This past Sunday, a woman named Racheli Fraenkel gave one
of the most remarkable and moving pleas ever delivered by an anxious mother.
In remarks that spanned just 90 seconds, Fraenkel, whose 16-year-old son
Naphtali was one of the three Israeli teens kidnapped last week by Palestinian
terrorists, exemplified the virtuousness and inner strength of the entire
Jewish people.
"I came out to say thank you," she began, before graciously praising
others for their help and support.
There were no words of anger or rage, no hatred or calls for revenge. Indeed,
from the outset, this woman, who had surely just been through the worst 48
hours of her life, immediately focused attention on others, making sure to
offer them thanks and encouragement, as if she was not the one in need of such
reassurance.
No one would have faulted Frankel for screaming, breaking down in tears or
hurling accusations. No one would have condemned her for criticizing the
powers-that-be, demanding action and blasting a world indifferent to Jewish
suffering.
But in a steady and composed manner, this loving Jewish mother voiced
appreciation for the "waves of prayer and support" and "positive
energy" she and her family had received from a sympathetic public.
"Please pray with us," she asked, as tears began to well up in her
eyes.
"They were just boys on their way home from school," she pointed out,
before concluding on a poignant note of optimism. "We'll hug them
soon," Frankel vowed, adding, "God willing, we will be able to
celebrate their return safely."
What incredible inner strength! Like most Israelis, I spent this past weekend
in a fog, my thoughts clouded by a mix of worry, disbelief and indignation.
I could not concentrate, found it difficult to fall asleep and felt guilty for
laughing at a joke or savoring the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Immediately after the end of Shabbat, I rushed to check the news, hoping,
praying that a miracle had occurred and the three kidnapped youths had been
safely returned to their families.
Unfortunately, that did not happen, and I remained glued to the television set,
desperately wanting to hear the anchor announce there was breaking news to report.
Instead, the viewing public was treated to one talking head after another, as
the various channels tried to fill the time even though they had little if
anything to report.
And then it happened. In an unexpected twist, I caught a glimpse of the indomitable
spirit of the Jewish people, the unseen elements that are the secret of our
survival down through the generations: faith and determination.
Across the country, in spontaneous and simultaneous acts of solidarity,
thousands of Jews came together to do what Jews have always done in times of
distress: They gathered to pray.
Just as Racheli Fraenkel had asked.
And not just on Saturday evening, when it was easy and convenient. Sunday too
saw massive prayer gatherings at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, and at public
facilities and schools throughout the country.
Tens of thousands of Jews from all walks of life put aside their arguments and
differences, their quarreling and squabbling, and raised their voices as one,
pleading with the Creator to have mercy on His children, on our children.
At the central synagogue in Ra'anana, an overflow crowd packed the sanctuary,
spilling out onto the pavilion outside.
Several chapters of Psalms were recited, as young and old alike swayed back and
forth in mounting intensity.
There was none of the chatter that often accompanies organized prayer services,
no gossiping or sarcasm on display.
Just prayer, just the simple act of pouring out one's heart, imploring our
Father in Heaven to heed His attribute of mercy and foil the plots of our foes.
As the verses written by King David soared upward, carried ever higher by the
sincerity with which they were uttered, I looked around and pondered this
extraordinary scene.
The Palestinian terrorists who had kidnapped those three children surely felt
that in doing so, they would shatter this nation's morale. Our enemies know all
too well how much we value life, and how precious we consider every soul to be.
Certainly, they told one another, this abduction will bring the people of
Israel to their knees.
And that, perhaps, was their biggest mistake of all. Because instead of
breaking us, this horrific act of terror has brought us all together, united as
one in our love and concern for those three Israeli teens.
It has touched a nerve deep inside every one of us, reminding us that we must
stand up to evil, confront it and defeat it, showing no mercy to those who seek
our destruction.
Ironically, by seeking to rupture our resilience, the terrorists have only made
us stronger. By attempting to crush our spirit, they have instead awakened our
innate fortitude and valor.
I have never been more proud to be a part of this nation, to belong to a people
that despite unprecedented injustice, continues to cling to its conviction and
faith.
Armed with such belief, and confident in the justness of our cause, there is no
power on earth that can or will stand in our way.
Written by Michael Freund. Read more: http://www.michaelfreund.org/14932/jewish-spirit
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