Dear Hersh, I’m sorry

Dear Hersh,

I’m sorry.

I’m so, so sorry we could not save you.

I’m so sorry that we couldn’t bring you home.

I’m so sorry that our modern state of Israel, our Jewish homeland failed you.

I’m sorry that your country of birth, America, failed you. Despite President Biden claiming to do everything possible, the leader of the free world did not bring you home.

I’m sorry that you will never feel your mother’s hug again.

I’m sorry that you will never laugh with your father, and you will never kiss your sisters.

I’m sorry that the people who were meant to protect you couldn’t.

I’m sorry that your parents traveled all over the world to beg world leaders to bring you home, and they failed. The civilized world failed you.

I’m sorry that I only got to know you because your parents were forced to share you with us.

I’m sorry that I connected with you because you’re about the same age as my own daughters and I could imagine them being in your place.

I’m sorry that you and Eden and Ori and Carmel and Alexander and Almog could not get home. I can’t let that go.

And I’m sorry that I don’t have any answers as to “why”?

I’m sorry that now your soul is in heaven. While your family is mourning the finality of your loss, you will have to comfort them from above.

I’m sorry that there are still 97 hostages being tortured in Gaza.

I’m sorry that there are too many people in the world who side with terrorists.

I’m sorry that it took your murder for UN Secretary General Guiterrez to call for an unconditional release of hostages.

I’m sorry that the EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell said he was “horrified by the murder of six Israeli hostages of Hamas,” but instead of calling on Hamas to surrender, he calls for a ceasefire and return of the hostages in that order.

I’m sorry that the government of Israel cannot finish this war and bring you home.

I’m sorry that our people in Israel are suffering every single day.

I’m sorry that Jews around the world are again facing hate and violence just for being Jews.

Most of all, Hersh, I’m sorry you’re gone.

Find peace in heaven, dear Hersh. We love you.