Relatives of Israeli victims of terror find respite on London trip

Israelis mourning the death of a loved one at the hands of Palestinian terrorism have been treated to a tour of London, writes  Jack Mendel.

The group, comprising 21 bereaved mothers and grandmothers aged between 40 and 70, visited landmarks including Parliament and the London Eye during the excursion run by One Family.

One participant, Bracha Kupinsky, 66, who lost her son in the Har Nof synagogue in Jerusalem in November 2014, told Jewish News the visit had been a “moving experience”. She added: “Everyone has been really concerned about each other and offered support.”

Bracha’s son Aryeh, who was a father-of-six, was one of five murdered while praying at the shul. Bracha said proudly: “Aryeh fought back and, in the process, about 12 people were saved. He restrained one of the terrorists behind him and fought the other one off.” 

She added: “Every loss is a deep loss. Aryeh is very much missed in the community and by his family. This trip to the UK has been a wonderful time out for me.”

Another participant, Molly Palmer, 72 who lost her son Asher and grandson Yonatan in a rock-throwing attack near Hebron, said: “My son’s wife was left without her husband and without her baby – and she was five-months pregnant at the time. She was in shock for months. One Family has been so helpful for her.”  

She added: “All the people on the trip suffer with pain. I cope because I can move on. But I can’t forget it. It’s a part of my life.”