​Official Statement

HOUSTON (March 14, 2016) - The State of Israel mourns the tragic loss of Taylor Allen Force, who was memorialized Monday in Lubbock, Texas among family and friends. The people and government of Israel will continue to stand by the Force family.

Less than a week ago, a terrorist embarked on a stabbing rampage at the entrance to Jaffa Port near the center of Tel Aviv. The attacker proceeded along the beach promenade, wounding 10 before he was killed by police. Sadly, Taylor Force was fatally wounded by the terrorist and died on the way to the hospital.  Force, a West Point graduate, U.S. veteran, Eagle Scout and graduate student at Vanderbilt University, was simply visiting Israel to see the country's growing startup scene.

No political position and no religion justify these attacks. But, unfortunately, Taylor’s murderer is actually being praised this week as a Palestinian martyr and a hero.

Israel promises the Force family that we will continue the fight against such terror, along with the United States, toward a more secure, prosperous and peaceful future for all. 

May his memory be blessed.

Statement by Consul Daniel Agranov of the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest United States ​