Haaretz reports that Shira Banki, a 16-year-old Israeli woman, has died three days after being attacked by Yishai Schlissel, an ultra-orthodox Jew who stabbed six people during Jerusalem Gay Pride three days ago.
She was a high-school student, studying at the Hebrew University High School, and joined the parade to show support for her gay and lesbian friends. She’s survived by her parents and three siblings.
Her family issued a statement today, which reads: “Our magical Shira was murdered because she was a happy 16-year-old – full of life and love – who came to express her support for her friends’ rights to live as they choose. For no good reason and because of evil, stupidity and negligence, the life of our beautiful flower was cut short. Bad things happen to good people, and a very bad thing happened to our amazing girl. The family expresses hope for a world of less hatred and more tolerance.”
Prime Minister said Banki died “because she bravely supported everyone’s right to live their life in dignity and security. We will not allow a despicable killer to undermine the shared values underpinning Israeli society. We vehemently reject that attempt to spread hatred and violence and will work to prosecute the murderer to the full extent of the law.”
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