Sacred and Poignant

Two sacred and poignant events are occurring in Israel in parallel these very days: the release of some more living hostages returning to home, family, friends, and nation, which is joyous for us all; and the release of bodies returned home to Israel for burial in our sacred soil, which is heartrending and harrowing for us all. Within the context of Judaism’s highest priority on life and living, we value all our returnees – they and their families are all precious to us. And yet, understandably, special attention has been paid since October 7th and through this weekend to what have come to represent the purest faces of innocence in this nightmarish ordeal: the little Bibas tots Kfir and Ariel, whose lives were savagely extinguished – along with the lives of so many others of our people – by the depraved enemy.

As we stay strong and keep faith in our just and righteous cause and fight, we keep in mind those who are still being held hostage; we never forget all those who were brutally tortured and murdered on October 7th; we pay homage and respect to all the courageous soldiers who have given and are still giving so much for the sake, honor, and protection of the People, Nation, and Land of Israel; and we pray for the welfare, good tidings, and total victory for Israel and the Jewish people.

May all those who have suffered at the hands of the monstrous foes be granted by Adonai regained strength, dignity, success, love, happiness, wholeness, and peace; and may the memories of all those whose lives were cruelly taken from us al kiddush hashem be for a blessing –- הי"ד-יז"ב.

Am Yisrael chai v’kayam!