Jerusalem’s Pride March was supposed to be a celebration of LGBT rights. Instead the day quickly turned into a tragedy when an ultra-Orthodox man stabbed six marchers. On Sunday, 16 year old Shira Banki passed away from her wounds.

Here is the heartbreaking message that her family released:

“Our wonderful Shira was murdered just because she was a happy young woman, full of life and of love, who went out to support the rights of her friends and of every person to live as he or she chooses. For no reason, and because of evil, of stupidity, and of negligence, the stem of our wonderful flower was cut. Bad things happen to good people, and a very bad thing happened to a wonderful and astonishing child. The family hopes for a bit less hatred and much more tolerance.”

We will continue to press for equality and justice for all Israelis. May Shira’s memory be a blessing.