US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. Photo: Shiryn Solny.

JNS.org – US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman on Monday sent a letter of condolence to the family of Rabbi Raziel Shevach, who was killed Jan. 9 in a drive-by terrorist shooting near his home in the Havat Gilad settlement outpost.

Shevach, 35, was shot while he was returning home after being dispatched as a medical first-responder. He was survived by his wife and six children.

“As an emergency first-responder, a mohel (performer of ritual circumcision) and a revered teacher, Rav Shevach clearly was an extraordinary person more concerned with others than himself. He epitomized the hard working, dedicated individuals who have built and sustained the State of Israel,” Friedman wrote.

Immediately following the attack last week, Friedman used his Twitter account to blame the Palestinian Authority (PA) for the lack of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. “An Israeli father of six was killed last night in cold blood by Palestinian terrorists. Hamas praises the killers and PA laws will provide them financial rewards,” he wrote. “Look no further to why there is no peace. Praying for the bereaved Shevach family.”