Two Israeli military reservists, taking a break from their duties following the recent conflict with Hamas, were among those injured in the New Orleans terrorist attack on New Year's Day. Elad Shoshan, the Consul of Israel for the Southwest United States, confirmed the news, stating that the reservists had chosen to spend their leave as tourists in the U.S.

Shoshan, based in Houston, traveled to New Orleans immediately after the truck-ramming incident on Bourbon Street. He has been in contact with federal authorities, who have assured him that the Israelis were not specifically targeted in the attack. The FBI has identified the deceased perpetrator as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran believed to have been radicalized and inspired by ISIS.

The two injured Israelis, whose names remain private at their families' request, are in their mid-to-late twenties. They had planned a six-week trip across the United States. Their visit to New Orleans was unplanned, according to Shoshan. One reservist sustained serious head trauma, internal injuries, and limb injuries, requiring multiple surgeries. The other's injuries, though also requiring surgery, were less severe, and he is reportedly showing positive signs of recovery.

Shoshan expressed the unfortunate irony of these Israelis, who had recently served in a war against terrorism, becoming victims of a similar attack while on vacation. He emphasized the global nature of the terror threat and called for firm action against extremist ideologies. He also highlighted recent arrests in Houston of individuals who crossed the border with alleged intentions to harm Israelis and Jewish people, underscoring the need for heightened security measures.

Shamsud Din-Jabbar in an undated photograph released by the FBI. (FBI)

Military personnel walk down Bourbon Street on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Security personnel investigate the scene on Bourbon Street. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)