The Loss of a “Tzaddik” (Righteous Man)
When Barack Obama ran for President his campaign slogan was “Change We Can Believe In.” It was an effective slogan. If we had one in Israel today I would call it, “Change We Cannot Believe.” The truth is I predicted this. It’s something I have not shared with you previously. I wish I didn’t have to say this, but years ago I told my wife, “They will invade when we least expect it.” Sure enough it happened on October 7th. Some things we don’t wish to be right about, but this was one instance where what I said came to pass. The truth is it will happen again. Please remember I said this. If we do not eliminate Hamas, I promise you this will happen again.
What is the “Change we Cannot Believe?” Apart from the savage and cruel attack from Hamas, our world looks dramatically different than it did six weeks ago. Hardly any flights are coming in and out of Ben Gurion, the nation’s primary airport. El Al, our national carrier is flying but Delta, United, American, Iberia, Lufthansa and many others have stopped flying to and from Israel. Universities have postponed all classes. This is the first time in fifty years – since the Yom Kippur War in 1973 – Israel’s universities have postponed the semester. My son has one year left to obtain his degree in social work, but that one year is turning into a much longer period. Many banks no longer welcome “walk in” traffic for security reasons. The good news is you can drive almost as fast as you like on the nation’s roads as there are very few police cars giving out tickets.
Guns are easier to obtain and citizen’s patrols are popping up in every village around the country. Dog pounds are overflowing with animals displaced from the war as their owners were forced to flee. Domestic hotels are entirely booked with people that have lost their homes. Young people are learning about death at much too young an age and if you’re a psychiatrist or psychologist, odds are your business is doing quite well thanks to the obscene rate of PTSD all over the country. Sleep is now considered a luxury, personal space is a thing of the past – as families have been forced to move in together – and discussions on FB are less about what one had for dinner or where you went on vacation and more about the latest funeral one attended.
Today we attended the funeral of Binyomin Airley, the son of our friends – Robert and Jen Airley. Robert is British, his wife is American, and they moved to Israel many years ago. They have six children, and their kindness is known far and wide, beyond the borders of our community. We were neighbors for many years and Rob and I bonded over a number of similarities including the fact that we are in the same business. Binyomin went to school with my kids, and he has this beautiful voice. (I refuse to talk about him in the past tense.) He loves to sing and has this smile that lit up the room. As my son said, “There are some people you are just happy they are in your life and Binyomin was one of those people.” As a member of the Paratroopers, Binyomin was in the northern part of Gaza and entered a home to arrest members of Hamas that were hiding out. As he entered the premises, he was shot and killed: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/binyamin-meir-airley-killed-in-gaza/.
We went today to line the streets and serve as a “Flag Escort” as Binyomin was taken to his final resting place. Having lost a son 2 ½ years ago, I can only imagine the pain my friend Rob must feel at this moment. Losing a child is perhaps the most painful experience a parent can have. What I know is Binyomin was a hero that was simply trying to do his part and make sure these terrorists did not get away with the carnage they left behind. We will go to visit Rob and Jen on Tuesday during the traditional shiva (mourning) period that occurs in the week following one’s death. Having to visit Rob and Jen at a time like this will be difficult, but it is nothing compared to what they have to deal with. I have attached some pictures below, but it doesn’t capture the emotion. Friends and neighbors lined the street to pay their final respects, and we could not separate the tears from the raindrops. Both were in abundance.
I am once again left without words, unsure how to convey what is going on here. Binyomin, we thank you for your service and we salute you. We will carry on in your name knowing you fought for our freedom. Please know our gratitude is eternal, our hearts are full and our love is everlasting.
Today’s Pictures:
At People for Israel, we now begin our seventh week of helping people across the Holy Land. By providing transportation to those in need, helping to enhance security in our most vulnerable communities, providing food and supplies to those in need – we are trying to do our part. With your help, it is our intention to help rebuild those communities that have been destroyed. When a donation is received, we utilize these funds generally within 24 – 48 hours and respond to requests we have received from across the country. For those in Israel, if you can donate blood it is an imperative as there is a massive blood shortage. For those abroad, giving a donation here: https://secure.cardknox.com/peopleforisrael, or asking us to speak to your church, synagogue or civic group allows us to share what is really going on here. Signing up for our journal at www.peopleforisrael.com or liking our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/peopleforisraelorganization/?show_switched_toast=0&show_invite_to_follow=0&show_switched_tooltip=0&show_podcast_settings=0&show_community_review_changes=0&show_community_rollback=0&show_follower_visibility_disclosure=0 is a huge help and of course, we are always grateful for your prayers! May G-d bless us, one and all.
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David
David at People for Israel
USA: +1.201.801.6440
Israel: +972.52.705.6300
david@peopleforisrael.com
www.peopleforisrael.com
Since October 7, 2023
