Love, not Hate, in the Midst of Grief: In Memoriam
Love, not Hate, in the Midst of Grief: In Memoriam



Just recently, I participated in a sad celebration.  I know that does not make sense since a celebration is happy. However, in this instance it WAS a sad celebration.

A Sefer Torah was dedicated in memory of my cousins Rabbi Elnatan and Dina Horwitz HY"D, who were brutally murdered in their home in Kiryat Arba, Hevron, eight years ago.  The dedication of a Sefer Torah is such a happy and moving occasion and so fitting in their memory, but at the same time we feel so sad that they are not with us physically.

It took me days to be able to sit down and sort out the deep feelings I have, and I feel it imperative to share them with you.

We celebrated this important and moving occasion of the dedication of a Sefer Torah in memory of two very special people whose lives were full of love. Love not only for each other and for their families, but love of Eretz Yisrael, Torat Yisrael and Am Yisrael. They touched so many lives that even today so many people remember how special Rav Eli and Dina Z"L were. 

We grieve the loss of our loved ones and in their memory we try to do good. 

I cannot even begin to count the times when reporters or outsiders have said to me when I tell them how many people that I love I have lost by terrorists, "you must hate the Arabs".  They are unable to understand that we do not waste our energy in hate.  We try to do good deeds in the loving memory of our loved ones. 

Hate would destroy us and will not bring our loved ones back.  To do good deeds and think positively and to contribute to our Land and people is the best way to honor and remember our loved ones.

Yes, we grieve. Yes, we hurt from the loss of our loved ones but we will not however let the evil destroy us.  Never will we let the evil destroy us but instead we will use our energy in a positive way to build our beloved Land, to live by the Torah and love our people.  In this way we will be defeating the hate that took away our loved ones, and keep their spirit alive.

Yes, this was a sad celebration but one of prayer, emunah (faith, ed.) and love. May we always do good deeds in the memory of our loved ones. Amen.