A tribute to the 10 Boulder, Colorado massacre victims

בסייד

Can We All Stop And Think About The Tragedy In Boulder 

The Boulder Muslim Attacker Killed 10 People Including A Police Officer

These Are The Names Of Those Killed In This Senseless Attack

• Denny Stong, 20
• Neven Stanisic, 23
• Rikki Olds, 25
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
• Teri Leiker, 51
• Officer Eric Talley, 51
• Suzanne Fountain, 59
• Kevin Mahoney, 61
• Lynn Murray, 62
• Jody Waters, 65

There are many stories about every one of these victims which are accessible via the Internet. I did not know any of these victims but have a special place in my heart for each and everyone of them.

The name that stands out for me is police officer Eric Talley who gave his life protecting and serving his community. Eric Talley’s death leaves me heartbroken in another way because he left behind a wife and seven children ages 7 to 20. When our family made Aliyah to Israel in 1996, our 7 children ranged between the ages of 3 to 16 at that time. The same 13 – year time span as those children Officer Talley left behind. And as it turns out, the same ages when I turned 51.

None of those children will have the same opportunity for their father to be at their weddings or have their father hold, kiss and hug them. Officer Talley will also never have that chance like I have been fortunate to have and for that I feel very, very sorry for his wife and children.

It is said Officer Talley’s heroics saved many lives when he rushed at the gunman before being killed. That is what I witness here in Israel all the time. When a Jew is attacked, we are all brothers and sisters and if something happens to any of our family members, we come to their rescue no matter how dangerous the situation. Officer Talley was just that kind of a person wanting to help and defend his fellow citizens who he obviously regarded as one of his own family members.

I honor and respect you Officer Eric Talley for the bravery you displayed that fateful day when you gave your life for your community and its citizens. I want to convey my condolences to officer Talley’s family along with all the families of those that lost their lives in this senseless tragedy.

May you find comfort in the fact that your names will never be forgotten. Not in America or among my fellow Israelis who heard about this tragedy and salute you for your bravery. That will be especially true next week, April 14, when Israel marks remembrance day for its fallen soldiers.