Needless Slaughter

What can I possibly say that has not been said? The devastation that was visited on Mumbai toward the end of the week was vicious and wrong. War used to be about armies meeting on the battlefield and the ones left standing were the victors. When did it become ok to kill innocent bystanders, people who spread good in the world? As a Jew my heart breaks over the Jewish people killed, including a rabbi and his wife who were in Mumbai to help other Jews who may be visiting the city to find kosher food, a place to meet other Jews and experience Shabbat far from home. There were 5 other Jews killed at the Chabad house – their deaths just as tragic, just as sad, just as inexplicable. The news reports are telling us that the total of people killed in the Mumbai terrorist attacks was close to 200. I mourn their deaths, all of them, my heart shattered into a thousand pieces. My son asked me why this had to happen. I have no answer. Unfortunately violence has become a way of this world.

 

I needed to go to shul last night, to daven with my co-religionists, to seek succour from a room full of heartfelt prayer. For an hour my spirit was exalted, uplifted. But I remain angry about why this had to happen. I hugged my children tight all of Shabbat, I reminded them as I bensched them Friday night how much I love them, I rejoiced in their healthy bodies and boisterous voices. They are the future, they are my future, the children of today will improve tomorrow’s world, but only if we allow them to develop the right tools.

 

As the burials and the mourning start to take place, let us remember that we are all human beings, that hate should have no place in this world. I understand that this is somehow all part of G-d’s master plan, I just wish it didn’t have to involve innocent vibrant good people.

 

May their families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, Amen.