Terrorists Suspected of Murdering Israeli American Arrested

The terrorists suspected of murdering Israeli-American Elan Ganeles, 27, were arrested on March 1.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the news on March 1. “A short time ago, we apprehended the three terrorists who were responsible for the murder of Elan Ganeles,” he said. “I salute the [Israel Defense Force] and [Shin Bet] for quickly locating the terrorists and carrying out a precise operation. Whoever tries to hurt us will pay the price.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu:
"A short time ago, we apprehended the 3 terrorists who were responsible for the murder of Elan Ganeles.

I salute the IDF and ISA for quickly locating the terrorists and carrying out a precise operation.

Whoever tries to hurt us will pay the price."

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 1, 2023

The Consulate General of New York tweeted, “Those who murder and terrorize innocent Jews from the US, Israel or anywhere around the world will always be met with the harshest consequences. A small measure of justice for Elan z”l and the Ganeles family.”

Those who murder and terrorize innocent Jews from the US, Israel or anywhere around the world will always be met with the harshest consequences.

A small measure of justice for Elan z”l and the Ganeles family. https://t.co/e53WEkA3Nc

— Israel in New York (@IsraelinNewYork) March 1, 2023

Ganeles was shot and killed on February 27 while driving in his car on Road 90 near Jericho; he was visiting Israel for a wedding. Born in West Hartford, CT, Ganeles had previously served in the Israel Defense Forces and had just graduated from Columbia University with a degree in sustainable development and neuroscience.

His funeral was held in Ra’anana on March 1 and was attended by hundreds of people, according to The Times of Israel. Ganeles’ brother, Gabriel, told attendees that his brother “was the most genuine, curious and knowledgeable person I knew. He loved his friends more than anything. His friends were his family. He was in Israel to see more than 25 friends from all different parts of his life. He was constantly looking to make people happy and have fun.”

United States elected officials issued statements mourning Ganeles.

“Elan Ganeles was a New Yorker,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams tweeted on February 28. “His loss is a tragedy. His generation deserves a world free of terror, a world where we stand up in the face of hate and reject the forces who divide us. We stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel today. We stand for peace.”

Elan Ganeles was a New Yorker. His loss is a tragedy. His generation deserves a world free of terror, a world where we stand up in the face of hate and reject the forces who divide us.

We stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel today. We stand for peace. https://t.co/RGQFqG7GQ3

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) February 28, 2023

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, a Democrat, tweeted: “I am incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Elan Ganeles, who grew up in West Hartford. These attacks are devastating and shocking. My condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”

I am incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Elan Ganeles, who grew up in West Hartford. These attacks are devastating and shocking. My condolences go out to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/fN5FBVdSvZ

— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) February 28, 2023