Ambassador Leiter: Son Neria’s Life “Still Hangs by a Thread” — But Family Sees “Promising Signs”

Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said Sunday that the life of his son Neria remains in grave danger, days after the IDF reservist was critically wounded in a terror attack, but that the family has seen encouraging signs.

Neria Leiter, 39, was wounded Wednesday when a Palestinian terrorist rammed his car into a military checkpoint on Route 443, northwest of Jerusalem. The IDF said the terrorist was shot dead. Neria underwent emergency brain surgery and remains hospitalized in critical condition at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

In a Hebrew-language post on X, the ambassador wrote:

“My family joins me in thanking everyone for their prayers and support. Neria’s life still hangs by a thread, but we have seen promising signs, and we are holding on to them with hope. We believe in the power of prayer, that Hashem hears prayer and can heal when healing seems impossible. Alongside my gratitude to everyone for their concern, I ask that the prayers for Neria also include blessings for all those who have been seriously wounded by terrorists. They and their comrades are the heroes who ensure that we will stand firm and prevail in the battle against those who spread murder and destruction. This is a fight for the future of civilization, nothing less.”

Leiter had been scheduled to accompany Prime Minister Netanyahu to the United Nations but flew back to Israel after the attack. His eldest son, Maj. (res.) Moshe Yedidya Leiter, was killed in Gaza in 2023.

The public is asked to continue davening for Neria Dov ben Chana.