Denise

I was in a synagogue last night in the center of Israel. As the prayer service continued, a tall handsome young man stood in front of the Torah Ark, his faced pressed against the velvet curtain, for what seemed like half an hour. When he finished, I asked why the long and fervent prayer. He said he was leaving that night to fight in Lebanon in order to defend his nation against Hezbollah, and he was praying for the success of his mission. As he left, the entire congregation stood and clapped and wished him well. To those outside of Israel praying for the Jewish State, try to imagine what life is like here. The daily dash to a shelter with small children or an elderly relative, the knowledge that a beloved son, daughter, spouse or patent is defending the nation and in harm’s way, and the well publicized threats from enemies to destroy us all. If you’re not here, you won’t directly experience these traumas. But try to imagine them nonetheless as you pray and let your feelings drive you to seek God’s mercy with even greater intensity. It is an important contribution that can be made from anywhere on earth.

He was a highly educated leader He was fluent in Arabic, English, and Azeri He had a deep love for poetry and literature He had memorized the entire Quran. Beyond Islamic teachings, he was also knowledgeable in mathematics and science He was a peaceful leader who was taken from humanity by a war criminal and a pedophile We will never forget you, my dear leader.