The power of one, the power of many

Another one who we love has been taken from us.

Another one who we love truly and deeply even though our paths may never have actually crossed.

A baby or someone’s mother.

A soldier standing at the bus stop or riding the train.

People heading home wanting to feel the warm embrace of stepping through their front door.

But they never made it because they were taken from us too soon.

Three boys who were kidnapped and taken from this world in the prime of their youth were able to bring our people together; A people who were shattered and in pieces, constantly fighting and hating.

What were we fighting for or about? Does anyone even remember a time when there was peace from within let alone peace from without?

Fighting over where we can pray and who we can love.

Fighting over where we can live and why we are here.

And even if the news says otherwise, many of the people who live in this country, regardless of their religion, just want to live normal lives in peace. To raise their kids and celebrate those happy moments together when life is not just about living but about experiencing.

I feel that overwhelming sense of selfishness knowing my children are safe at home.

My mother embraces me tonight and won’t let go.

“Cherish the moments we have together,” she says to me with a voice filled with love and fear.

The power of one is to love and to be loved and the power of many is to bring justice to this world and to end this madness.

So too, the power of one is to hate and to be hated. And the power of many is also to destroy.

What can you do? How can we as individuals make a change?

Never underestimate the power we have inside of us.

Speak up and share.

Show your love and support for Israel.

And never underestimate the strength we have as a people to fight for justice and to protect the innocence of the world.

It is not only our right. It is our obligation.