Trump Lauds Shliach Wounded in Chabad House Attack
President Donald Trump on Monday lauded the rabbi of the synagogue hit by a shooting attack on Saturday, following a phone call in which he offered his condolences for the death of a veteran member of the community.
“I spoke at length yesterday to Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, Chabad of Poway, where I extended my warmest condolences to him and all affected by the shooting in California,” the president tweeted Monday. “What a great guy. He had a least one finger blown off, and all he wanted to do is help others. Very special!”
Earlier on Monday, it was reported that President Trump called Rabbi Goldstein, who has been hospitalized after being shot in the April 27th attack.
During the call, Trump offered his condolences over the death of congregant Lori Gilbert-Kaye, 60, who was killed when the 19-year-old gunman John. T. Earnest, opened fire in the foyer of the Chabad of Poway, just north of San Diego.
Rabbi Goldstein said the president noted his family ties to the Jewish people and his strong support for Israel.
He was amazing,” said Rabbi Goldstein, “I have never spoken with a president of the United States before.”
When Rabbi Goldstein asked Trump “What are you doing about the anti-Semitism?”, the president responded: “You know, I have a son-in-law that is Jewish, my daughter is Jewish, my grandkids are Jewish. I love Israel and I support Israel. I just annexed the Golan Heights and I moved the embassy. My love is for the Jewish people.”
“I never such words from any president before,” Rabbi Goldstein said. “He was so kind and so generous with his words.”
I spoke at length yesterday to Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, Chabad of Poway, where I extended my warmest condolences to him and all affected by the shooting in California. What a great guy. He had a least one finger blown off, and all he wanted to do is help others. Very special!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 29, 2019
