News junkies (and most blog readers are a subset of them) can easily lose perspective, compelled as we are to endlessly respond to immediate events. So here's a spot of perspective.
Yesterday I was talking to Moshe Z, a member of our congregation. Moshe looks like a robust 70-year-old, but since he's got an Auschwitz number on his forearm he's got to be in his early 80s. Last week his first great-grandchild, a girl, was born to one of his granddaughters. Moshe was telling me how emotional it was for him to have a fourth-generation descendant. He then went on to tell that this is being a good month for him. First, the great-granddaughter. Then a few days later, his second-youngest grandson (of eight) joined the IDF. Next week another granddaughter is marrying.
I congratulated him on the birth and the wedding, but was a bit hesitant to classify the grandson's enlistment in the same category of joyous events. "No, Yaacov, you're wrong about that. For those of us who came from Europe and know how important this country is, the privilege of seeing our sons serve in our army is something to celebrate".
"May he return in peace", I said, and we shook hands on that.
Jews do not wish any one to needlessly die.
ReplyDeleteI think that speaks for itself and illuminates the gap between Jewish values and those held by the Arabs.
I imagine that living long enough to see great grandchildren is an especial victory for him over the nazi genocide. God Bless him.
ReplyDeleteAnon
ReplyDeletewould it be really asking to much of you to sign your comment or comments of with anything making you discernible from the other Anons without signature around here?
and thanks Yaacov, you are a wise man ...
Great anecdote.
ReplyDeleteSo many of our youth today do not realize how important our army is to our existence.
More education, more, more, more!
Our people are our biggest asset.
Asaf
Thanks for sharing Yaacov. All the internet communication in the world can't replace those critical inter-generational conversations that give us perspective!
ReplyDeleteDaniel
Nice.
ReplyDeleteStill, I suffered some whiplash coming from the Tragedy in the Family (Itamar) and seeing the headline of your post.
Silke,
ReplyDeleteConsider it done,
Signed,
An anonymous human being.