Flies to Pittsburgh to Comfort and Consult on Security

Minister of Education Naftali Bennett is in Pittsburgh to convey Israel’s condolences to the Jewish community and victims of Saturday’s synagogue massacre and to provide input into the examination of existing security protocols and suggestions that are being made for increased protection. Eleven were killed and five others wounded. Bennett, who has a strong military background, also holds the Diaspora Affairs portfolio in the Netanyahu government. In addition to the minister, Israel is sending teams of experts who have experience in issues relative to the aftermath of mass casualty terrorist attacks. Of particular concern is the high visibility of the suspect in custody, Robert Bowers, who used social media to attack Jews verbally before turning his rage into a murderous slaughter of worshipers in a synagogue. In contrast to media coverage of the spate of package bombs mailed to political targets which stress the suspect’s support for President Trump, the Pittsburgh shooter has been clear about his disdain for the president, whom Bowers has attacked for his failure to “stop the infestation” of Jews in the U.S.