J Street mourns the killing of Elan Ganeles, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, in a terrorist attack yesterday near Jericho. Ganeles’s death at such a young age to such terrible and unacceptable violence is a tragedy for his family, community and people.

A native of Connecticut and recent Columbia University graduate, Ganeles was connected to many in the J Street community. We are moved by the stories of his dedication to the State of Israel and to his Jewish community.

J Street extends our deepest condolences to his family, and we reiterate in the strongest possible terms our condemnation of terror and violence.

This tragedy is part of a spiral of violence escalating across Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territory that must be brought under control. We reiterate our call on the United States, neighboring countries, Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take meaningful actions so that more cherished lives are not lost.

May the memory of Elan Ganeles (z”l) be a blessing to his family and all who knew him.