The death toll of Hamas’ attack on Israeli civilians has risen to at least 900. Among those who were killed Saturday was Ofir Liebstein, the mayor of San Diego’s sister city in Israel, Shar’ar Hanegev.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria paid tribute to Liebstein in a post on X over the weekend.
“This morning I learned of the death of Mayor Ofir Liebstein,” Gloria wrote. “He led Shar’ar Hanegev in southern Israel and was killed defending his community. San Diego is a sister city of Shar’ar Hanegev and there are deep connections between our two cities.”
Liebstein visited San Diego in 2021. Gloria called him a friend and described his murder as “absolutely heartbreaking.”
“I offer San Diego’s deepest condolences to his family and the people of the community he loved so much and served so well,” the mayor added.
“My condolences extend to all of the innocent civilians killed in the terrorist attacks by Hamas. San Diego stands with Israel.”
According to the U.S. government, at least 11 Americans were also killed in the attacks. Israel has announced a "complete siege" of Hamas-controlled Gaza as it seeks to incapacitate the group. Hundreds of people in Gaza have been killed in the fighting.