Filling Asaf Ramons Void

The news on Sunday sent shock waves throughout Israel and the Jewish world:

Asaf Ramon was killed in an air force training exercise. Ilan Ramon

In this small country where every casualty hits close to home, this was particularly shocking.

The Ramon family was Israel's Cinderella story.

It was Asaf's father, Ilan Ramon, who electrified Israel by becoming its first astronaut - and who tragically died in the Columbia space shuttle disaster six years ago.

It was Asaf's father who brought Jewish values to the international stage by reciting Kiddush while orbiting the earth and by eating Kosher food in outer space.

It was Asaf's father - the child of Holocaust survivors - who had defended our country with a daring strike on Iraq's nuclear reactor in 1981, declaring that "If I can prevent a second Holocaust, I am ready to sacrifice my life."

So when Asaf Ramon chose the dangerous - but privileged - path of a pilot in the Israeli Air Force, a nation eager for redemption watched in anticipation of the son filling his father's void.

We watched with awe last year as Asaf successfully navigated a fighter jet whose engines had quit.

And then in May, we stood in admiration as Asaf Ramon graduated as valedictorian of his cadet's class.

Ilan Ramon's legacy was resurrected. The void had been filled.

So when the news came this week of Asaf's tragic crash in the Hebron Hills, our nation was plunged into double-grief. Grief over the loss of this bright young star, and grief over the loss - once again - of the Ramon family's magical story.

Rosh Hashana Message

When comforting mourners, the traditional Jewish words of condolence are: "May God comfort you amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem." Here, the Hebrew reference to God is an usual word, Hamakom - literally, The Place. The message is that when a person dies, it is up to us to identify their unique contribution - their "place" in the Grand Eternal Plan. And then, the more we endeavor to fill that place, the more God will bring us comfort.

Ilan Ramon's "place" was as Israel's ambassador to the world.

Asaf Ramon's "place" was to restore the legacy of one small country - defending itself, all the while reaching beyond to touch the stars.

In Hebrew, the word "Asaf" means to "gather." To pick up the scattered pieces and bring them together into a new, beautiful whole.

When I spoke with Ilan Ramon shortly before his space shuttle flight, he emphasized the need for the people of Israel to come together in unity for a common purpose.

On Rosh Hashana, each of us is asked if we are prepared to use the coming year to the fullest. Will we bring our potential to fruition?

This year, we must redouble our commitment to fill the aching void that Asaf Ramon's death has left behind - to unite in achieving our national mission, and truly be a light unto each other, and unto all the nations.

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Published: September 14, 2009
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Visitor Comments: 28

(28) Rebecca Witonsky, December 10, 2009 4:28 AM

condolences to Ramon family

I send my deepest and most heartfelt condolence to the Ramon family which has suffered two horrific losses of a father and son in such a short time of three years. My heart goes out to Ramon's widow who is forced to bury her husband and son. Her pain and loss is felt by the whole Jewish nation.

(27) Ramon ben Shomer, October 12, 2009 6:47 PM

The name Ramon has a interesting interpretation. It means Mighty Protector. so by vitue of the name I salute this person for all what he has done for Israel. so not only the legacy of the name but the legacy of this family be forever remembered by all who believe in the State of Israel. The verse to the name is Habbakuk 2:1

(26) Anny Matar, September 22, 2009 4:00 PM

ISRAEL MOURNS

We all mourn and light at memorial candle in front of the Ramon house. We live in the same suburb but we don't find a way to share in this terrible loss. No one can ease such pain and the title of this article " who can fill this void" the answer is NO ONE. Asaf was a bright and shining star in the firmament and there is no one and not a thing which can replace such a wonderful human being. In my mind's eye I see Ilan flying with open arms in the spaceship, as though he were embracing the world with his shining light, now I see him taking his son into his arms, holding him safe and tight - but those left behind can feel the void only.

(25) Cleide Souza, September 20, 2009 5:22 PM

Dear family Ramon God bless you,Illan and Asaf was exemple israeli citizen,we love Israel.cleide from Brasil.

(24) Goko Trajkoski, September 20, 2009 8:28 AM

Tears and hope

This is very sad news. I hope that their sacrifice will be eternal shinning star amongst the heroes of IDF.

(23) Tzipporah, September 17, 2009 6:46 AM

Good message for this generation and all generations

This is a good message for this generation. The people of Israel worldwide need to stand in unity, fighting for the Torah and Hashem as the one true G-d... May Hashem help all of us to honor the place of those recently lost and those who were from ancient times.

(22) Cohen Rachel, September 16, 2009 12:09 PM

it's one of our sons who has died

I read this awful news in the metro in Paris and I was totally upset; I remembered his father's death which was already a terrible tragedy and now another catastrophe : the death of such a marvellous young son. We feel a very deep sorrow .With all our heart;

(21) Carolyn Gillihan, September 16, 2009 11:34 AM

May the God of all comfort comfort the Ramon family and the nation of Israel.

Thank you for sharing what the father and son mean to Israel. The meaning of Asaf, to bring together, is striking. May YHWH unite Israel spiritually and Himself protect His people; may He Himself be the Place where Israel is gathered and is comforted. May He comfort the Ramon family with great comfort.

(20) GARY LIDAWER, September 16, 2009 1:44 AM

IT WAS ONE OF MY SADS DAY IN 78 YEARS OFMY LIFE. AND IT WILL NEVER FORGATEN

(19) Tzippy, September 16, 2009 1:37 AM

flying

They who loved to fly on metal wings, now fly on wings of angels. The sky, and space, not high enough, now lifted higher - by angels. Ilan, a tree - grew higher still. Asaf, he too was 'gathered' in. And now together, Father, son, reside, and fly, up high- in Heaven. With angels.

(18) Sally Rogow, September 16, 2009 1:22 AM

Beautiful and important story.

It is so important that we know abour our heroes. This article is a real contribution to our knowledge,

(17) hilda, September 15, 2009 10:19 PM

My heartfelt thoughts go to Mrs Ramon.

Dear Mrs Ramon, we Jews in South Africa, are with you at this tragic time. We cried for Ilan and we cry now for your dear son Asaf. Who can explain why two special, courageous men should be taken from you. Chazak veematz.

(16) roovim, September 15, 2009 8:11 PM

symphaty

my pray with the family my pray with Israel my pray with my people

(15) ruth housman, September 15, 2009 5:20 PM

Asaf: to gather

We may not understand this tragedy and the loss that went before, of Asaf's father, but we can take these two tragedies and shine a light on their lives, which is what this article has done. Maybe the hand of God is visible in all of our lives and there is a story, yet untold, that involves the beauty of a Divine Plan. In the meantime we mourn and we hope for a new morning and a New Year filled with not only hopes of peace but palpable with that notion.

(14) Anonymous, September 15, 2009 4:23 PM

my deepest condolences to this family

May God comfort you amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

(13) Corinne Joy, September 15, 2009 3:40 PM

I heard of Asaf's tragic death reported on BBC news, here in the UK, a few days ago, which also prompted sharp recall of Ilan's, equally tragic, in the 'Columbia' disaster ... and commemorated, in the interim, through valued contact with a mutual friend, Dr Racelle Weiman. In the light of such inexplicable tragedy, I appreciate the anecdote quoted 'above' by Steve Goldstein: how lovely to picture the much 'longer view' of lateral-thinking/vision evidenced by both father and son concerned, themselves "rolling in laughter" at their swift perception of a then-applicable relative irony! - and demonstrating that such laughter can be very 'close to tears' (as equally in my case now) - ultimately, in its healing effect, whether swift or more gently progressive ... Perhaps both Asaf and Ilan can still now serve to remind us of such possibilities of adopting a true pilot's 'perspective', beyond any of our current limitations or expectations and well "beyond all we can think or imagine" - this, whilst, however, respecting the current profoundly saddening, wrenching and, doubtless, unmitigated losses still acutely felt by their overall family. I do, with this personal 'take', convey profoundly heart-felt sympathy and lovingkindness to their remaining bereaved family-members and friends, who, I hope, will eventually find their own respective 'perspectives' in relation to their acute loss of a much-loved (inter alia) husband, father, brother - and now - son ...

(12) Mimoun Reine, September 15, 2009 3:38 PM

kol israel arevim zelaze

AM ISRAEL is proud of his CHILDREN!(my english is no good;i'm french)

(11) Verna M. Black, September 15, 2009 3:22 PM

The tragedy of Asaf Ramon on Sunday

Dearest Ramon family, This is the biggest personal loss in my estimation along with the death of Ilan Ramon that we the Jewish people have suffered in many a year. Assaf was our son collectively. Now he has entered the world of the unknown, for you and me, we simple people must continue to have faith, go on with life, and that is a big challenge to face. May G-d comfort you along with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

(10) Jeri Barnhart, September 15, 2009 3:21 PM

The Legacy Lives On!

When I read the article - I thought about two things. First of all they are united, Ilan and Asaf together with the Eternal One...and secondly, I can actually believe that they are embracing and rolling around together in laughter once again! May the Peace and Comfort of Our gracious and loving Heavenly Father guard the heart of the Ramon family, and give the comfort that only He can give...Shalom!

(9) Piero P., September 15, 2009 3:08 PM

I'm near the family of Asaf and to Israel with the heart and the prayer.

(8) Anonymous, September 15, 2009 3:04 PM

The "message" is always the same

The "message" is that Hashem controls what happens in the world. Even if we don't understand it or like it, we must accept it. The "message" also is that because everything is Hashem's will on some level, "gam zu l'tovah," everything that happens is ultimately for good. That's Judaism 101.

(7) Isaac, September 15, 2009 2:40 PM

Glorius lives

Thank you for the way that you have written this. You have been so respectful and you have managed, with great sensitivity, to celebrate two gifts that Hashem has given Israel. Grief, joy and thanks fills my heart.

(6) Anonymous, September 15, 2009 2:19 PM

agian, proud to be a Jew.

(5) kari, September 15, 2009 1:54 PM

it,s wery hard, to think, what to say. the firs ofall, a friends, relatives, it toutgch so many people, ... i hope that reminds us, why we hawe a freedom, happynes, and the guy,s train wery hard, like case of that. it doset happend for nothing. i, dont know what to say. try to look up. when you down, (easy to say) . kari

(4) sonja and Jossi Braat-Natkiel, September 15, 2009 1:51 PM

My husband and I are oliem chadesjiem and we live in a Netanya in an appartment overlooking te sea. We have not been in Israel very long. Every day we are so greatfull to be home at last. Very often helicopters are passing by and we look proudly at ' our' boys possibly giving their lives for this beautifull country, our country. We both feel so very sad that one of us, that is how we see it, died for all of us. We both would like to tell Asaf's family that their son, is a hero in our eyes. We wish the whole family no more sorrow in the future.

(3) Allan F. Hyatt, September 15, 2009 1:32 PM

Terrible loss

This is a terrible loss not just for Israel but for Jewish people everywhere. May he rest in peace!

(2) Sharona, September 15, 2009 9:23 AM

What is the message of these two terrible deaths?

It seems extraordinary to me that both were killed in aircraft. I feel there must be a message here for all of us. I like the idea of unity mentioned in the article. Even though I see unity being mentioned in articles and classes, it must be that we haven't gotten it yet, and we have along way to go in that area.

(1) Steve Goldstein, September 14, 2009 5:25 PM

He was a sweet kid

I love this story from a recent interview, where Asaf described his experience playing football in seventh grade while living in Houston. "I remember that one of the games ended 48-0, against us." As Assaf walked over to his father, he noticed people getting really upset; some were even crying. "The closer I got to my father, I saw that he was smiling. And then when I got to him, both of us burst out laughing. The Americans are crying, and the two Israelis are rolling in laughter."

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Rabbi Shraga Simmons

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Rabbi Shraga Simmons spent his childhood trekking through snow in Buffalo, New York. He holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He is the senior editor of Aish.com and the director of JewishPathways.com.

An expert on media bias, he was the founding editor of HonestReporting.com, and is the author of David & Goliath: The Explosive Inside Story of Media Bias in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (2012). With drama and a biting edge, David & Goliath is a definitive treatment, fully resourced with over 2,000 footnotes. Readers are privy to secret negotiations with CNN executives, and how a grassroots campaign was cited by the New York Times as effecting sweeping changes in Mideast media coverage.

David & Goliath has been praised by politicians, professors and journalists: Former New York Mayor Ed Koch hails it as "Invaluable for anyone wanting the inside story," and James Taranto of the Wall Street Journal calls David & Goliath "of crucial importance for the future of the Middle East."

Rabbi Simmons lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.