Friday, August 10, Erev Shabbat -- Yesterday, August 9, 2001, on my way to work, I found myself walking down Jaffa Street. Hungry, I decided to stop and grab a quick bite at Sbarro's Pizza. In the past 5 years I have frequented this establishment exactly twice.
Walking into Sbarro's there is a larger area for sitting in the front, but the back looked a bit cooler and quieter, so I decided to grab a seat in the back. That decision saved my life.
Waiting on line, when they brought me the baked zitti I asked for, it was cold. So I asked the woman behind the counter if she'd mind warming it up. "Ein ba'ayah," no problem, she said with a smile. I will always wonder if that was her last smile on earth.
I felt a tremendous explosion, and then the screaming began.
A couple of moments later, a fellow from behind the counter came to the back with my baked zitti. Then he started to speak to someone at one of the tables. That baked zitti saved his life.
At about 2 p.m., I felt and heard a tremendous explosion, and day turned into night.
And then the screaming began. An awful, heartrending sound; the sound of people coming to terms with a whole new reality, of people not wanting to comprehend that life has changed forever.
Those of us sitting in the back were spared, but I was afraid of panic, so I started yelling at everyone to quiet down and not to panic. The ceiling looked like it might cave in, but there is always the danger of a second explosion, detonated on purpose shortly after the first.
But then I smelled smoke, and was suddenly afraid the restaurant might be on fire. So we started climbing our way through the wreckage to the front.
Would there be another explosion? Would the roof collapse? Were we making the wrong decision, climbing through? There are moments that last a lifetime...
There are no words to describe what the front of Sbarro's Pizza looked like in the immediate aftermath of that explosion.
I watched the life drain out of her.
A woman was lying near the steps to the back. Her eyes were staring straight at me, following me. So full of pain and longing, sadness and despair. I dropped down beside her trying to elicit a response to see if she could speak. And then I watched the life just drain out of her. I tried to get a pulse, to no avail. She died there, on the steps in front of me. She was lying by the table I had decided not to sit at.
Her eyes, I think, will stay with me forever. Imploring, beseeching, full of so much sadness. I think the shock of where and how she was, was sinking in. I can't begin to describe all that was in those eyes.
There were bodies everywhere. Those images are in my mind and they won't let go. A child's body under the wreckage; a baby carriage; limbs and a torso; a woman holding a motorcycle helmet, screaming next to a person on the floor who had obviously been someone she was with.
And then the mad rush to help the ambulance and emergency crews get the wounded out. They were afraid of a second bomb, so there was no medical effort inside beyond getting the wounded on to stretchers and out. A religious Jew missing at least two limbs in tears and shock -- what do you say? "Yehiyeh Be'Seder?" It will be all right? Will it?
I happened to sit a bit to the left as you walk towards the back, and so the wall behind me shielded me from the blast. Another fellow whom we went back in to get wasn't so lucky. Sitting only 5 or 6 feet to my left, he caught the full force of the blast and was thrown in the air. When we got him on the stretcher he was bleeding profusely and was missing a leg.
There are no words to describe what that man's hand, clenched around my arm, felt like. He just kept looking from me to his leg and back again. I started saying Psalms.
I came home and gave each of my children a very long hug.
So many mixed emotions fill my head today. I came home last night and gave each of my children a very long hug. But there are so many families today who are waking up to the reality that life will never be the same. Fifteen funerals with friends and families saying goodbye to those they loved so, whose only crime was a desire for a slice of pizza on a beautiful Jerusalem afternoon.
I recall once reading a story of a boy who was saved from a near-drowning by a stranger. As the fellow carried him ashore, the boy looked up and said, "Thanks for saving my life, mister." To which the man responded, "Just make sure it was worth saving."
Tonight we celebrate Shabbat. All over Israel, parents will bless their children at the Shabbat table. I imagine we will all hug them a little tighter this week.
In a few hours we will light Shabbat candles. This Shabbat, in the wake of all this darkness, the Jewish people will do what we have been doing for 4000 years; what we have always done. We will pick up the pieces and light our candles, because that is all we have ever wanted; just to bring a little light back into the world.
After 2000 years of dreaming, we have come home. So many nations, and so many empires tried to stop us from getting here but here we are, nonetheless. Home. That word has such a beautiful sound to it, to a people that has wandered the globe for so long.
We are not leaving. We will be here to celebrate this Shabbat and next Shabbat, and forever, until the end of time, here, in the hills of Judea and Gush Etzion, and Jerusalem.
May the Almighty, who in His infinite Wisdom saw fit to allow me the privilege of celebrating one more Shabbat with my family, in the hills of Jerusalem, see fit to put an end to all of this pain, and all of this suffering.
Wherever you are, and whoever you are, be with us here, in Yerushalyim, and offer up a prayer for all those who lost loved ones in yesterday's terrible tragedy.
May it be God's will that soon, we will find the road to the peace we have longed for, for so long.
There is something you can do. See 7 Ways You Can Help Israel. Also, the children victims of terrorist bombings love to receive letters. Write to them! Most can read English (be sure to print clearly or type), and for those who can't, we'll translate the letters. Do not send emails. A real letter that they can hold in their hands, perhaps on nice stationary, will mean so much to them.
Address your letters to a specific child, c/o:
Aish.com
PO Box 14149
Jerusalem 97500 Israel
Here are most of their names:
Girls: Ziva Polena Tanya Oksana Victoria Katya Nadia Emma Anna Natasha |
Boys: Faik Max Alexander |
(39) Leslie Hammer, April 29, 2003 12:00 AM
Binny's An Inspiration
B"H, my family and I just spent a glorious Pesach with Binny as our scholar in residence. Just want all the readers to know that Binny is full of life, love and enthusiasm for G-d, Torah and his fellow Jews. This tragic event did not stop him from his inspirational leadership. He is a role model. Thank you, Binny.
(38) Folke Holtz, August 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Standing for Jerusalem
Words can not tell and express the sadness one feels when I read the article. The only thing I can say is that, as a Swedish christian, is that we in Sweden are quite many who want to support Israel and to pray for Israel and the jewish people which we have a deep love for.
Folke Holtz
(37) charley chapman, August 18, 2001 12:00 AM
Bring the tears in your heart to water our mind!
As you come to America please bring the tears that are in your heart to water the minds of us in America.We may have become dry and dusty to the heartache that surrounds a people and land that is so touched by Gd.Your life is spared as Gd knows why. May you water the souls of this land in America.
(36) Daniel Gillis, August 18, 2001 12:00 AM
Only on Tisha B'Av could this article be revised.
I went to Sbarro the day after the blast, just to arouse feelings of loss and the like. R. Freedman, himself an eyewitness and part of that reality, has managed to replace the need for visiting.
(35) Anonymous, August 18, 2001 12:00 AM
Why doesn't the US support Israel?
Here in the United States of America, there is little support for Israel right now. I agree with the last attack on palestinian police stations. At least the Jewish force isn't killing innocents like the suicide bombers. Why don't you hear the condemnation of the Palestinian government for their actions? But all I hear is how aggressive Israel is, or how Israel is damaging the peace process. Where are the outcries from the American Public? The American Jews? What is with the News Media? I hurt for you, and will pray for Israel. And complain to my congressman! You need moral support. This is a moral issue also. Killing innocent people and children. There is no validation for cowardly murders.
(34) Anonymous, August 17, 2001 12:00 AM
Unbelievable and powerful letter! It helped me feel reality.
Tears streamed down my face as i read this letter. I was glad that i was able to read it because it gave me a very real feeling of what had taken place. I was just in Israel, and to think that this happened where i was, was such a scary thought. May Hashem comfort all of us, and may we all be in Jerusalem together soon. thank you Rabbi Freedman for your letter. It changed me!!!
(33) Tanya Shaffron, August 16, 2001 12:00 AM
The hairs on the back of my neck were standing up as I was reading this.
We all need to daven for shalom...we all need to do what H-shem wants us to do - live our lives as commited, Torah learning Jews....
Shalom to you all.
(32) carol kingsmore, August 16, 2001 12:00 AM
I PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF ISRAEL !
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSIGHT AND INFORMATION ON THESE TRAGEDIES.
(31) Jonathan Silverman, August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
The first Intifada
I was a passenger in bus 405 from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on July 6, 1989. A terrorist from Islamic Jihad grabbed the steering wheel from the driver's control and steered the bus over a cliff killing 16 of the 28 passengers. I survived by some miracle with moderate injuries. And it was like this. I thought I was prepared to pay the full price a Jew has to pay to live in Israel, and in that bus attack I nearly paid the full price, but God gave me a discount.
(30) Sue Lambert, August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
My Prayers Are With You
I made my first trip to Israel this past February and fell in love with the country. When I heard about the bombing at the pizzaria, I remembered eating at another pizza restaurant in Jerusalem. There were two Jewish women there, one of whom had the most beautiful little boy. She allowed me to take their picture and I use it as a symbol of all the people there when I pray. I cried as I saw the horrible pictures and hoped the little boy I saw was not there. I do pray for the Peace of Jerusalem as commanded in the Psalm. God Bless You.
(29) Jerry Black, August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
I was very impressed with the above article. It paints a picture only a survivor could envision. Hopefully we will see an end to this madness and life will become bearable again.
(28) Helen, August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
No more lifes should be taken
I live in Australia and have been to Israel several times. I have even been to that particular pizza shop. May there be peace in Israel and not one more life should be taken from this world in such horrific and mindless waste of precious life.
(27) Christina Eisenstein, August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
My Prayers Are With You All In Israel
I am not jewish but I am with you all the way. The story that Binny Friedman,Efrat told was just so sad and I am sorry you have to live like this in your beautiful Jerusalem. My prayers are with the Jewish people and your city of Jerusalem and all of Israel.
Shalom! Finally to all of you.
(26) Mike Webb, August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
We Love You Isreal
This American Christian continues to Pray for the Peace Of Jerusalem. Your armed forces will prevail and establish peace in your land.
"On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the Lord going before them. ZECH 12"
Millions of American Christians are with you Isreal.
Mike Webb
Oklahoma City,USA
(25) Anonymous, August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Rabbi Freedman's Article re: his narrow escape
Rabbi Freedman: We are there with you. Those of us who live in the United States do not forget how blessed we are to live without the fears that you and your family must face each day. I cannot imagine worrying if a trip to the market will result in my death or worse have me bear witness to my fellow Jews being murdered or injured. Your article touches me and I thank you for sharing your experience. I am glad you were there for the woman who died and the man who lost his leg. I pray for your safety and for all the Jews who continue to stay and keep our homeland a reality.
(24) EVIE WASOSKY, August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
BINNY, I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE OK AND SO SORRY FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T.
DEAR RABBI BINNY: I'M SURE YOU REMEMBER ME FROM PGH. I HEARD YOU WERE IN THE PIZZA SHOP & MADE IT OUT. YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS TERRIBLE ATROCITY ARE HEART WRENCHING. PLEASE STAY SAFE & SEND YOUR FAMILY MY REGARDS...NACHUM & SHANA ARE STILL LIVING IN RAMAT ESHKOL. BE WELL...WE'RE ALL PRAYING FOR NO MORE VIOLENCE. EVIE WASOSKY
(23) Daniel Wiersgalla, August 13, 2001 12:00 AM
My Heart Does Mourn
I too saw the lifeless forms being removed from the pizzaria today, except I was thousands of miles away watching it on television in the USA. So many times I've seen this horror but this time it was so different for me, as they removed a young women from the scene, her lifeless form dangled from the strecher, her still open eyes crying for her Father, she looked so tender and loved...my heart broke eternaly for her as she layed on her death bed. I pray for you and Israel. May the G-d of Israel protect my brothers and sisters.Shalom
(22) Chaya, August 13, 2001 12:00 AM
thank you very much for that comforting article
(21) susan way, August 13, 2001 12:00 AM
stop the terrorists
What a beautifully written and touching account of a terrorist attack. Israel must, and has every right to stop the terrorists before they strike, and to hit terrorists headquarters.
(20) Hayah Abettan, August 13, 2001 12:00 AM
I pray everyday for my people Israel
God help I do not see the end of this misery. I give my blessing to all the people of Israel God bless them all. Amen
Hayah
(19) Martin Rosenblatt, August 13, 2001 12:00 AM
The pizza exlposion
Heart rending.
(18) Anonymous, August 13, 2001 12:00 AM
Tears for each of you. What a terrible tragedy. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob turn what was meant for evil into GOOD for all the pain and tears. We love you very much and pray for you daily. May His Peace bring you comfort at this so very difficult time.
(17) Nancy Snellen, August 13, 2001 12:00 AM
My heart breaks!
As I read this and other such articles, my heart breaks. I am safe - perhaps - in America, and I have never had the opportunity to visit Israel,yet those who died are my brothers and sisters, my children, my father, mother. There is no way to explain the pain I feel and it is nothing compared to what my family is going through as people, for no reason, activate their hate and kill the innocent. G-d, when will it stop? When will we know peace? I pray for Jews everywhere as my heart breaks and from the bottom of that broken heart, I thank you for bringing this even more home to us - here, where we are safe, for the moment.
(16) Anonymous, August 13, 2001 12:00 AM
A Sympathy Note
I am so sorry that things are so bad in Israel. Unfortunately there are still a lot of hateful people out there. I pray that one day our world will be filled with love, peace, and harmony.
(15) Anonymous, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
Sadness
I weep for you, people I've never met, who endure a horrific battle I pray I'll never see. I pray for you, may God deliver you from your enemies. May God bring peace to Jerusalem, to His chosen people.
(14) gloria power, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
You are not alone in your grief.
Why don't the Jewish people call on Mr. Sharon to declare/ call a national day of prayer amd fasting. A solomn assembly. Perhaps this is the only untried strategy. Please be assured that non-jews world wide are praying for you all and crying out to your g-d on your behalf. Love and blessings from Australia.
(13) Boniface Njovu, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
When will it end
When this killing end and who is gaining by it all. Death upon death life lost and end never nearing.
May God bring it to it's speedy end
(12) Brenda Gross, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
Article by Rabbi Binny Freedman on Bombing @ Sbarro
Thank you for providing commentary of a henious event with a message of hope, a recognition of Shabbat and a prayer for peace. This image will be in my thoughts each Shabbat as I light the candles.
(11) Anonymous, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
We must all pray for the Jews who are injured, and for the families who lost loved ones. May G-d gives us the wisdom and strength to find the right path through this, so that we can live in our homeland, in peace. Rabbi Freedman, please make a stop in Denver, CO.
(10) Anonymous, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
If Arabs want to blow themselves up and take their own lives. Let Israel help them in their personal quest for death, but do not let them take innocent Jewish lives with them. Let Israel eliminate every single arab who wishes to blow themselves up so many innovent lives can be saved. Why must society always wait for something horrific to happen, before we act upon it?
(9) Anonymous, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
we should all pray together and have the strength together,and fight against the evil,vile,threatening forces together,because we have no choice.The alternative would be G-D forbid unimaginable.We must embark on a spiritual and physical(military)war NOW!!
(8) Roy & Claire Hill, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
God Bless the lost and suffering
My wife and I just returned to America but left our hearts in Israel, we are not Jewish but we pray for your safety and want the media to give a report to the world that is truth, So far it has not been so. We will spread the word. God Bless
(7) augustine johnson, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
hero of israel
you are a hero of israel,survivor, a stayer in the land whatever islamic fanatics do
shalom
augustine johnson
(6) Gideon Moskovitz, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
What can one say...
My wife and I, along with our six-month-old baby had arrived in Israel a little over one week ago. We were shopping for some household items in geula (a ten minute walk from the sight of the bombing) around a half hour before the incident described above occurred. We had thankfully decided to go home and not continue on toward the center of town. We have been hearing many similar stories, and in some the Divine Hand is unmistakable.
On a totally different note, it's rather ironic that the concept of Zionism and the foundation of the State of Israel was an answer to the age-old question of how to stop anti-Semitism from rearing its ugly head. The early Zionists felt that the only solution to stopping the killing of innocent Jews was to create a Jewish state wherein the lives and safety of its citizens would not be left in the capricious hands of would be enemies. Yet of all the beautiful things one may say of the land of Israel, the above vision is regrettably not one of them. Nevertheless, my wife and I consider ourselves privileged to be here, and hope to stay for some years to come - crazy Palestinians and an even crazier world notwithstanding.
(5) Kim Campbell, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
I am a Gentile Zionist and I stand with you Rabbi in belief that the land belongs to you. My heart is heavy but I wanted you to know many Gentiles in the US are Zionists meaning we believe the land belongs to the Jews.
(4) Judy Snyder, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
Our hearts are will all of you Jerusalem.
I am so sorry to hear and read of the
suffering my fellow Jews endure in this
land that should be our home of Peace,
I must come and live with you and the
enemies of Israel must leave.
(3) Anonymous, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
prayers for peace
I am in the American midwest. I go to the Western Wall on internet to watch, read, and pray. I often pray while I watch the camera view change. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I pray for the Jew, apple of His eye. I pray for Isreal to be blessed and blessed and blessed. Rabbi Freedman's account of the bombing took me there and I felt so sorry for the people who were victims. I will always pray for the peace of Jerusalem and His people when I come often to see the live camera view of the Western Wall. I am there in spirit and in my heart.
(2) Anonymous, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
Sad but moving letter.
We daaven for you every day here in London. May G-d protect you.
(1) Anonymous, August 12, 2001 12:00 AM
Zitti with Rabbi Freedman
Rabbi's words put us in the pizzaria with him. In our synagogue, we say Tehillim (Psalms) for those lost - we say prayers for the IDF - we speak of standing together -all Jews- as the limbs of one soul. I eat the zitti and I am looking at her eyes and I am surviving the blast and our 4000 ad infinitum battle to BE is only strengthened by this, the current tempering of our mettle. Will Rabbi come to Los Angeles to visit the Westwood Kehilla?