As I sit in my living room four and a half hours after hearing the terrible news I find myself deep in thought about what has just happened. While the media now focuses on how, who, when, what will happen, I decide to take my thoughts elsewhere.
Thinking about the atmosphere just 19 days ago is not hard to do. Political figures, Rabbis, community leaders and private individuals were all bothered by the fragmentation of <i>Klal Yisrael.</i> Each party and each community caring about its own interests, and not one of those that I just mentioned are able to bridge the gap between the different communities. This is perhaps the worst drift since the establishment of the State of Israel.
When was the last time all of the Jewish people from all over the globe got together in prayer and in good deeds for one common cause? When is the last time all of our leaders, media channels, Rabbis and politicians were all saying the same message?
Not one person or community could have done what these three incredible boys did. Yes, Naftali, Gilad and Eyal did what no other individual or group could have done. They unified the Jewish people. Not only did they unify the Jewish people but they did so at a critical moment.
The powerful and inspirational mothers, fathers, grandparents and siblings of these three beautiful boys gave every Jew around the world the desire to pray and unite.
They demonstrated what <b><i>כל ישראל ערבים זה בזה</i></b> [All of Israel is responsible for one another] really means.
Who else could have done what they did?
<b>Naftali, Gilad and Eyal: 19 days ago I had no idea who you were and now we are all sitting and crying for your horrible loss. I am so sad that we will never be able to thank you in this world for all of the tremendous work you did for our wonderful people. We will miss you forever and will never forget the strength and unity you gave us.</b>
We promise not to allow tomorrow to be like we were 19 days ago. You changed us forever.
We love you.