Over 1,000 people mourned the death of a grandson of a Westville couple, as the current wave of international terrorism touched New Haven.
The funeral took place in Sharon, Mass., Sunday for 18-year-old Ezra Schwartz (pictured), who died last Thursday in a terrorist attack in Israel. Click here to read about the funeral, and here to read about the attack, in which a gunman shot up a minivan in which Schwartz was traveling.
Schwartz was spending a “gap year” between high school and college studying at an Israeli yeshiva. He and fellow students were delivering food to soldiers at the time of the attack.
His father grew up in Westville, where his grandparents, Mark and Heni Schwartz, still live and play an active role in New Haven’s Jewish community. Mark, a retired doctor, serves as president of Westville synagogue; Heni, a social worker, has been active with Jewish Family Services.
Ezra Schwartz was remembered at the funeral as a loving, enthusiastic young man who enjoyed teaching kids, studying, and playing sports.
“Ezra’s life was a blessing for so many. Being present at the funeral was both the most wrenching, heartbreaking experience but also a full expression of the importance of a close, loving family, of friendship and community, commitment to study and prayer, and devotion to Israel. Described by many speakers as having died ‘kiddush haShem,’ I think it worth to note that he lived his life the same way … holy,” Sydney Perry, executive director of New Haven’s Jewish Federation and a friend of the family, wrote afterwards on her Facebook page.
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro issued a statement Monday calling herself “heartbroken” over “yet another senseless act of terror.”
“Ezra Schwartz was murdered simply because he was Jewish. He was an extraordinary young man who had his whole life still ahead of him. He was spending a year in Israel, building a deeper connection to his family roots and volunteering his time to make a difference in the lives of others. His was a mission of compassion and humanitarianism,” DeLauro stated.
“Though we may never fully understand why Ezra was taken so soon, his friends and family can take comfort in the full life that he led while he was here. Well known for his generosity and kind spirit, he will be deeply missed by all of those fortunate enough to have known him and will serve as an inspiration to others to make a difference in this world.”
The New England Patriots plan to honor Schwartz with a moment of silence before Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills.