July 22, 2011

NEW YORK (JTA) — The parents of murdered 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky have created a memorial fund in their son’s name to assist the needy.

Nachman and Itta Kletzky released a statement Thursday urging people to give to charity and think of their son while praying and lighting Shabbat candles.

The statement was issued the day after the Kletzkys emerged from sitting shiva.

“We thank G-d for the nearly nine beautiful years that He entrusted us with Leiby’s pure soul,” the Kletzkys wrote in their statement. “We are certain that Leiby is now looking down from heaven and blessing us all.”

“If tragedy is to ever befall any of you, G-d forbid,” the parents continued, “you should be blessed with a community and public as supportive of ours.”

The statement said the memorial fund would “channel the lovingkindness shown to us and our dear Leiby toward many, many others in need”

As of 11 a.m. on Friday, the Leiby Kletzky Memorial Fund (www.leibykletzkymemorialfund.com) had raised $143,172 from 3,301 online donors.

Also on Thursday a grand jury indicted 35-year-old Levi Aron on charges of having kidnapped and murdered the Brooklyn boy. On Thursday night one of Aron’s two attorneys, Gerard Marrone, resigned, citing “the horrific way this boy was killed.”

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