Golden Boy

His beautiful blonde hair shone in the hot Israeli sun.

The reports don’t state his height, but he looked tall and slender.

He was 26, engaged to be married.

He was from South Africa.

Many from the South African Jewish community here in south Florida personally knew his family, the Kays and Levines. Really knew them. Grew up with them. Went to Chabad with them.

He served in the IDF.

He had a wide-open, accessible expressive face.

“Talk to me!” He seemed to say.

I can imagine his South African accent.

How his bereaved family and friends would love to hear his voice once again.

Why did a 42 year, educated, East Jerusalem teacher, father of five, kill him and wound four others within paces of the Western Wall?

There is only one answer.

Ingrained, indoctrinated, blind, visceral hatred of Jews taught, demanded, instilled from cradle to grave.

And perhaps, there was a second.

Maybe the assailant was attracted by the glitter of his golden hair in the dark alleyways of the Old City.

Eliyahu Kay.

His soul was returned to its Creator.

But untimely, his loved ones’ hearts cry.

The murder of Eliyahu Kay is a stark reminder that there cannot ever be negotiations, concessions to terrorists,

Remember Amalek! the Torah commands.

Every generation must learn this lesson anew.

But first the mourning.