Israeli-American Civic Action Network Condemns Murder of American-Israeli Citizen Elan Ganeles and Urges Biden Administration to Fully Implement the Taylor Force Act


February 28, 2023

The Israeli-American Civic Action Network is deeply saddened by the recent news of the murder of Elan Ganeles, a 27-year-old American-Israeli citizen from Connecticut, who was targeted as a civilian while visiting friends and killed in a terrorist shooting in the West Bank on Monday, February 27th, 2023. Our thoughts and prayers are with Elan Ganeles’ family and loved ones during this difficult time.

We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence and urge the international community to join us in denouncing all forms of terrorism. No political cause can justify the taking of innocent lives. Such acts of violence only serve to escalate tensions further and hinder the prospects for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

We call on the Biden administration to fully implement the Taylor Force Act, which would hold the Palestinian Authority accountable for its support of terrorism by conditioning U.S. aid on their taking meaningful steps to end violence and incitement against Israelis and Americans.

Once again, we offer our deepest condolences to Elan Ganeles’ family and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing, and may we all work together toward a future of peace and security for all people in the region.

Who was Elan Ganeles?

Elan Ganeles was a 27-year-old American-Israeli citizen from West Hartford, Connecticut. Previously, he enlisted as a lone soldier in the Israel Defense Forces and lived on a religious kibbutz in northern Israel. He was a member of the National Honor Society and a National Commended Merit Scholar. He had been accepted to the University of Michigan but was on a deferred enrollment plan while he participated in a year-long spiritual, educational program in Israel. Elan had plans to participate in ROTC throughout his college years and hoped to serve as an officer in the United States military.

What is a Lone Soldier?

A lone soldier refers to a person who serves in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) without having immediate family in Israel to support them. These individuals are often immigrants or volunteers from overseas who come to Israel to serve in the IDF and defend the country. Due to their unique circumstances, they receive special support and assistance from the IDF, the Israeli government, and various non-profit organizations.

What is an American-Israeli versus an Israeli-American?

The terms American-Israeli and Israeli-American refer to individuals who have both American and Israeli citizenship. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference in their connotations.

An American-Israeli typically refers to a person born in the United States, grew up there, and later became an Israeli citizen. They may have strong ties to the United States and may consider themselves primarily American, with a secondary Israeli identity.

An Israeli-American, on the other hand, typically refers to a person who was born in Israel or grew up there, and later became a citizen of the United States. They may have strong ties to Israel and may consider themselves primarily Israeli, with a secondary American identity.

The Israeli-American Civic Action Network is dedicated to empowering Israeli immigrants and American allies to create change for a better America, a more secure Israel, and a stronger U.S. – Israel alliance through advocacy education and civic action. Learn more at IsraelUSA.org.