Naftali Frankel יעקב נפתלי בן רחל
Gilad Shaar גיל-עד בן בת גלים
Eyal Yifrach אייל בן איריס
I didn’t know them. But I did have the privilege, several years back, of visiting Yeshivat Mekor Chaim where they studied. This was a place where excitement pulsed through the air. Passionate learning in a rowdy Beit Midrash coupled with fun group living; a great sense of mutual respect and propriety joined with an overflowing joie de vivre. Though an Orthodox institution, when I visited with some of my female rabbinic colleagues, students were completely open to sitting down and learning with each one of us—there was a great feeling of openness and pluralism. This yeshivah, albeit in the settlements, seemed to me to be a place that deemed all life to be holy and good. I can only imagine that any student of this yeshiva would reflect the same values, attitudes and behaviors I witnessed upon my visit.
I, along with all of Israel, am heartbroken and mourn their loss. We’ve witnessed and experienced a tragic loss of life and a great act of hatred. Understandably, there is a desire among Israelis and world Jewry to do something in reaction.
I hope and pray with all of my being that Israel’s reaction will be one that is appropriate to the crimes committed, and that this action will do justice to the loss of life, but even more, to the lives lived.
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War with Hamas? Sure. They’re an organization that again and again supports terrorism and shows a blatant disregard for human life. But we don’t know that they’re responsible for this. They claim responsibility for most acts against Israel, and they’re not laying claim here. To use the deaths of these innocent teenagers as an excuse for more fighting and political gain is just… shameful.
May we pray for strength for those in Israeli society and government who have their heads in a better place, who understand what it is to respond appropriately. May we pray that all those in power who wish to meet violence with violence find the self-restraint necessary to wait to respond until their emotions of grief, hurt and anger have subsided.
May we honour the memories of these three boys—Naftali, Gilad and Eyal—by engaging in what they held dear: study, prayer, camaraderie, and sacred work. Let there be meaning in their deaths by pursuing holiness and peace. May their murders remind us of the value of human life, wherever we may find it, and that the best way to fight those who bring evil to the world is through overpowering them with love.
May Naftali, Gilad and Eyal’s memories always be for a blessing.
זכרונם לברכה.
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