Twenty-six-year-old Eliyahu David Kay, who grew up in Johannesburg and studied overseas before moving to Israel, was killed in a terrorist attack in Jerusalem yesterday morning.
Kay, who had served in the Israeli Defence Force, was a tour guide.
According to Israeli officials, Kay was killed by a Hamas terrorist who shot randomly at passers-by with a sub-machine gun before being killed by Israeli police. Four other people, including two Israeli police officers, were wounded in the attack.
Israel’s Prime Minister began yesterday’s scheduled Cabinet meeting by describing the incident ‘as a severe shooting attack’.
South Africa’s Chief Rabbi, Dr Warren Goldstein, said last night: ‘The tears and prayers of South African Jewry are with Avi and Devora Kay and their family at this time of grief on the murder of their son Eli in a terror attack in Jerusalem.
‘Eli was a hero of the Jewish people and made us all so proud. The Kay family have for generations have been pillars of kindness, contribution and faith in our South African Jewish community and we are heartbroken. They are a family well known and beloved for making this world into a better place through their good deeds, and Eli lived with the same spirit and values.’
IRR CEO Frans Cronje said: ‘The Kay family are the most tremendous South Africans who have done so much for other people and to make South Africa a success. The thoughts and prayers of the IRR are with them all at this time.’