Praying for Light in the Darkness

At night, I often find myself in front of the television watching one of the many shows that Batya and I watch together. I am usually sitting on "my chair," playing some mind numbing game on my iPad. This is when I reenergize...something I find myself needing more and more every day. The news coming out of Washington, Israel, Ukraine and in so many other places leaves me sometimes breathless. So, this quiet time at night is so vital to me.

Last night, a headline came across my iPad that literally knocked the wind out of me. A murder at the Jewish Museum in DC? Could this really be happening? A targeted shooting of an Israeli couple by an American? Two souls, attending an event discussing the need for increased humanitarian aid in Gaza - murdered by someone in the name of "Free Palestine." Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky - one week away from a lifetime of love, their lives taken away, stolen from them...

In my conversion class last night, I showed a documentary called "No Place on Earth." This film was based on the memoir of Esther Stermer, We Fight to Survive. In 1993, an NYPD officer named Chris Nicola (also a caving enthusiast) visited Ukraine to explore his family's history. What he found was evidence of people having lived in the caves. Jewish families, including the Stermer, Dodyk and Wexler families, hid in the Verteba and Priest's Grotto caves to escape the terrors of the Holocaust. These families lived underground in caves for almost 2 years. 

I explained to my students that recently I found some disturbing posts on Facebook from people I have known and called friends for a long time. The posts seemed to suggest that being a supporter of Israel meant being opposed to Palestinians - especially in Gaza or at least being a supporter of all of the actions of the Israeli government. I responded to these posts - "Two things can be true at one time. I can support Israelis and support Palestinians. I can support Israel and oppose the Israeli government." The purpose of showing the documentary was to help explain why it is not only important Israel exists - but that it is vital (for Jews and the entire world).

And then, the murder of 2 Israelis - who were working in support of Gaza and the plight of the Palestinians...here on the sacred grounds of the United States - a country where this was not supposed to happen. The existence of Israel and what it means to the future of the Jewish people could not be more obvious than it is today. So, how do we respond? 

Do we give up on peace? Do we immediately look for revenge? Do we assume that peace will never happen?

Do we close ourselves off? Do we hide our Jewish jewelry? Do we take down our Jewish artifacts to prevent any indication that we are Jews? 

Or - do we work even harder than before? Do we love even stronger? Do we resist the temptation to hate?

Remember, hate is a VERY strong evil. It is easy to give up and let hate win. We must not do that. We must not let the lives of those who have been lost mean nothing. So many have died throughout our history. It is up to us to ensure that Judaism and Israel remain strong for generations to come.

Last night's horrific murder should make us afraid. We should be careful in how we present ourselves in the world. But the critical work that has been done MUST be continued. Be proud of being Jewish. Be proud of showing up to help others. We will continue to show our support in any and every way possible...this is our responsibility as Jews...and as humans.

May the lives of Sarah and Yaron (and all of those who have been taken from us) be a reminder of what is possible when we build bridges together. May their memories always be for a blessing.