Seven Israeli schoolgirls were killed by a Jordanian soldier during a field trip to Jordan’s “Island of Peace” on Thursday, March 13th, Josef Federman with Associated Press reported.
Among the schoolgirls gunned down was Adi Malka, hearing daughter of deaf parents. Adi was the only one of the four children in the Malka family who knew sign language.
“The parents can’t understand it,” a 13-year-old cousin, Aviram, says, “They are having a very difficult time.”
At the Fierst School in the central Israeli town of Beit Shemesh, students sobbed at their desks and hugged each other on benches Friday, looking at photographs of the victims posted on a bulletin board. “The most important thing is to be together,” eighth-grade teacher Zohara Menzigi said.
King Hussein of Jordan visited the Malka family the following Monday, March 17th to offer his personal condolences, United Press International reported, “Mother Aliyah Malka, her eyes swollen from days of tears, fainted as Hussein faced her. “I want my daughter back,” she gestured in sign language, “We have peace but I don’t have my daughter anymore.”
At the school’s entrance, messages written by students were hung on a huge blackboard saying “We will never forget you. We love you.”
A teacher and a schoolgirl are reported to be seriously injured and in stable condition at a Jerusalem hospital. Twins Keren and Hila Irvi are said to be in good condition at Poriah Hospital in northern Israel.
King Hussein embraces Shimon Malkawho is deaf and father of Adi Malkawho was shot to death by a Jordan soldier March 13th.
