One thousand people gather in prayer for Rebbetzen Lucy Dee

Senior communal leaders and rabbis gathered last night in prayer for the sole survivor of Friday’s terror attack in the West Bank.

Rebbetzen Lucy Dee, wife of former Radlett United Synagogue rabbi Leo Dee, remains in a critical condition at Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem. The 45-year-old was seriously wounded after Palestinian gunmen opened fire on her family on Friday afternoon, killing two of her daughters.

Nearly 1,000 people were either present or listened virtually to the Tehillim (psalms) service, led by Rabbi Mordechai Ginsbury, Senior Rabbi of Hendon United Synagogue.

Rabbi Ginsbury said: “All of us felt absolutely devastated upon hearing the news that two precious daughters of Israel had been brutally murdered by terrorists, with their mother critically injured.

“We resolved that we should gather to say Tehillim for Lucy at such a crucial moment. We have gathered tonight in absolute solidarity at this time of incomparable distress for the Dee family, and pray for Hashem to protect the people of Israel at this critical juncture.”

British-Israeli sisters Rina, 15, and Maia, 20, were travelling to a hiking spot in the Jordan Valley on Friday when they were fatally shot by gunmen.

Palestinian gunmen are understood to have chased the car containing the sisters and their mother off the road before opening fire.

Rabbi Leo Dee formerly served as senior rabbi at Radlett United Synagogue (2011-2014) and assistant rabbi at Hendon United Synagogue from 2008-2011. He relocated with his family to Israel in 2014.

Rabbi Jonny Hughes of Radlett United Synagogue, who took over from Rabbi Dee upon his relocation, told Jewish News: “It was important to come together to express our support for the Dee family and say Tehillim for Lucy’s recovery. No words can describe the pain they are going through.

“In Radlett and Hendon, where they were dearly loved, the whole community was devastated upon hearing the news.”

Reflecting on the evening, Stephen Grossman, Chairman of Radlett United Synagogue, said: “Tonight’s event was very moving, warming and emotional. We are blessed to have the unity of the community to support the Dee family at this very sad time.

He added: “My message to the Jewish community is that we must remain strong. We must not let something like this waver our love and our feeling of strength for Israel.

“If we do, we give in to those who wish to destroy us.”

Maia and Rina Dee were buried yesterday in the West Bank settlement of Kfar Ezion.