* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
On Erev Yom Hazikaron for Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror, four families from the city of Dimona told me what gives them strength. It is important that we listen to their messages.
Sarit, the mother of Liam Bor Galon who was murdered at the Nova Music Festival, was the first person interviewed at the city’s memorial ceremony yesterday. We are all familiar with the expression, “It’s not that you can’t; you don’t want to.” But Sarit said that since she lost Liam her mantra has been a different one: “It’s not that I can’t, but that I need help.” She spoke openly about how she sank into the depths after her devastating loss and how she was provided with vital support from her family and community.
The next person I interviewed was Itzik, the father of Matan Rosenberg, who was murdered next to Kibbutz Re’im. Itzik’s wife, Shani, also lost her brother and brother-in-law that same morning. He said: “This is how we operate. We know that each morning we will have three guests: pain, memory, and longing. We know they are coming, and we are ready and waiting for them. But they are not our only guests. Love, hope, and joy will be coming too.”
Selvik is the brother of police sergeant Alec Pozniakov who rescued many that morning and fell while battling the terrorists. What gives him strength?
His response: “Shabbat. On Shabbat I feel better, I feel comforted. Also pride.
I am so proud of my brother. I am sad and proud at the same time.”
Rotem is the widow of police detective Yakir Blochman, who also rescued many young people while under fire at the Nova Festival. “It is so painful for me, but it’s taken me time to realize that the reason it hurts so much is that I had it so good before. For 11 years, I lived with an incredible husband and father by my side.”
Many thanks to these four precious families, and to the residents of Dimona who gathered to draw strength from one another. May each of us seek—and discover—what gives us strength.
