Send Page to a Friend Jewish Community Expresses Outrage at Over Double Homicide Bombing In Beersheva, The First In Israel In Nearly Six Months August 31, 2004 Susan A. Calechman and Nancy K. Kaufman, President and Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, released this statement today in response to the murderous attacks in Israel's largest southern city: "Calculated, well-planned, and simultaneous attacks on two busses reinforce the severity of Israel's need to protect its citizens.  Sixteen innocent men, women, and children are already reported as dead, and nearly one hundred wounded.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of these terrible attacks. Israel has successfully thwarted countless attacks in the last six months, partially due to the security fence.  Today's murders make clear the need to complete construction of the southern route of this barrier against terror.  In order to achieve peace, Israelis need to feel secure." Beersheva is located 25 miles from Gaza City, and 9 miles from Hebron, from where the attackers are believed to have been dispatched.  IDF soldiers successfully halted a Palestinian man's attempt to smuggle an explosives belt into Israel from the northern part of the Gaza Strip earlier the same day, where a security fence prevents terrorists from entering Israel.  Plans exist for a southern portion to protect Beersheva and surrounding communities, but construction has not begun.