Like So Many Torahs

(Photo from the LA Times website)

There's not much to say after a brutal attack on unarmed civilians, no less Torah students, in the heart of Jerusalem yesterday. Having twice lived in Ir HaKodesh, the sadness and fear that descends upon the city is actually palpable, like a nauseating electricity that pulses through every resident and makes everyone jumpy and sullen at the same time. I was sent a really stunning article on this incident and its implications, written by R' Danny Gordis. You can read that here. I don't particularly agree with his assessment, and I'm afraid he might imply that we should respond without a hint of restraint, which I can't abide. I would prefer we not respond at all and let the world condemn the Palestinians and further isolate Gaza.

But I can't help but feel his pain trickle through his writing.

I can only say that the moment at which I heard that Mossad HaRav was attacked, my heart sank. When the NPR story included 'frum' yiddin chanting 'Mavet L'Aravim', my stomach lurched. I'm sure it will turn again when we launch another massive attack with huge casualties that will lead to another sad cycle of retaliation and reprisal. The deaths sadden me but they portend worse to come.

'Shalu Shalom Yerushalayim, Yishlayu ohavayich'
'Ask for the peace of Jerusalem, those who request it love her'