Jerusalem Synagogue Attack Victim Had Ties to Lakewood

The Lakewood community is reeling from horrific news that a Lakewood resident has lost his father in the synagogue attack in Jerusalem early Tuesday, according to Mayor Menashe Miller.     

"We are in shock. We're all in mourning. Obviously, the Jewish community is a very close-knit community and this certainly hits home," said Miller.

60-year-old Rabbi HaRav Moshe Twersky, father of Reb Refoel of Lakewood, was among four people killed when two Palestinian cousins armed with meat cleavers and a gun stormed the synagogue during morning prayers, making it the bloodiest attack in years. Police killed the attackers in a shootout, according to The Associated Press.

The Lakewood Scoop reported the family moved from the United States to Eretz Yisroel approximately 30 years ago. He is survived by his Rebbetzin Miriam, and their five children.

Mayor Miller said recent increasing antisemitism around the world is concerning Lakewood officials. "Here in Lakewood, we've reached out to Homeland Security from time to time, to increase vigilance and security here as well."

People must go on after such tragedies, Miller said, while cautioning that "Fear isn't way to live."