20-Year-Old Hopewell, NJ, Native Tragically Killed in Hamas Terrorist Attack on Israel

October 12, 2023

HOPEWELL, NJ (MERCER)–We are devastated to learn that Mercer County native, Lior Abramov of Hopewell was among the innocent victims tragically killed in the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas. Lior was only 20 years old with his entire life before him. We grieve for all who whose lives have been taken, including children, the elderly and entire families, and condemn this shocking attack on Israel. I ask all our residents to join us in prayer for Lior’s family and for all who remain missing.  — Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes

Devastated to learn that 20-year-old Hopewell native Lior Abramov was tragically killed during the Hamas terrorist attack. Lior had moved to Israel to follow in his father’s footsteps & become a successful DJ. Our prayers are with his family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. — Govenor Phil Murphy


Mercer County native, Lior Abramov of Hopewell was among the innocent victims tragically killed in the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas.

“My heart aches on the death of our beloved Avramov” — David Abramov posted to Facebook

“My only son the love of my life passed from here. The world has come to a standstill.”- Michal Halev posted to Facebook



Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement Following Meeting with President Biden and National Security Team on Terrorist Attacks in Israel

The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland after his meeting with the President and members of his national security team regarding the terrorist attacks on Israel:

“Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks on Israel mark the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. My heart is with the families whose loved ones have been killed and those whose loved ones are still missing.

“Since these attacks began, the Justice Department has focused on working with the families of missing Americans to locate their loved ones. We continue to work on the return of all missing Americans, including those believed to be taken hostage.

“The Justice Department has offered assistance to the Israeli government, including through the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), Operational Technology Division (OTD), and Laboratory Division. These highly trained hostage rescue specialists and other experts stand ready to advise their Israeli counterparts to help locate and bring home missing U.S. citizens.

“In addition, the FBI’s Victim Services Division will continue to coordinate with the State Department to provide support and information to the loved ones of Americans who are missing. For assistance or to report information about missing Americans, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

“And, as always, we remain focused on the threat terrorism poses to our country. Today, I briefed President Biden and his national security team on the Justice Department’s dedication of critical resources to monitor the potential threat of terrorism here at home.”


Statement of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin Regarding Continued Precautions Being Taken in New Jersey Due to the Terrorist Attacks in Israel

Since the terrorist attacks in Israel on Saturday, my office has been in regular communication with the FBI and our federal partners, the 21 County Prosecutors, and law enforcement leaders across this state, as well as community and religious leaders. It is our highest priority to keep the residents of the State of New Jersey safe during this time of increased tension, social media activity, and peaceful gatherings.

While we are aware of the call to violence against the Jewish community for tomorrow that has circulated online, there are no specific threats to safety in New Jersey. Nevertheless, law enforcement will continue to patrol sensitive areas – particularly houses of worship for both the Jewish and Islamic faiths, large gathering places, and our schools and other educational institutions – to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their communities. Law enforcement will be taking other steps – some that will be noticeable and others that may be taken out of view – and all out of an abundance of caution. We continue to call upon New Jersey residents to be extra vigilant, and if you see suspicious activity, please report it to your local authorities without delay. No information is too insignificant to report, and we take every piece of information seriously.

Please know that we will continue to work together and in the event that New Jersey’s threat level increases or that additional precautions need to be put in place, we will communicate those clearly through the appropriate channels.

We remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that our state is not home to hate, intolerance, or violence. We stand in solidarity with our Israeli and Jewish family, friends and neighbors, as we grieve the loss of so many innocent lives lost in the atrocious terrorist attacks on Israel. And we pray for all innocent civilians who face the horrors of war.