The Jewish community at large and specifically our beloved Chabad movement has had its heart pierced by unjustified terrorism. In the past, terror attacks have come and gone with dire consequences. The most recent assault on innocent civilians was one that really hit home. The Chabad community lost two important soldiers, Rabbi Gavriel and Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg. I personally did not know the Holtzberg's, but I have heard and read that they were special and unique souls.
The latest strike was one on guiltless people who sacrificed their lives for the better of mankind. People who gave up the luxurious life afforded to them in the United States and Israel, to lend a hand to travelers and the Jewish community in India. They inspired countless numbers of people who passed through their Chabad Centre in Mumbai. They fed anyone who happened upon their house. They made sure no Jew who passed through India was left stranded.
Loving parents, devoted emissaries, respected members of their community, a couple dedicated and committed to pure and holy causes stripped of their lives at such a young age. Murdered because they were good people. Singled out because they were Jewish. Cowardly ambushed out of envious hatred by barbaric fanatics.
In a pure attack on Western culture, its people and hatred towards Jewish Zionism, young men completely manipulated and exploited by terror themed camps, taught by the 'elder' as how to operate guns and grenades, not for defensive purposes, but to ensure as much death and terror to those who are non-Muslim. These terrorists snuffed out the lives of many. However, they have not succeeded in their attempt to derail the Jewish flame and have not intimidated the general populace. We valiantly power on, helping and assisting in wiping out terror from society and spreading messages of hope and salvation. We keep in our mind the fresh images of the 'ultimate sacrifices' of that of the Holtzberg's and others whose lives were cut short. We must take some inspiration as to the lives they led and how they taught and embraced Judaism and life. We progress on in their memory.
Of course questions can be asked, why do bad things happen to good people? Why were these people selected and targeted in the terror attacks?
There are no forthcoming answers.
May the deaths of those holy ones be an everlasting reminder of true commitment to genuine causes. They were stationed in India to teach and provide for the community. The Holtzberg's Chabad House, under the guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was always destined to be their base where they could disseminate their love and affection to Jews of all kinds. They were 'born' in that Chabad house and tragically died there too. It is no coincidence. They selflessly gave and gave, finally succumbing to unanswerable violence.
We do not to death, we do life.
Baruch Dayan Emet -Blessed is the Judge of truth.
The latest strike was one on guiltless people who sacrificed their lives for the better of mankind. People who gave up the luxurious life afforded to them in the United States and Israel, to lend a hand to travelers and the Jewish community in India. They inspired countless numbers of people who passed through their Chabad Centre in Mumbai. They fed anyone who happened upon their house. They made sure no Jew who passed through India was left stranded.
Loving parents, devoted emissaries, respected members of their community, a couple dedicated and committed to pure and holy causes stripped of their lives at such a young age. Murdered because they were good people. Singled out because they were Jewish. Cowardly ambushed out of envious hatred by barbaric fanatics.
In a pure attack on Western culture, its people and hatred towards Jewish Zionism, young men completely manipulated and exploited by terror themed camps, taught by the 'elder' as how to operate guns and grenades, not for defensive purposes, but to ensure as much death and terror to those who are non-Muslim. These terrorists snuffed out the lives of many. However, they have not succeeded in their attempt to derail the Jewish flame and have not intimidated the general populace. We valiantly power on, helping and assisting in wiping out terror from society and spreading messages of hope and salvation. We keep in our mind the fresh images of the 'ultimate sacrifices' of that of the Holtzberg's and others whose lives were cut short. We must take some inspiration as to the lives they led and how they taught and embraced Judaism and life. We progress on in their memory.
Of course questions can be asked, why do bad things happen to good people? Why were these people selected and targeted in the terror attacks?
There are no forthcoming answers.
May the deaths of those holy ones be an everlasting reminder of true commitment to genuine causes. They were stationed in India to teach and provide for the community. The Holtzberg's Chabad House, under the guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was always destined to be their base where they could disseminate their love and affection to Jews of all kinds. They were 'born' in that Chabad house and tragically died there too. It is no coincidence. They selflessly gave and gave, finally succumbing to unanswerable violence.
We do not to death, we do life.
Baruch Dayan Emet -Blessed is the Judge of truth.
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1 comment:
shetida, from an editorial stance, nicely polished. and several typos, but one biggie in the closing line..
my word verif is ameli.
~c
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