The body of Dalia Elkayam, the Israeli woman who had been missing since the terror attack at a Berlin Christmas market was found early Thursday after a two-and-a-half day search by German authorities in cooperation with the Israeli embassy.
“During the night, the [Elkayam] family was notified that the body of Dalia Elkayam has been positively identified. The embassy is currently working, together with the family, to bring her body back to Israel,” stated Emmanuel Nahshon, Spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
There are currently no further details on the circumstances of her death whether from the attack itself or otherwise or whether her body was found anywhere near the scene of the attack.
Rami Elkayam, Dalia’s husband, who was seriously wounded in the attack, was reported on Wednesday to be in stable condition, although sedated and on a respirator.
President Rivlin stated following the announcement, “I received with great sadness the news of the death of Dalia Elyakim in the horrific terror attack in Berlin.
“From here I send my sympathies and offer strength to her family who are by the bedside of her husband Rami, who was seriously injured in the attack, and we pray for his speedy recovery. We will remain united and determined in the face of this murderous terror which strikes across the world, and we will fight relentlessly against extremism and hatred.”
On Monday evening, a truck careened through a crowded market near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin, killing at least 12 and wounding dozens.
Initially there was some controversy about the nature of the incident, but Chancellor Angela Merkel has said “from what we have gathered so far, the assumption is that it was a terrorist attack.”
According to latest German media reports, police are currently looking for a Tunisian asylum-seeker, born in Tataouine, as indicated by identity papers found in the truck.
Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Rivlin condemned the attack.
“Even at such times of tragedy and heartbreak we strengthen our resolve to stand united and firm against terrorism,” stated President Rivlin in his phone conversation with German counterpart Joachim Gauck.
“Israel stands hand in hand with Germany in the fight against hatred, extremism, and all forms of terror.”
Rabbi Shmuel Segal of the Chabad Lubawitsch in Berlin (Jüdisches Bildungszentrum Chabad Berlin) told Tazpit Press Service (TPS) the Jewish community is working to assist the Elkayam family:
“We are in constant contact with the [Elkayam] family and have already visited the wounded in the hospital. We call for all Jewish people in Berlin to pray for them,” stated Rabbi Segal.
“The family appreciated the warmth of our community and the assistance of Israeli Consul Liora Giveon. At present, we are trying to be there and to be ready for any and all of their needs.”
“We will light the Chanukah candles next week in at Brandenburg Gate with people from all over town whether, Jewish or not, in order to show our support for one another. Our response will be to do our best to continue to live our lives as planned and not give in to the fear those perpetrators attempted to disseminate,” Rabbi Segal concluded.
