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Baruch GoldsteinAn Israeli doctor of American origin who carried out the 1994 terrorist attack on the Cave of the Patriarchs
Date of Birth: 09.12.1956
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Baruch Goldsleim, an Israeli Doctor and Massacre Perpetrator
- Military Service and Radical Affiliation
- Settling in Hebron and Political Involvement
- Alleged Refusal to Treat Non-Jews
- Tensions and Personal Loss
- The Cave of the Patriarchs Massacre
- Circumstances and Aftermath
- Legacy and Impact
Baruch Goldsleim, an Israeli Doctor and Massacre Perpetrator
Early Life and EducationBaruch Kopel Goldstein was born in Brooklyn, New York, into an Orthodox Jewish family. He attended the Yeshiva of Flatbush and later pursued his medical studies at Yeshiva University.
Military Service and Radical Affiliation
Goldstein served in the Israel Defense Forces as a medical doctor after immigrating to Israel in 1983. He was also a member of the Jewish Defense League (JDL), a radical Jewish political organization.
Settling in Hebron and Political Involvement
After his military service, Goldstein settled in the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba, adjacent to Hebron. He worked as a doctor and was elected to the town's municipal council on behalf of the Kach party.
Alleged Refusal to Treat Non-Jews
Israeli media reported that Goldstein allegedly refused to treat non-Jews, including those serving in the Israeli army. However, the validity of these claims remains questionable, as no specific sources for these accusations have been provided.
Tensions and Personal Loss
Following the Oslo Accords in late 1993, tensions between Jewish settlers and the local Palestinian population escalated. Goldstein's close friend, Mordechai Lapid, was killed by terrorists in December 1993, leading Goldstein to refer to Arabs as "Nazis."
The Cave of the Patriarchs Massacre
On February 25, 1994, Goldstein entered the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, a holy site for both Jews and Muslims. Disguised in his army uniform, he opened fire inside the mosque, killing 29 Muslim worshipers and injuring over 150.
Circumstances and Aftermath
The exact circumstances leading to the massacre are unclear. Goldstein was disarmed and beaten to death by a mob after his attack. An Israeli government commission concluded that his killing was unlawful, but the reliability of eyewitness accounts has been subject to debate.
Legacy and Impact
Goldstein's actions ignited widespread condemnation and fueled tensions in the region. His legacy as a radical extremist and perpetrator of a heinous massacre continues to shape political and religious debates.
