Alan Senitt Murdered in DC during attempts to protect his girlfriend

British Jew killed in USA
by: Leslie Bunder
(UK) Something Jewish

July 9, 2006

Alan Senitt

A former chairman of the Union of Jewish Students has been murdered in Washington DC. Alan Senitt, 27, was working in the US capital when he was killed on Saturday in the Georgetown area on 31st and Q while walking home his girlfriend.

Lieutenant Robert Glover of Washington DC's violent crimes branch homicide unit, said the murder happened during the early hours of Sunday morning when Mr Senitt and his girlfriend were confronted by four people at around 2am.

"A demand was made for cash and property," Lieutenant Glover told SomethingJewish.

During this altercation, Mr Senitt was stabbed and when police arrived at 2.18am, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have arrested four people for the murder, who are described as two black males, one 15-year-old black juvenile and one black female. One male was also charged with intent to commit sexual assault.

"We located the two males at 5.30am and the 15-year-old and female gave themselves in to police at 12.30," Lieutenant Glover added.

An autopsy is due to take place and arrangements for Mr Senitt's next of kin to fly out to Washington are being arranged.

Victim support services is also being offered to Mr Senitt's girlfriend.

The four charged people are due to attend court on July 10.

Mr Senitt was very involved in the Jewish community. After leaving UJS he took on roles working for the All-Party British-Israel Parliamentary Group and the British Israel Communications and Research Centre was involved in a project bringing Muslim and Jewish leaders together to combat prejudice.

In a statement, the Jewish Leadership Council which is made up of a number of leading Jewish organisations and individuals said of Mr Senitt:

"Alan was a communal professional who brought great distinction to every role that he held. Alan became a true friend of those that he worked with. He was an outstanding and passionate advocate for Israel, whilst articulating a message of tolerance and co-existence. Alan will be remembered as somebody who regarded service to the community as a privilege and was always determined to make a positive impact on communal life. His example of Jewish leadership will inspire many future leaders of our community. He will be remembered with affection and admiration."

A member of Edgware Reform Synagogue, Mr Senitt was also involved in local politics and stood for the Labour Party in May's local council election and had hoped to get a seat on Barnet Council.