The family and friends of hijack victim Leon Klinghoffer have established a fund to “take action and support the activities of organizations and individuals involved in combatting terrorism anywhere,” it was announced here last Friday by Milton Gralla, a publishing executive who employs Klinghoffer’s widow, Marilyn.
He said that he will contribute $25,000 to start the Leon Klinghoffer Memorial Fund. “If it can happen to Leon Klinghoffer it can happen to anyone,” Gralla said. He said the fund will be used “for speedier, more organized, more severe international response to all acts of terrorism” by trying to apply political pressure and strengthen international cooperation “to prevent terrorists from slipping through the net.”
Klinghoffer, who was confined to a wheelchair, was killed by terrorists who seized the Italian cruise liner Achille Lauro. His body was thrown overboard and was washed ashore a week later off the coast of Syria. Forensic experts determined that the body had twobullet holes in it. It was flown from Italy to New York today, and funeral services will be held tomorrow.
Contributions to the Klinghoffer Fund may be sent to Marilyn Klinghoffer, 1515 Broadway, New York, N.Y., 10036.
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