May their memory be a blessing

“May their memory be a blessing.” These are the words we say to comfort ourselves, our children, and our community. I absolutely refuse to say this yet. Yes, it is selfish, however I am not ready to use the word ‘memory’ in relation to the horrible act of terrorism that has taken place. The three boys, Gil-ad, Naftali and Eyal, should NOT be ‘a memory’ to their parents; they should not have to be. They should be with their families, their friends, making plans for the future, and thinking about their summer plans. They should be learning to drive, complaining about having to clean their room, and rolling their eyes when their mothers hug them goodnight.

Gil-ad, Naftali and Eyal should not need to be a memory. No mother or father should have to refer to their child’s memory; they should have memories of their child while having hopes and dreams for their future.

In time, I hope to be able to embrace their memory, however for now, I am simply too angry, too sad, and sick of holding out hope for peace. It simply hurts too much. “The Boys”, Gil-ad, Naftali and Eyal, are a blessing, and will always be. Their name is still on our lips, and should be, in every breath and in every prayer. We cannot relegate them to a memory; we need to remember them, actively in each moment, never becoming complacent or taking life for granted.

May all our lives be a blessing, and may we merit a time of peace for Israel.