Heroes of Israel: Sherri & Seth Mandell

This video should be broadcast on major TV channels so that the rest of the world can understand what Jews are about.

So true

IT TOOK A LOT OF LOVE FOR YOUR SON AND THE HELP FROM G-D TO TAKE YOU DO WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR OUR CHILDREN IN ISRAEL! YOU SHOW LOVE & COMPASSION G-D BLESS YOU ALWAYS & I HOPE THEY ALL SEE THE GOOD YOU DO TO OUR PEOPLE! THE KILLING MUST STOP NOW!

People like these is why the Jewish people stands here today.. the will to make a change and see the future not the past. but never forget the past.

JUst listen to these uplifting stories and what these tragedies have done to the people. We only read of the hate and rationale of those that insist that Israel doesn't have sadness and the Jews never suffer at the hands of others. G-d bless those that learned to make LEMONADE out of lemons and help others in possitive ways.

These people are why Jews have lasted so long. All the best and to you and may g-d grant you comfort.

I have no words... I watched your eyes... eyes of Love... Toda Raba!

Your son Koby, through you has brought much happiness and healing into the physical world. He is smiling in heaven as his soul gets lifted higher and higher to G-d. May you always have the strength and wisdom to understand and believe that G-d had a special need to have your son nearer to Him.

very powerful, very inspiring, well said, touched my heart and re framed a way to look at tragedy.

Dear Seth and Sherri, Bless you, your good work, and the memory of your son, Koby. You are truly bringing joy, wholeness, and life to those who have suffered as you have from the senseless loss of life. May you always know Hashem's blessings! Arlene Swartzman Chicago, Illinois USA

This video shows the true essence of the Jewish religion. Gam zu le tova -- this too is for the good. Deepest sympathy for this despicable tragedy. A lesson can be learned from this, we really need to appreciate life a little bit more.

I gave a copy to my friend Navah Assayag who knows you and also lost her son in a terrorist attack in Jerusalem. You are the bravest of the Israelis. Yishar Koach on the book!

My heart goes out to you and your husband at your loss.I pray that God comforts you in your time of need. God bless!

I also lost my son in America on a rafting trip. My wife & i set up a scholarship fund to assist kids in travelling to Israel. My daughter Jennifer set up a non profit organization called Friendsway.Org to assist families and especially 5 to 18 year olders in dealing with their grief. Good luck in your program to help others.

Cherish your precious memories deep in your heart dear,dear parents. G-d will not forsake you--HE LOVES YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE ,AND UNDERNEATH YOU ARE HIS EVERLASTING ARMS.Shalom Shalom --Ruth

Your story is powerful, and your pain is so present. I pray that one day we will all have the blessing of turning our tradgedies into mitzvot for all our people.

i have lost a boy to drowning, and i can somewhat relate to your tradgedy, i am overawed at your actions and i think you are the most amazing people. i salute what you have done, and honour you so deeply with ,your blessed vision

May GOD bless you. You, your son an his friend diserve a place in heaven. One day, not so far, our Mashiach will come and bring peace to human being, like you. One day, GOD will take away all tears you have had, and probably still have. Untill than we won´t have many extraordinary people like you. Again, GOD bless you.

Koby's tragic passing was in Kiddush Hashem, and so is the way you have chosen to continue to elevate his soul and others. By choosing the path of joy over despair, you bring the light of truth and emuna into this world, and with it abundant blessings for the entire Jewish People. Thank you both for being true heroes of Israel.

May g-g give you the zhus to live a beautiful, strong, healthy life. The words that came out of your mouths made me cry. Im so sorry for your loss.But one day the pain everyone put the jews through wil get back to them. ONE DAY!

There is a lot to learn from you, in terms of yirat shamayim, in terms of emunah, in terms of bravery and love. May Hashem give you the strength to contine your great work, and may He give us all a great bracha that this type of work should no longer be needed. May you find a measure of nechama in your bringing of such bracha into the World, and may the holy neshamot of Koby and his friend Yosef continue to soar to higher and higher levels. Hashem Yevarech et amo baShalom.

I think I will live my day and my life in a more beautiful way because of your lives and your son and his friend. A very humble thank you.

AMAZING

What a will power is needed to rise from the ashes and relive / invent life from the start with such ideas that could make the world a better place for the suffering people. I hope people could do the same without having to pass these horrible expieriennces. Amen

The goodness that Mr and Mrs Mandell created in the name of their son HY"D, will stand as an eternal light for his soul in gan eden.

As a parent/grandparent my heart goes out to you for the loss of your son. I commend you for moving forward and doing something constructive in memory of this lovely boy.

i am full of admaration for this wonderful family, who could give to others in their terrible greif, may God bless and protect them!!!!!

You are incredible people, as parents I have no idea how you have managed to overcome such tragedy. To be able to transform this horror into an amazing act of chesed shows the true nature and spirit of the jewish people. May you be comforted by Hashem in your pain and grief, and may we all merit shalom soon. You are an inspiration to me and my family. Thank you

I am speechless. May Hashem comfort you and bring peace to you and all Israel.You are truly the heroes of Amm Israel.

I think I remember this lady was at a meeting in J-salem with Peres and Palestinian leaders and some American TV show several years ago. I remember her asking both sides why did this happen when will this stop. I remember getting VERY angry at BOTH sides for the answers they gave. Both sides basically justified themselves. the I-side said that is why we attack and we build walls and we put them in jails. The P-side said well we have kids being killed too, so live with it, now you know what it looks like. I had wished one side (preferably the P-side MY Side) had said something to the effect, "Madam, that was a horrible and terrible thing that happened to your child and to your family and to us all. There is NO excuse, No reason, No justification, No explanation for it. Let us work together to make sure it will not happen again. Please forgive us this terrible act. Let us just say that we have looked into our souls and have seen hell." But no one said anything like that! No one seems to have done anything like that! May I say what my country men should have said so long ago.

may hashem god of all people comfort you among all mourners of zion. This is the most amazing strenght of the jewish people to take your suffering and use it as a springboard to help other jews in pain. may you see only good and the coming of Moshiach!

Wonderful! Very encouraging!

you inspire me to be a better jew !!! thanks.

AMAZING!!! It's really appreciated all that you do!! WOW!!

Blessings, Shalom & Strength to you and your families Mr. & Mrs. Mandell. Your response, your resilience, your transparency and most of all your faith in HaShem as well as His grace in & through you amidst this great loss yet again exemplifies the essence of heaven imbedded in JEW-EL-RY!! You are an amazing couple. Vinaka Vakalevu (Fijian: Thank You VERY Much) for your witness. G-d Bless & restore to you the "years that the cankerworm has stolen...!" AMEN! AMEN!

Thank you for sharing. I know it wasn't an easy thing to do. God bless!

Dear Mr&Mrs Mandell!I am so very sorry for the pain you have suffered.This is a wonderful, and compassionatte gesture on the part of the stricken families. you are two amazing people,true inspiration to all of us.May God keep you and Israel safe.

mr and mrs mandell my heart goes out to you and your family. from the first time i heard about what had happened to your wonderful son and his friend i have never been the same the cruelty of some people is unbelieveable why did they have to kill thoses two innocent children may hashem bless you and keep you and the rest of israel safe and my the enemies of israel be destroyed

God Bless you and yours.

There really are no words to what happened other than may Hashem bring Moshiach soon so this happens no more!! You two are truly an example of an incredible pillar of strength and love!! Turning your tragedy around to bring so much joy and comfort to so many others is such a gift!! Your son would be so proud of you!! We hope the parents of the other boy are comforted as well!!

Dear Sherri & Seth, I am originally from Israel and now live in America, however all of my family lives in Israel and I pray for them and all of us on a daily basis. As a mother of a 13 year old daughter (Briana) I can not even begin to understand the complexity of what you have been through losing your angel, Koby especially at such a tender young age. I lost my father to murder when I was just 17, and it took me a very long time to forgive and smile again. I want you to know that what you are giving these children will last a life time and maybe, just maybe they won't be so bitter because you taught them how to smile again. So, thank you for all the smiles that you give and get. I wish you all much continued success and love. May all of your dreams come true. Yours truly, Kiki

Sherri and Seth: I am an American whose son made Aliya and I am always aware of the dangers are children face in Israel from murderous terrorists. You have paid the highest price for your love of Zion, but you have turned it into something positive. If Koby was alive, he'd be proud of his parents.

Our love and condolences goes out to all families, regardless of religion, who have been butchered by people who deserve to burn in hell for all eternity. The Brutman Family

I am just a 16 year old living securely in America and your story hit me hard. I am amazed on how you are able to take the intensity and channel it for good. It shows how any emotion and any situation can be utilized for the good. I want to thank you for having the impact that you had on me and when anything good comes out of your speech, which I'm sure will happen, you get the credit and you will be rewarded greatly for it. My deepest sympathies and admiration.

Your response to the hideous death of your son Koby, is so extraordinarily Jewish. Using your energy and grief for goodness and generosity generates such joy. Do the vicious muslims understand your beautiful values?

On September 1, 2000 my son Michael Clyde Elam was murdered. He was 24 years old and had 3 sons of his own at the time. Jacob, the youngest was just 2 weeks old. Jeremiah and Nathaniel were 4 and 3 years old.

Other than the strengh God gives me to live with the pain you both described so well, the most inspirational thing I have experienced was the testimony in this film.

Yashar Koach for the work you are doing for those Mothers and their familes. Toda raba for your uplifting spirits.

thank you for sharing your son with us. he is a blessing to me. and a hero!!! keep up your faith and good works i know you will truly be blessed,soon, we will be with HASHEM ,and you will be with your son!!!!!! i know hes waiting!!!!!!!!

oh wow, seth and sherri... you are both amazing people. by serving as a pillar of strength for am yisrael, you inspire so many people with all you do and instill hope in the lives of so many children who never thought they could see the light again. stay strong- you really have made a difference.

im so sorry about the boys i will say thellim for them i think it is amazing how youve made a camp for all children how lost there parents keep well if you need any thing my email is eliharkham@hotmail.com

Your story made me cry.There is always good in everything from hashem. May you have the strength to go on.

My heart goes out to the great loss of your son. I have learned such an important lesson from your faith and courage to make something positive from something so tragic. May you continue to be an inspiration for others!

Isn't it wonderful to be able to transpose this couples' grief into a soothing gift to other sufferers.

I am greatly sorry for the loss of your son and we feel the same in American after 9/11 and perhaps what you have done in Israel should be done here for them.

What an inspiration to hear your story. May you always be held in the palm of Hashem's hand.

This couple just makes you realize ones inner strengh. They are true role-models! May HASHEM continue to send success in all of their future endeavors!

It takes a great person to be able to turn something so horrible and sad to something happy and positive.
May Hashem bless this amazing couple with all the blessings in the world and may He helps them succeed with all of their projects that they have created since Koby and Yosef''s passing....
Shana tova!

It brings realization and thought that maybe I can do something to make this world a little better place. Thank you for giving me the blessing of watching these people what sense of of joy and hope for life.

The Mandells are a very inspiring couple - to have taken something so horrible and brought so much good and giving as a result is a tremendous inspiration. May Koby's neshama continue to have an aliyah as a result of all the chesed in his name!

The boy murdered with Koby , Yosef Ishran is memorialized by having the name of the camp, in Hebrew be Machane(Camp) Koby and Yosef. ALso there is a park and a synagogue in Tekoa named after both boys

I am bowled over by your strength of character and how you turned a tragedy and loss of your beloved son into something so beautiful and good, giving back to those who have also suffered. You are an inspiration to Klal Yisroel.

I was so moved by this video, just as I was when the tragedy occurred. I was wondering - Is there any memorial for the other boy who was murdered to perpetuate his memory? Please respond.

These, OUR people represent our story throughout historical ages. Real good, real kindness and deep understanding became traditions which have always carried us through, no matter how difficult the test. THESE people have themselves received GOD's blessing, they in their turn share that blessing as lesson for us all.... As the son and grandson of Holocost SURVIVORS, I've experienced great loss, great pain and yes great suffering. All of this, including these bitter-sweet stories have made me who I am today.. NOW, today we are faced with fanatic extremists who threaten the gains made over many years. Fanatic radical Muslims and so called christians are falling backward. Their very religions obey the cry of FALSE PROPHETS...HOW long oh lord our GOD? How long this time until the love of GOD, the love of human-(kind) is restored? People like Doctor Chicken Lady and the Mandell's demonstrate our race, the one race which our creator recognizes, the HUMAN RACE at it's penultimate best...May the cup of love overflow to those in Palenstine-may they know great shame followed by the pain of great wisdom and understanding that we all stand united before our maker...

JUST PROOF OF THE GREAT PHILOSOPHY OF JUDAISM.CHOSEN PEOPLE ACT AS CHOSEN PEOPLE ARE GIVEN A UNDERSTANDING.

Dec 1992, our 10 year old son was killed in an accident. Many people ministered to us and we have grown closer to HaShem. My wife was caught in the trap like you said,the emplyness is still there, for my wife begin to take care of our other son and our family after and did not grieve.

Dear Israel, Peace in the world is the most important. I hope, the heroes of Israel always grow to defeat the terrorist in the world. Great for israel.

The Chicken Lady and the Mandell's stories show the spirit of the Jew. Tortured physically and emotionally, we rise above. We connect and bring light, love and hope to unfathomable events. These heroes are people I will remember when I feel challenged. They are bigger than life. Beneath the ordinary surface lies a depth, and a goodness that is hard to describe.

GOD IS GOOD AND THE MOST IS SHINE ON BOTH OF SHERRI SETH MANDELL

If the greatest thing Mandell's and the Chicken lady showed the world, was love and giving. That in itself would speak volumes. But it challenges the viewer to examine their heart and motives as to what they could be doing to make a difference, yes a very unselfish difference.

Today I watched The Chicken Lady and The Mandell's stories. Although quite different in content the message I was left with was about Tikun Olum. Such goodness from what appears on the surface to be just ordinary lives - are our lives ever really ordinary in the hands of G-d?

Thank you. Now I am inspired to think again about how to show love to others. With determination surely there are ways.

Dear Mandells, May your greatest tragedy continue to inspire us all to take our pain and elevate it to the endless mitzvot like your camp provides. Baruch Hasheem and you both!

Mrs chiken lady did and does what every one in the world should.This world could be a better place .

Awe inspiring from two beautiful people. G-d heals in many ways and these wonderful people should not know any more sorrow

Giving others joy in their lives causes us to receive joy ourselves. What a wonderful example the Mandels set.

Continued blessings to you both as you keep Koby''s spirit alive, by helping another child, and another, one child at a time. Thank you.

Thank you for reminding me that "the good that we do lives on". I appreciate what you do.

It is inspiring to see how the effects of evil deeds can be transmuted into acts of goodness and kindness. In this way, good transcends evil, and our faith in mankind cannot be extinguished. May G-d ever bless us with the power to keep this flame alive.

it is these kinds of actions that , that result from a life of torah, and show to the world the contrast between the indoctrination of palestinian children by their parents to grow up to become murderers of innocents,and that of devoted jewish parents who turned their grief not into hate but,rose above hate to turn the sorrow of their loss into a mitzvah of helping others ! may they go from strength to strength.

Wow such special people and such a great idea. Very inspiring! Yasher Koach

Blessings on the healing work that you are doing and thank you for turning such pain into changing our world. You have touched me and I am sure, many others. Shalom

After seeing what they do for other children and mothers affected by the cumbersome pain of loosing their child or siblings. Thanks for showing me and others despite the ugliness of tragedy you can bring joy, hope, and love back into their eyes and ours. Even though I live in Alaska I would love to help whenever I am in Israel.

How very Beautifull and Inspireing to us all

You two did the most positive, amazing, and caring thing I can imagine. It must have taken all of the energy you had left after this horror to do what you did. I commend you enormously. Hatzlacha!

G-d bless you & your family & your work. I would never want to experience such a horror. To me, it shows the vast difference between the Arabs & the Jews. Arabs LOVE to HATE. Jews LOVE to COMFORT.

Deeply moved by what you are doing.it is really wonderful to have all these people coming together and being able to talk about the most terrible pain: the loss of a child,the more when they are murdered.Family and friends don't want to hurt the parents and don't talk anymore about the lost child.Most of us parents want to talk about them for the rest of their lives,every memory makes the child come back for a second...I remember when Kobi and his friend died ..

Seth and Sherri have been my heroes and they have been an inspiration for countless people throughout the world. . We can all learn from their heroism

I think what Sherri and Seth are doing took a tremendous amount of courage and is filling a void that existed. I was in Isreal as a Sar-El during the first Gulf war. On many occasions I was able to see the emptiness in the eyes of the survivors. Helping them to learn how to grieve is most important.

My daughter, Ariela, will be leaving for Israel, Young Judea Year Course this Sunday. She will be the pioneer (her 3rd trip)to Israel, this year, G-d willing, our family will come to Israel to feel the experience with her.

Hi my name is tere and I,m from Mexico What are you doing for those children is amazing,nowadays people are more selfish even if you are in bad conditions,so go on and I hope Ashem will give you life,and a lot of courage to go on.

i can not believe that there isnot more of an outrage around the world for the children murdered by terrorists in israel. this is so sad. but the love shown by sherri and seth for the famlies of other victims is encourageing. israel must go forth and keep all the land that belongs to you.

I remember this murder of Kobi and his friend very well, that shoked all Israel. The murderers ? Like these our PM frees now. Why ? to encourage our Partner for peace, who recieves them with pleasure. From Aish we could learn to do better.

We want to thank you for all your comments. We are both deeply touched by the support and emotional connection you all expressed. For those who asked how to contact us or contribute to The Koby Mandell Foundation, we can be contacted at info@kobymandell.org or through our website at www.kobymandell.org Sherri and Seth Mandell P.S. Sherri's book, "The Blessing of a Broken Heart" is availble through Amazon.

I truly admire the Mandell's for their courage and wisdom to turn an extreme negative into a positive action.

May you be blessed with good health, peace, happiness and long life. The work you are doing is wonderful. May terror, violence, hatered and bigotry be removed from the world. And, may Israel be blessed with peace.

God bless Israel.Mankind owes so much to the Israel people.Only cowards go for easy targets like children.The enemies of Israel are my enemies too.Through Israel shall all nations be blessed.

i like it

Were Koby's murdererd arrested or assassinated?

Kobi was not only murdered. He was brutally mutilated, using sharp stones blow by blow.
And the Mandells? Instead of rage and hate, they pour their hearts into an ongoing activity of love. Look at the difference between peoples O G-d! You have chosen us because we are indeed a treasure among the nations. Who is like your nation Israel a unique nation in the world.

excellent short piece and very moving

A moving movie. Sad, shocking, but parents' response to grief is positive.

nice your experience im apprciate it thanks God bless

Sherri & Seth... blessed be HaShem, in whom and through whom such a glorious testimony should be made manifest. Blessings on you both. The suggest a hero link didn't work so let me suggest here... Joel & Pamela Bell, Frontline Israel, precious and commited people for the welfare of Israel!

I am deeply touched by the centuries of wrong-doings against God's chosen people & their land. Thank you for the opportunity to share joys and heart-aches with you via the inter-net. God bless you & keep you!!

you are a inspiration thank you for all you do

When i saw these video i felt joy in my heart because i understud how great the Yehudim are, and how we can be ables to help others. Thank you for the example.

To grieve and yet to be able to gather the strength to be pillar of support for others, is the mission impossible which the Mandel's are doing so magnificently. May the memory of their son, Koby, be a living and vital force in the world.

As Jewish people and Israelis in particular, we are so blessed by Hashem to be able to turn such a senseless tragedy into something so positive and meaningful. Our history repeats this over and over. Sherri and Seth Mandel, my heart goes out to you. I have untold admiration for you to turn this personal tragedy into something that touches and improves the lives of so many of our people, and will continue to do so into the future. May Hashem continue to bless you, and give you strength. Can the murders and their people point to anything such as this story, which helps to make the world a better place?

It is actions such as these that brings the messiah closer

As I watched the video of your wife and yourself talking about your son's senseless murder,my heart was broken.Only God can give you peace of mind and help you to go on. May God Bless you both. We love you and all of God's chosen Nation of Israel. Charles F.Vance

This should be shared with our children, our grand children, and the world community

So great to be able to turn their grief, for the benefit of other people who need care. Be blessed!

wow....very sad and yet very inspiring.

Toda raba for video!

When will all the nations of the world learn to solve their disputes by peaceful means, rather than by War or Violence? That was the question of my generation in the 60's..did Martin Luther King Jr. give his life for nothing? I recommend that people of all faiths go and visit the King Museum in Atlanta Georgia and learn about the hatred that the African American Community in our South and many other regions of the USA endured in the 20th century. Jews enthusiatically participated in their struggle for equality because of the inhuman and horrible suffering caused by the perpetrators of the Holocaust, blindes by their religious bigotry, hatred and intolerenceof other fellow human beings.

Excelent work.

The Mandell's have added meaning to their son's having been here, rather then allowing this horror to destroy them.

An Amazing film. I am so thankful that this was made.

My Dear Sherry, and Seth, Watching this i was really hit by your loss, and the things you are doing. I hope that the government stops rewarding terrorists for the crimes they commit. May HaShem be with you all. And Protect you. David

I am so terribly sorry for your loss.

So moving...how can I help ??

Thank you for making this film, may G-d bless you and bring you shalom, from the depths of my heart I pray for you and all Israel,in the Land and in the world, your light will always shine, thank you again.

I cannot say how much I admire you. After all that mischief that happened to you, you create something wonderful and help so many people. You are blessed. I feel ashamed for living in a very secure part of the world.

G-d bless you. Best regards, Trix JHB SA

Thank you so much i am so deeply touched many times we as people have horrible things happen to us and we have a continual pitty party that sometimes lasts for years, and it is truely touching to see how through the loss of those two young men (of blessed memories)are healing others lives that have been affected by this senseless hate. I still can not say that I understand every thing that has happend or will in this world, but one thing i do know is that G-D is in control and i can see much much good as a result. May H-shem bless your camp and give you plenty of wisdom and finances.

what you are doing is something more than wonderfull. to help people in need when it must feel someone has turned thier back to you is verry difficult. I am only 21 years old and I play football in college and I dont get a chance to really see how bad things can become. I have not been through such trageties fortunately, but this video put a tear in my eye and I thank you for what you are doing.

Watching this brings me back to the recognition of what our purpose is in this world - we are not in control of it and we must use our KOCHOS, our strengths that Hashem has gifted to us to elevate this world which is so full of evil and physicality. We should all take this to heart and make the world - ourselves - better, especially before Rosh Hashana, so we can finally bring Moshiach!

When my wife and I buried our first daughter in a far away city from where we live now, it seemed unbelievable and surreal, at the time, that events such as those were actually taking place. We couldn't believe what was happening to us and what had happened to her. A baby on her first day in this world, gone in an instant. For no reason, no explanation, just sorrow. So we sat, mostly alone, with our empty cradle. We didn't know many other Jews. My best friend came to my door and tried to get in, but I couldn't open it because we couldn't be seen, we couldn't be approached, we didn't want to share our grief with anyone. Finally he said to me with tears in his eyes, "Don't be bitter." So, my friends, I've tried not to be. And I've sometimes thought how much worse it would be for parents of older children, if those children were also lost - regardless of circumstance. The promise, the wisdom, the dreams, all of it lost. What can come of events like these? Only G-d knows, I suppose. So, Seth and Sherri, for you to create this wonderful camp for children is truly a blessing from G-d. And just as I pray that my daughter is now in a place where no storms come, I sincerely hope that your son has also come to that place where the hand of G-d keeps our children safe forever.

Sherri and Seth Mandell are an inspiration to all of us. Ya Sha Koah, Sheila Solar

wow. this is amazing! the idea of transforming sadness and gried into good and Chessed its incredible. Bezrat Hashem all of us will find it within ourselves to do just that. bring the best out of anything in life.

MY PRAYER IS TO INSPIRE US TO THINK AND ACT ONLY OUT OF LOVE...May G-d help you for all your work in the community...

Truly inspirational I am humbled by your attitude to such a tragic situation. My son is a British soldier in the IDF and I am contantly aware of the fragility of life. You perpetuate your son,s life by this wonderful work. May hashem bless you and all of those in fear of terror and grant Israel peace.

Losing a child to cancer has changed my life. I know that my bringing smiles to the faces of children through my music is a way of keeping her alive. She would not want it any other way...I do it for the children, for me and my wonderful daughter. I would like to make a donation to this camp. I applaud your strength and determination to bring happiness to others who have lost a loved one senselessly.

Your story has touched my heart, and will be a blessing for many people and many years to come. Thank you for creating beauty out of darkness. You are light.

When my 38 year-old son died as a result of murder, I asked my Rabbi how to cope with the pain. He said, "You go on living." And I have gone on living and loving and keeping my Jewish faith.

beautiful video, a great story, thank u very much for sharing this...

I have learned so much about giving through your grief. I am proud to be a recipient of this newsletter. I pray for you all.

The profound words of Mrs. Mandell reflect her soul being able to experience personal tragedy without losing closeness with Hashem: "I felt there had to be a G-d who had a much greater understanding than I could ever have because I felt so limited." Instead of rejecting Hashem and her newly adopted country, the land of Israel, she and her husband chose life over death as Hashem has commanded of us.

What amazing people to turn tradegy into triumph for so many. I cried. I remember when the boys were murdered and I remember being so angry and crying then. Through the actions of the Mandells and other like them, Moshiach will surely come and reunit us all.

The parents of Koby Mandell, z"l, have added good to the world.

This terrible tragedy is the ultimate test ss the parents of Kobi Mandel brutally murdered. It's a test of faith, to endure yet to overcome and achieve. Above all our souls are bound together. They communicate and give strength that is indestructable. When things look hopeless and we break down, our souls and those in the other life combine to preserve us.

I do believe that certain things happen for a reason, the bible says that everything works for good to those who trust in Ha Shem including the community around us. Bad triggering a burst of good to many. The devil would not go for too long faced with a weapon of good in return, regardless of the opponent evil in return. I wish to be part of such a world there is satisfaction. Such would help us preach to the Nations that …The name of the LORD is a strong tower. Proverbs 18:10. Eventually good will beget more good though at the beginning it is hard to bear.

May Ha-Shem give you continued koach to acept his decree. I don't know how you can have the strength and courage to go back to the cave and speak so openly about your tragedy. Heroes of Israel is an understatement. May you have only simcha in your lives in the future and continue giving chizuk to others who are suffering. Mi K'Amcha Yisroel!

May Hashem continue to give you the strength necessary to go on and to help others.

Thank you for sharing this story. I also have had deep grief since my childhood watching my mother being taken away with a psychosis. I know the power of healing and reconciliation that comes when I am able to share with others who were faced with the "horror" of chronic mental illnes in a loved one (family member) and the ongoing adaptation to the loneliness and stigma that came with facing mental illness in the 1960's and afterwards. I am happy to learn about the gift of sharing grief in a community. thank you. My legacy is to serve family members who are faced with the ongoing pain of mental illness and drug addicted relatives. Laurie Schwartz New york Center for Trauma Resolution and Somatic Psychotherapy. 1 Lincoln Plaza New York, N.Y. 10023 212-496-1727

I am not sure that I agree with everything said, but the impression is very great and deep.

What a wonderful thing to do. How did these two muster the faith and strength to do this? What a wonderful world this would be if everyone were this selfless.

many jews who have lost their faith in all-loving G-d, have done so as a result of tragedy- *or* the ability to make sense (*or* good) out of such a horror. the beauty that is seen made by Sherri and Seth, out of their personal horror, is an amazing example of the grace of Adonai, and the strength given to those whom seek His face in every circumstance. it is encouraging. it is true good and bright light taking victory over evil.

While revenge is tempting and substantially easier, it takes more effort and decency to give tikkun olam. Sadly, Palestinian-Arabs don't seem to give as much tikkun olam, or possibly none at all since they are taught at an early age that anyone who isn't adherant to Islam is their enemy. Almost all Jews and Israelis understand that it is not a matter of people being with us or with the anti-Semites, but what it means to support the Israelis and the Jewish people. The "with us or against us" mentality has resulted in a lot of the world's polorization. Thus, treat others the way you would want to be treated - don't treat them necessarily the way they may treat you. After all, it does feel really good to do the right thing in giving tikkun olam, as well as receiving it among the good others have done for you.

Its nice to know that children who have experienced such a tragic loss and pain are able to go to a place that helps the healing process along. This very much needed healing process for those young and still very impressionable children is essential for any possibility of them having a normal future. You are saving lives. Please reply with your address so that I may send support for the camp. G-d bless you.

scary but very informative.

An inspirational testimony to the transforming power of grief and suffering. Thank you so very much. From deep spiritual pain comes great power.

You give love, hope, and happiness by sharing your goodness with others. I'm so sorry for your loss.

What an inspiration they are. Good Job Shalom Shirley

Only a jewish heart could find solace in helping others.

I am chock full of tears right now, with a deep ache in my chest, and pain in my throat. I am speechless. Incredible, Sherri and Seth Mandell! May your son always live on in us all1 THANK YOU!

Thank you for humbling us with your courage and resolve. Above all thank you for the Tikum Olam. I am sorry for your loss. I will tell my synagogue's Tzedakah Committee about the camp. May Hashem strengthen and bless you. With great respect, Yehudit

What a sad but yet beautiful story. Thank you for you courage of sharing your beloved son's story. I wish there were more people like both of YOU in the world. I am coming to Israel for a visit this Fall . I am hoping to experience and meet people as yourselves. G_d Bless you and your Family.

The look on the face of this woman, and her voice, added to the power of her message. May HASHEM keep her sharing the message.

Unbelievable people - what emunah - how they transformed their grief into something so compassionate and productive. I heard them speak in Israel - not bitter - soft spoken people.

What a heartbreaking sorrow for this family but what a wonderful triumph over suffering to reach out to others in similar pain. True heroes!

IT MADE ME HAPPY TO SEE WHAT THEY ARE DOING BUT WHAT CAN ONE SAY WITH SUCH CRUELTY THAT EXSISTS.

A true testament to humankind that whatsoever God puts together, no man can put asunder, despite how great the adversity one faces because the greatest gift - Love - prevails over evil, triumphantly.

When will the USA stop the Hypocrisy behind the slaughter of Israelis at the hand of the Philistiens and the rest of the world.About me, My mother came to America from Israel in 1938. My father came in 1919 from Sicily. The USA should feel ashamed for not taking the Jews that Hitler wanted to give them.It would not have cost the USA a cent, Hitler would have paid it all. FDR said I do not want them here, do not send them, I will turn them around. I wore the uniform for this country, and spilled my blood for it. I can no longer stand for what this country is doing to Israel, Israel has given far too much land for so called peace. I would anything for Israel to help it. Yes I have been there. One day I will live there, but before I leave this place I wish I could do something for her. An Israeli Patriot Marion.M Miceli

to work yourself through such tragesty and come out giving love. They are a beautiful example of humanity.

I cannot imagine how much courrage it takes to turn over such a dramatic event, to help other people and create goodness trough the suffering and injustice you are enduring. Kol Ha Kavod!

God bless you for all the help and encouragement you give to so many.

B"H Out of so much darkness, so much light. The Mandells glow with the Mitzvah of helping others in memory of their beloved child. Out of the most horrific destruction, the murder of one's child, comes forth the love for other people's children, both young and old, as in helping the Moms. The Mandells are a light unto the nations, a walking testimony of sanctifying His world with acts of compassion. Because of their merit, may Israel know no more pain. AMEN.

Heroes of the civilized world and outstanding examples for humanity.

Your video reminds me of the words of the Psalms 147:3 "He heals their broken hearts, and bids up their wounds."

How may I physically be part of this program. J

This touching presentation makes an atheist a believer in God and Judaism.

They are not Heroes of Israel, They are Heroes of Humanity.

Sherri and Seth are to be saluted for their tremendous achievement of starting a camp for the grieving family and friends who lost loved ones to terrorism. L'chaim

I admire your courage and humanity.

What remarkable people the Mandells are. To turn their grief into something something of immense value. But to avoid this horror from ever continuing, we must bring Palestinian children into the camp as well to promote harmony and understanding. We must find a way to prevent these young Palestinan children from following in the paths of their elders.The next generation is worth saving

that was such a great movie it really shows how Sherry and Seth Mandell really took their pain and brought it to doing a great thing for those who lost.

But, this event has made Sheri and Seth Mandell examples of people that make positive contributions to others - in spite of, or perhaps because of their own sad experience.

I am so sincerely sorry for the pain you have suffered by the murder of your son at the hands of hateful and lowly terrorists. The programs you have created to address the plight of families of terror victims, that bring joy and and show compassion, aaaaaaare an expression of the highest level of hesed. sincerely yours I am.

This is memorable and a wonderful gesture on the part of this stricken family. Where are the so called Human Rights Activists to protest these killings? If Israel committed them, they'd be up in arms. Am Yisroel Chai.

I just want to tell you how amazing and incredible acts of selfishness by taking all the anger, sadness and sorrow and turning it into love, help and joy for so many children and women that suffered so much after the terrorists killed their loved ones. Our hearts goes to you and everyone that has suffered such incredible loss.

What if all religious sects that believe in a God - that is not based on terror and evil - banned together in acts like this - the force for good would be over powering!

GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU THE STRENGHT TO KEEP ON GOING WITH YOUR CAMP. I GAVE THANKS TO GOD FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU, PEOPLE THAT GIVE THIS TERRIBLE TIME WE ARE LEAVING SOME RELIEF. PLEASE KEEP ON GOING WITH THAT GREAT JOB.

I was very moved by the work you are oing. My grand-daughter Tehila, runs a similar program in Israel called NAVAH for the victims and families of those wounded by the terrorists.

Sherri and Seth are true heros to not only victims in Israel but to all those are wondering what can only one person do to ease the huge burdin of others. thank you

I really dont know if i could do what the Mandell s ARE doing!!It must not be easy to replace such feelings so they certainly deserve such an distinction as given by AISH, refrended by people like us.

This short but inspiring movie has challenged me to forgive my assailant (sexual abuse), as Seth and Sherri have done. How awesome that they have created this camp for teen victims of terrorism, to help them rise above the hurt and hate! Tikkun Olam.

Transformation and light in the midst of darkness. More beautiful young men lost, parents and family without the light of their lives and smiles, Torah time together. The way Sherri & Seth moved forward speaks volumes! Beautiful people, Beautiful children, Beautiful Hashem! Power and greatness!

In Mexico most citizens are suffering so much because of the lack of good people in our government, that is why I think we need heroes like these in order no to hate but to help others who suffer poberty and hunger.

Twenty years does not make the heart ache any less, but doing something positive and educational, as you both have done, keeps the HAPPY memories alive and heals the soul. You are doing a Wonderful mitzvah. Yasher Koach!

terrific Had me in tears. I think its the best thing youve ever posted

I cannot express how this loss feels for you, but having lost a nephew, the emptiness I felt at the beginning, and all the other emotions my brother and his family felt, can only be replaced with understanding and love. Even though his was suicide, his pain is also felt. Thank you both and God bless you

The very act of anyone hurting children is not a Godly act and we know that God does not wnat His children harmed. The faith that you exhit in doing the camps brings God back to the people that have benn hurt by these acts. May God Bless

What a wonderful way to not only heal the broken hearted, but to show the enemies of Israel that we can never be defeated. They can kill the body, but not the soul.

What a wonderful and healing resolve by Sherri & Seth Mandell in honor of their son - by helping others.

GOD has a way of taking evil and bringing about good. what you have done with the camp will heal and restore many. May GOD richly bless you...Shalom

From such a painful and hopless event,Sherri & Seth created a wonderfull hilling and happy place. This terror attacks make us stronger.

I felt heartache for this couple who lost their son,may the Lord be with them,& I pray that they be comforted.The dogs who murdered them will have their day.

I have forwarded this to all the non-Jewish people on my e-mail list and asked that they also forward it to their friends. It is incredibly moving and humbling and makes me prouder than ever to be a Jew. May Hashem guard Israel always. Shalom

nothing can be said or done to get life back to normal when you lose a loved one to death,so let us just care for each other when we alive when we have the chance,i do blame the terrorists from both sides,so let us not forget that the arabs or anyone else have the right to live in peace and love,with no discrimination or whatsever,we should not pint our fingers and blame the others for our won mistakes,when we reach that honourable level of life then and just then we sure can live side by side in peace and harmony.

I don't look at everything that is sent out by Aish but I was deeply touched by this piece on the parents of Koby Mandell. Nn the face of such horror - they are a true example of kiddush Hashem.

I am grateful to read about such love. I believe you are touching the world with the love of God. Your willingness to receive such love, and to give it is a powerful example to all of us, no matter who we are or what has happened in our lives. You have blessed all of us. You are mercybearers. God bless you and keep you.

You have touched my heart. I see what an awesome God we serve. He always brings some good out of evie. God bless you always love evie

Sherri and Seth are an inspiration to us all G-d grant that my heart should grow as big as theirs .

Once again while the jewish soul sing inside us, still exist a hope for redemption, thanks for your love and support to teach others souls the path of healing,is difficult but can be achieve with determination and love for other and for yourself, G-d bless you both

i lost my sonin 2004 from complications following a successful bone marrow transplant we have tried to do a number of things in his memory including helping to feed the homeless by continuing his project of making and donating sandwiches to a local shelter this helps us to be productive as well as helping others we can't bring them back, but we can continue their efforts

My feling is explain in english or other language, but will be in portuguese. D´us entende, não podemos explicar. D´us esteja com voces moshe

Very strong people can create out of sorrow. They are doing were vitial work. They have overcome self-pity for altruism. The awful loss of a child compounded by the cruel circumstances has been transformed into true chessed. May they continue to go "machayil el chayil."

What great people! What wonderful values! A real lesson on life and how to cope. My love to them

How much longer? How much longer? Israel need not subject herself to any other nation. Vote Feiglin. Not a god or demigod. Only a human being with great passion and a love of the Land of Israel. B"H.

I will never never understand nor have any compassion for those killers or never forgive them....NEVER!! and I cannot understand people that are preaching forgiveness and willing to compromise with those terrorists!! I see only 1 answer : each time the terrorists kill a jewish Israel should send to Gaza or to what ever 1000 muslims living in Israel and of course it should be retroactive....NEVER FORGIVE..NEVER...NEVER SHOW COMPASSION ITS INTERPRETED AS A WICKNESS!!!

Here is undoubtedly a remarkable example of the work of Ruach HaKodesh in the hearts of Sherri and Seth to bring Restoration and Love which has replaced deep hurt.

instead of showing anger , they display courage ! I know how hard it is to loose a child , and if you loose by fault of another human being , it is double so hard . My whole heart goes out to them. Praise G-d for people like this. May HaShem be with them to give them strenght always . Simone

Yes, it is a great mitzvah to be joyful

Kobi's young life is honoured by his parents simple love. They chose to build a better life for others rather than wallow in their own sorrow. Truly wonderful people who exemplify Judaism.

Thank you for bringing me story. I am insprired to pray for the family and their work. God bless them

it is easy to live in negative atmosphere blaming Hashem for your sorrow but rising above the sorrow and living a positive life doing mitzvos and loving your fellow jew is what Hashem would have us all do after a proper amount of time has passed. It is very hard work but necessary for one's soul to be at peace with one's community and oneself....

My heart is aching when I see this story and I really admire the Mandells for what they are doing for others who had suffered the same as they had. Does it teach the palestinans anything? Can they feel the pain they inflicted?

Thank you so much for sharing your tradgic and moving account of your son's murder Mr and Mrs Mandell, and may Hashem bless your efforts to bring together those that have suffered so greatly. Eben

This is such a positive and loving testimony. I have just come from taking part in a Restorative Justice prison programme where two of the women had lost their children to drunk driver accidents and a murder. This is an idea I am going to pass onto them as something positive they can do to help their own healing and that of other parents like them. Thank you!! May God bless you both, and the people who put this on the net. God bless you all richly!

You are helping to heal the world through your love that you still have in your hearts. That love will never die.

this video was a powerful reminder that we need to honor the fallen by making the world a better place not by causing more harm... I sent this to our Board Members for us to consider sending support for your camp.

Once again good prevails over evil. Once again the indomitable Jewish spirit rises above the indifference and crassness of the world, the babarity and hate of the terrorists by replacing hate with love, revenge with hope, pessimism and negativity with goals of a brighter and better future. Sherri and Seth are definitely heroes, yet we each have the power buried within us. We just need to draw upon it.

Yes, the need is great, so that living and loving goes on and the fear doesn't paralyze

Mi keamcha Yisrael goi echad baaretz. hamakom yenachem etchem btoch shear aveilei tzion

i read mrs mandel book and i was so taken with thier pain and how they moved forward and started this camp fo other victims of terror. i hope one day i can meet these wondeful couple and maybe learn through them how to turn a trgedy into faith.

hashem will give you all the nechama and blessinga.and will punish the yemach shemam the new amalek of our time.

there is a reason why the charity Seth and Sherri started is at the top of my list. if you just listened to them on this video from Aish, you now know why. From the depths of despair they have made something positive and wonderful for victims of terror. G-d bless them, their family, and the work that so many do on behalf of their organization.

What is so horrific and such a crushing blow in the painful loss of a beloved son, the two of serve as an example of Hashem guiding you in the midst of tragedy and bringing healing to the lives of others. I had tears in my eyes watching the two of you speak, I am most thankful that you had the courage to move forward and make a significant impact in the lives of others while addressing your own heartache. For that, may Hashem richly bless you for all that you are doing with those who have walked in your shoes, Sherri and Seth. Your work is most exemplary...you are to be commended for turning a tragic loss into an example of reaching out to others and bring something positive to most cruel world in which we live.

What a brave and inspiring couple the parents are. May the Eternal One's hand guide them in their splendid work. Shalom from the UK

This should be shown to schools so that more children can see the evil in the world and how people handle tragedy and help others who are in need. I commend this couple.

Even you may not see it that way, it is the goodness of the Almighty who allowed you and still allows you to be a blessing to others in like situation. May HaShem have his hand on your life. Shalom

I feel such admiration for the Mandell's. Their courage and outlook on life is an inspiratation to anyone who has lost a loved one under any circumstances.

Thank you so much for the inspiration! May H-shem give you koach to continue in your footsteps, in your ways!

mi keamcha jisrael, changing the horror and pain into growth and inspiration for all of us.

Israel is building a wall to prevent murderers from entering her land and to attempt to prevent future murders like this. Yet the United States is building a wall just to keep out economic refugees. The world condemns Israel and says is shouldn't exist, what about the plaque on the Statue of Liberty? Shouldn't it be taken down and melted into a sign that says, "KEEP OUT"? I don't know how the Mandells can do what they have done all I can do is say amen to them being heroes.

HaShem did not prevent the murder. Maybe we can say that HaShem prevented the death of your souls. As the song has it, "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition."

So many have suffered so very much! The Mandels have turned their own suffering into a means to provide extraordinary comfort to others enabling children and adults alike to deal with their anguish, to laugh and even to return to life. It is a transcendent gift........

This coming thursday the 20th of Av is the Yahrzeit of my brother and sister in law with their three children of the Schyveschuurder family who where murdered in the Sbaro attack. It is not the first time I listened to the Mandels. Such great people! They comforted me again!

I admire the resilience of the parents.

Hashem yivarech otchem viyichazek otchem od va-od. I don't get emotional often but you left me misty-eyed and inspired.

What a witness for healing the world out of a stranglehold of horror, tragedy, sorrow and hatred. Goodness to the Mandells and people like them.

A truly heroic and inspiring response to the amelikites of our generation. Am Yisrael Chai.

My heart broke as I listened to you. I felt a sharp pain and I have wept but now I rejoyce to see God's great love grow out of such a tragety. You have shown me a great example of hope and love for this world. Thank you and may God continue to Bless you.

My heart goes out to the family on their tragic loss but congratulate them on finding a way to help others in their son's memory. The Mandells are true heroes in a country of heroes. May G-d bless them with nachas from their family and their good deeds and good health and happiness.....Judy from L.A.

This is one reason why the Jewish people will ultimately triumph over the Arabs, despite the odds. Because we are a people who cherishes life, the Arabs revere death. Surely the world at large would prefer to live in a world of love, goodness and life, rather hatred, evil and death. It is our responsibility to live up to the standards HaShem has created for us, so that we may be a light unto the other nations and peoples of the world, that we may all choose life in a meaningful way and honor HaShem and the world he has created for us.

I taught Koby when he was living in the US and knew the Mandell family from Maryland. They were great people then -looking to help and inspire others in many different ways. I am not shocked to see them create such goodnes out of such tragedy. It is an inspiration to us 'regular' people. May Hashem continue to give them strength, to show others the goodness one can achieve and pass along. J. Lieber

G-d bless you both. You are amazing people to be able to turn your grief into positive. Not everyone is capable of such kindness. Thank you and thank you Aish for bringing us this video. I cannot keep the tears from flowing as they did also when I learned of the horror.

May HaShem bless you as you walk out through the shadow of death to help others. May your dear child rest in peace and be the soul that helps bring Masheach. Shalom.

Everything that happens to us in this world, even when it is so unbearable, is for our growth and Hashem wants us to be able to get up and continue to be happy even if at times it may seem impossible. But for someone like yourselves to not only try to be happy after such a challenge, but to bring such ongoing happinesses to so many people who maybe would not be able to get their on their own. What a gift what a special place you are in. And I could just imagine the place where your sons neshama is in with all these merits being added to his soul. May Hashem continue to give you the strength to continue in this mission.

What a wonderful way to celebrate your sons life. You are wonderful. Thank you

What an amzing insight that out of such horror can come so much joy!!From the freedom of Australia I salute your
amazing bravery nad strength.

Thank you for this most beautiful video about how the phoenix does rise from the ashes of a terrible, unspeakable tragedy. I wrote the following poem the other night and I truly do believe this. If it gives solace, or means anything to anyone that is of beauty and hope, I am glad. I was once in a cave said to be the darkest cave in the world and I was so afraid. When the light in the cave were shut off we were all of us thrown into the deepest black. I held hands with my husband and the person on my left. In that most inky blackness suddenly I began to perceive shadows and there was light. I have never forgotten the lesson. this is my poem: sometimes it seems that forever is a real country I will stand in the marsh with the herons on trembling legs observing every sunset I will sleep with rain and sun tumbling through my ears will feel the rush of violet sweeping through the meadow will gather toward me every dawn every twilight nothing I have loved will ever die I am so afraid I will not have arms enough nor strength enough nor song enough to thank you ruth housman, august 12/ 2008

"I have heard you speak. May God hear them in heaven" (Abraham Ibn Ezra) I bow my face in prayer and weep with you. No words can mend your great loss.Thank you for sharing. Herman Taube. Rockville, MD.