Following a resolution passed by the U.N. General Assembly in 2017, the United Nations marked its inaugural International Day of Remembrance of and Recognition for Victims of Terror Attacks on Aug. 21, consisting of ceremonies, speeches and exhibitions at the Turtle Bay headquarters in Midtown Manhattan.
With this initiative, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Danny Danon led the presentation of an exhibition in memory of the terrorist attacks in Israel from last year until now. The display consists of a photo and short eulogy of each of the 25 victims.
Two victims featured are Shir Hajaj, 22, and Erez Orbach, 20, who were both killed on Jan. 8, 2017, in a terrorist car-ramming attack in Jerusalem.
“There are not enough words to describe the beauty your gentle soul brought to the world. You seem to effortlessly conquer mountains,” said Hajaj’s mother. “We thought we would see you on the front page of the newspaper holding a prize for an invention that would change the world. How is then that we are seeing your photograph now everywhere next to a memorial candle?”
“He will be remembered for his perpetual smile and willingness to help for good causes,” said Orbach’s family. “Erez was a boy full of motivation and was very determined, but also delicate on the inside, with principles, values and love for everyone.”
Since its founding in 1948, Israel has lost more than 3,000 men, women and children to terrorism.
“The victims of terror attacks, along with the uniformed soldiers who fell in defense of the country, have a place in our hearts; they will never fade from our memory,” stated Danon. “These hostile acts of terror are cowardly, and the terrorists who perpetrate them incite further violence against our people as they are considered heroes in their society.”
“The international community must demand that the chairman of the Palestinian Authority stop the transfer of salaries to murderers and their families, who shed the blood of innocent Israelis,” he added.
