Motives unclear in Tel Aviv attack

August 4, 2009

NEW YORK (JTA) -- Israeli police remain unsure whether the weekend murders at a Tel Aviv gay community center constitute a hate crime.

"There is no clear evidence at this stage indicating that this was a hate crime," said a source involved in the investigation, according to Ha'aretz.

Among the possibilities investigators are considering is that the crime was motivated by a personal dispute rather than antipathy toward gays.

The police have called on Israelis not to blame any sector of the public for the crime, which shocked the nation.

The attack killed two: Nir Katz, 26, and Liz Troboushi, 17. Four others remain in the hospital, two in intensive care.

Click to login and write a letter to the editor or sign up for the Daily Briefing.

This article was made possible by the support of readers like you. Donate to JTA now.

Featured Content