Last Thursday, at around the time we dismissed our students from school to go home, three Israeli boys, Yeshiva students also returning home, disappeared into the night, kidnapped by terrorists. Their story touches us deeply to the core as parents and as fellow Jews. Our hearts go out to their families who face unimaginable uncertainty. As we all hold our breath awaiting news, it is easy to feel a certain sense of helplessness as the details on this horrible event unfold half way across the world. It is important to remember, however, that we are not helpless bystanders. At Akiva School, we always teach our students that they have the power to make a difference in the world. This time, we must teach by example. We need to play an important role in using our voices to take a stand and demand the return of those boys. It is our responsibility to support Israel, their search efforts and speak up against the terrorists behind these acts.
The IDF (Israeli Defense Force) has referred to their operation to find these missing boys as “Operation Shuva Achim” – Operation Return Brothers. As part of Am Israel, these three boys, Gilad, Naftali and Eyal could be our brothers, our sons, our family. We pray for their speedy return to their families and for the end of these acts of terror in Israel.
