A lone gunman this afternoon shot in cold blood three people working in a Paris travel agency which specializes in trips to Israel. The agency’s manager, 53-year-old Edwin Douek was shot in the head and his condition is described as serious. His wife, Michele, 29, was killed, and a clerk was slightly wounded. Police have no clues as to the identity of the gunman, but eyewitnesses present at the time of the attack said the assailant appeared to be an Arab.
The man, who used a submachine gun, just walked into the small travel agency, It-Tours, which describes itself as “Israel’s specialized travel agency in Paris, ” without saying a word and opened fire with his weapon which he had concealed under his rain coat. Witnesses said he made no attempt to take any money or valuables and, according to them, the attack appeared to be motivated only by the agency’s specialized work with Israel.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.