High atop the Mount of Olives, the funeral was coming to an end. The rabbis had eulogized, the masses had wiped away their tears, the politicians had come and gone, and 15-year-old Neria Cohen, the youngest of the eight victims slaughtered at Mercaz Harav yeshiva, finally rested beneath a fresh mound of earth.
His father, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen, a rabbi at Aish HaTorah's Hesder program, recited the final mourner's Kaddish. Friends, relatives and classmates of Neria began to file out of cemetery and make their way down the mountain to prepare for Shabbat. I stood there beside Rav Yitzchak as people approached him and hugged him in consolation before they left.
One boy grabbed Rav Yitzchak's shoulder with a deep sense of urgency. "What is your name?" the rabbi softly asked. The boy mumbled something through his tears. "Ah...you were Neria's chavruta (study partner)?" He nodded affirmatively. Rav Yitzchak looked him in the eye and said, "Oy! You don't have a chavruta anymore!" The boy gasped out a sob and buried his head in Rav Yitzchak's shoulder. The two wept together, one for his innocent, angelic-faced son who had been murdered less than a day earlier, the other for the study partner with whom he would no longer share the thrill of deciphering a passage of the Talmud.
Rav Yitzchak's ability to console a young boy amidst his own grief comes as no surprise.
For those of us at Aish HaTorah who have been privileged to study with Rav Yitzchak, his ability to console a young boy amidst his own grief comes as no surprise. We all know him as a giant in spirit, a man whose moral compass is unswerving, a believer in fundamental truths. He is a genius in Torah, with an encyclopedic knowledge of Jewish law. Ask him a question on Judaism, life or current events, and the answer is always firm and succinct. To me, Rav Yitzchak is a paradigm of belief in an unwavering truth. His character exudes a certain power that comes from a moral clarity.
When I first saw Rav Yitzchak at around midnight Thursday night, just a few hours after the attack, I didn't know that his son Neria was one of the victims. I was walking in the Old City and the rabbi motioned for me to approach him. I did and he put his arm around my shoulders. He told me that his son was missing and asked that I please tell the two students who he had invited over to his house for Shabbat that this week the invitation wasn't practical. He said it so softly, with his usual calm, matter-of-fact voice, that I didn't immediately realize the extent of the tragedy. Only the next morning, when I found out that Neria was among the murdered, did I realize that I had spoken to Rav Yitzchak right after he had heard the news.
Whenever I saw Neria, I saw a miniature version of Rav Yitzchak. Neria was a child who lived with a deep awareness of what was important in life and was prepared to make sacrifices for those values. He wore an expression that was combination of his father's determination and his own angelic innocence.
Many politicians, journalists and well-intentioned Jews will make their way to the Cohen home expecting to find a family shattered by their tragedy, unsure of their future. But I have no doubt that they will find themselves facing a solid wall of faith and optimism, a profound belief in the Jewish people's ability to fulfill its potential as a light unto the nations. I'm sure this scene will repeat itself in the other seven houses of mourning. These families, thrust into the limelight against their will, are all passionately committed to restoring the destiny of the Jewish people and strengthening our faith and hope.

I did not know Neria well but in his rabbi's eulogy he emphasized his straightness of character, his inability to settle for anything but the complete truth. I am sure that many stories will emerge throughout the week of mourning. This week Rav Yitzchak and his wife will mourn the loss of their son, their children will mourn the loss of their dear brother, his yeshiva will mourn the loss of a dear friend. Let us also mourn and not allow God's candle (Neria in Hebrew) to be extinguished. Let us take this horrific tragedy to heart, feel the pain and commit to making some kind of personal change. Let us be a part of Neria's legacy of truth and faithfulness.
Readers can send the family their condolences in the comment section below.
(194) shmuel adler, April 17, 2013 11:35 PM
yitzchok, what you wrote is both beautifully touching and very well written. i did not know you had writing in you, but i really think you wrote this very well. kol hakovod! beautiful! amazing!
(193) matthew celius, April 12, 2008 7:32 PM
may God bless you and your family as you mourn for your son myself and my family will continue to pray for your family.
(192) Yehudit Hannah Cohn, March 27, 2008 2:48 PM
I don't know what to say
but I weep.
(191) Anonymous, March 21, 2008 1:29 PM
This is deeply painful to read.Dear God Almighty Please end this tragic deaths of your precious,chosen people
(190) Anonymous, March 17, 2008 9:20 PM
i'm soo sorry
I have Jewish friends and I love all Jews deeply. I just read the article and i'm soo sorry about this tragedy. I wish there was somethin i could do. May God help you through this...
(189) Yury Pishchik, March 17, 2008 7:33 PM
My heart goes out to you and your family
I cannot imagine the pain you must feel, but please know that we all grieve with you.
(188) Anonymous, March 17, 2008 5:33 AM
May they be remembered always as a blessing!
This is so terrible I just am silent.
I wish I could do something.
I love all Jews and Israel and my heart is in the deepest pain.
(187) Anonymous, March 17, 2008 5:28 AM
My condolences to the families of the murdered boys. Words cannot express my sorrow and anger about the events that transpired. No parent should every have to bury a child. My heart goes out to you.
(186) Avraham David, March 16, 2008 4:12 PM
8 boys
As the sun shone bright in an eastern sky I watched the bodies being brought out,and lowered into the coffins one by one each draped in a talit. I heard someone sobbing, and mournfully sigh, and realized it was me. For 8 boys, for 8 talmidei chachamim, for 8 tzadikim my heart cries. The flower of Israel plucked too soon al kiddush Hashem. And I don't understand what it is that the world does not see or comprehend. Can it be that truly jewish life has no value? Yishmael kicks us and we look away, he bloodies our nose and we are confounded.
Our leaders are unworthy of us. They have lead a nation to degradation and death. They have lead us as sheep to the slaughter,why? Yad Hashem is clearly visible to anyone who can see it yet noone pays heed. Soon,very soon a novi will come and sound the shofar. He will herald moshiach and then our murderers will understand. The self rightous and the corrupt will be consumed by the flames of their shame. On this day 8 boys, 8 talmidei chachamim, 8 tzadikim will be learning at the feet of Ha Kodosh Baruch Hu.
(185) Anonymous, March 15, 2008 9:52 PM
Boruch Dayan Emet
May you be comforted amongst the many mourners of Israel and may we all share in true simcha with the rebuilding of the 3rd and final temple in Jerusalem bkorov mamesh. I am truly saddened by your loss and the loss of all of the Jewish people. May we never need to mourn the death of the children of Israel again.
(184) anon, March 15, 2008 2:59 PM
Reading about your special son, has given me a guiding light. I hope that I can learn and practice some of the uswavering commitment to truth that your son exemplified, as a zchus for his neshoma.
Hamakom Yenachem Eschem Betoch Shaar Avlei Tzion.
(183) Yehudit Rachel Mirel, March 15, 2008 2:07 PM
I lived in JERUSALEM AND THIS EVEN AS IT MAKES MY SOUL GRIEF, i SAW THIS WHEN OTHER'S WERE BLOWN UP ON BUSES AND OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU AND KNOW ONLY G_ d CAN KEEP OUR PEOPLE TOGETHER WITH HIM IN THE SHADOW OF HIS WINFS
If we think giving land for peace will ever work , this shows the people in the muslim faith only want one thing. The land, and our Jewish people dead.m How sad they can't just live in peace with us and the world. Yehudit Mirel
(182) joy, March 15, 2008 2:00 AM
may u found comfort in pray .my heart missed a beat when i heard the news.Iwish your family long life.
(181) Donna Martin, March 14, 2008 8:55 PM
Condolences
I read the article by Mr. Tendler. It was so very painful to see the bright and shining faces of those beautiful young men. Their lives taken so brutually. I cannot imagine what their families and friends are going through. I remember the night I saw the reports of the attack on Fox news. I knew that innocent lives had been extinguished by the evil that surrounds our beloved Israel. While these precious young men have been taken from us, their lives remain as a testament to those left behind. We must continue to live our lives, study Torah, and not allow evil to destroy us. G-D be with the families and friends of these young men. As Americans, and as Jews, we stand with you.
(180) Neria Moye, March 14, 2008 12:17 PM
One heart and soul
God bless you and comfort you all in this intense time.I am crying and I am with you with my heart. support and prayers as all Israel and the Diaspora.One heart and soul.
(179) Anonymous, March 14, 2008 10:16 AM
May we see no more suffering in Am Yisroel.
Hamakom yenachem eschem bsoch shaar aveilei tzion vyirushalaim.
(178) paula levin, March 14, 2008 7:19 AM
speechless
I dont know what to say, i am so devastated by this tragedy, of all the faces of the boys who were murdered, neria's broke my heart, and his name resounds in my mind. I wish you comfort and the knowledge that all of am yisroel feel your pain. we pray for an end to this evil and madness and the coming of mashiach.
(177) Linda, March 13, 2008 10:36 PM
My heart and love are with you
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family for this tragedy. Know that Hashem is with your son in gan eden and his life will always be a blessing. I can't imagine what you must be going through now but please remember that all of kal yisrael is praying for you and your family daily. I pray that mashiach comes speedily in our days and in my heart know that we will be reuinted again with our dear loved ones.
(176) Anonymous, March 13, 2008 10:13 PM
Hamakom yenachem eschem bsoch shaar aveilei tzion vyirushalaim.
(175) Anonymous, March 13, 2008 9:59 PM
in yeshiva
Hamakom enachem eschem beshoch shar choli tzion berusalayim
(174) Miriam, March 13, 2008 8:16 PM
ALL for the best
May Hashem gives us winsdom to understand that all His acts are for the best.
Tenuchamu min ha shamaim
(173) Talya and Natan Silver, March 13, 2008 7:15 PM
there are no words
HaMakom yenachem etchem betoch aveilei Tzion ve'Yerushalayim.
(172) Melvyn S. Berger (Moshe ben Aharon H'Kohain), March 13, 2008 6:29 PM
We weep for them
We weep for having lost our dear Torah scholars to Hashem, and cry out why have you done this to them, their families, and to all of the Jewish people. And cry out when will Hashem destroy our enemies.
(171) Anonymous, March 13, 2008 5:05 PM
Hamakom Yinachem Eschem
(170) denise karasick, March 13, 2008 4:58 PM
We are thinking of you all the time. Our hearts and our tefillot are with you.
(169) Anonymous, March 13, 2008 3:43 PM
No words: Just my heart!
Just to let you know that we cry for your pain and feel it in our hearts.
(168) Monica, March 13, 2008 2:29 PM
Eight mal'achim
Yihi shmam mevurach la ad.
(167) feiga Wieder, March 13, 2008 10:52 AM
Know of no more pain
There isn't much we can add to all the above such moving coments. Especially what is written about your son and what we are sure about the other 7. But we hope and daven that if you were upon the ones Hashem chose for this challenging mission, you should feel all the strenght He'll send you to overcome the great pain. May you know of only happiness in the future.
Hamokom yenachem eschem b'soch shaarei avelie tzion V'yerushalyaim.
(166) eta richman, March 13, 2008 10:38 AM
All of Israel is with you at this time
We do not have the honor of knowing you or your wonderful family. But all our love and prayers are with you at this sad time. May this terrible sacrifice bring the Mosiach.
(165) Devorah Shervey, March 13, 2008 3:48 AM
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, and friends. May Hashem bring comfort and strength to all who were touched by this heart rending tradgedy...Mashiach Now!
(164) beityakov moshe chaim, March 12, 2008 11:35 PM
hamakom yenachem
The place (Hamakom)that he is now (gan eden elyon)should be a source of nechama for you and the whole family.
Hmakom yenachem etchem
(163) Rivkah, March 12, 2008 9:56 PM
May Neria's memory be for a blessing.
(162) Chiam, March 12, 2008 7:29 PM
May G-d be with you!
y'he sh'meh rabba m'varakh l'alam ulal'me al'maya!
(161) stella schindler, March 12, 2008 3:14 PM
I am deeply sorry....
I am deeply sorry that the world in which we live permits the deaths of these innocent boys.
(160) Heni, March 12, 2008 2:52 PM
I am so sorry for your loss - may you know no more sorrow.
There are no appropriate words here but I offer my condolences. Please know that I am a recent BT and I will continue to study Torah and try to somehow help others to find their way to getting closer to their Judaism.
(159) claudia miriam romi, March 12, 2008 2:11 PM
Nahamu Ami - cry with those who cry
Dear Family of Neria
May Ruach ha Kodesh enfold you and comfort you with a peace that surpasses all understanding. Please read Psalms 25:20-22
May the testimony of Neria~s life be a blessing.
Mashiach will redeem Israel, will bring peace, will fullfil Israel mission to be a light unto the nations, He will bring back His own! I stand with Israel and its people. With love in ha Shem,
claudia miriam romi and family from Brasil
(158) Stuart Turnansky, March 12, 2008 1:59 PM
Condolances
My deepest sympathy to the families at their time of loss.
(157) sarah, March 12, 2008 12:19 PM
Hamakom Yinachem
We think of you and your families in this time of sadness even tho' we are in Galut and far away.
May Hashem comfort you and your family and return us all to his land speedily in our days.
(156) Daniel Lewis, March 12, 2008 12:14 PM
My condolences
I feel pain from your and your son's loss. You have my very best wishes. Love
(155) florim, March 12, 2008 11:37 AM
with deepest simpathy please "accept my condolences" for the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva Students that were killed by palestinian Terrorist.
may we see the light of Moshiach sooner than we expect.
Regards
Florim.Kosovo
may their memory be blessed. so may it be the will of Hashem.
(154) MESA, March 12, 2008 11:16 AM
We're so sorry
HaMakom Yenachem Etchem B'Toch She'ar Avlei Tzion V'Yerushalayim. Our thoughts and t'filot are with you.
(153) Anonymous, March 12, 2008 5:59 AM
Hamakom Yinachem...
I feel for you and want you to know we are all davening for you and for Hashem to send us moshiach to come to bring back our loved ones.
(152) Rachel Leah Peres, March 11, 2008 10:52 PM
He is at the olam hava! now on a big level
he give his life to Kidush Hashem, wath a sechut! he had , may Hashem confot you and your family.
(151) Rechel, March 11, 2008 9:09 PM
We are with you
i am so sorry. May H' hold you in your sufferring and embrace you in deep compassion and revealed love. May Neria's memory be a blessing.
(150) yaffa katayeva, March 11, 2008 8:32 PM
hashem does everything for a reson
we may not see it but things happen for a reson. hashem is trying to tell us something so dont give up hope he is still our father and we stand by him
(149) yaffa katayeva, March 11, 2008 8:23 PM
dont give up hope in hashem
may hashem give help to the parents who lost there kids and family, and may the people not give up hope keep beliving in hashem
(148) Charline in Springfield, MO, USA, March 11, 2008 6:35 PM
Our hearts are with you.
Hashem gave me a love for Israel when I was just a child. I would visit, but I might not want to go back home. I cannot imagine the sorrow you feel, though I have lost loved ones too, but not a child. No one should die before their children, it's not natural!!!! We should not out live them!!! There are many here in the States whose 1st love is the people of Israel, and I can only express my small words of comfort to all of you who have lost a loved one to the insanity of terrorism. We, too, in this country have experienced the insanity of violence against the children. Several such acts recently. Our schools have become a target to this craziness!!! I have two grandchildren who are teenagers and I pray for them and their classmates daily, now. The world is turning upside down and the sense of things is lacking. Hashem is my comforter, may HE comfort you also.
(147) Connie, March 11, 2008 3:48 PM
May Hashem give you mercy and kindness
When I read the news about the shootings of the children, it went to my heart like a parent who understands. May Hashem give you peace in your rememberance of your son and strength to go forward to finish something he was unable to finish as a memorial for his time on this earth.
(146) Richard and Ingrid Wald, March 11, 2008 3:31 PM
Sharing your saar.
Hamokom Enachem Eschem B'soch Shaar Aveili Tzion V'Yerushalayim. We mourn with you for your son and the seven other innocent and holy neshomos.
(145) Avraham Epstein, March 11, 2008 1:57 PM
May Hashem Yisborach speedily avenge the deaths of these precious Jewish boys in our days (n'kom nikmas dam avodecho hashofuch)! May He console the families that lost these kedoshim!
(144) David Bitton, March 11, 2008 1:21 PM
Faith in Hashem
Eleh BaRechev, V'Eileh BaSusim, Va'Anachnu B'Shem Hashem Elokeinu Nazkir, Tehillim 20:8). Hema Karu Venafalu Va'anchnu Kamnu Va'nitodad
We have someone to lean on.
(143) Mike Tuffley, March 11, 2008 12:13 PM
I weep for the loss of innocent Jewish lives
I am from UK but when the news broke that there had been another atrocity where young innocent lives of fellow jews had been lost, I wept inwardly,not just for the victims but for the ir families and all Bet Yisrael. When will this carnage stop?
(142) Bracha, March 11, 2008 11:38 AM
I will persanaly will keep these young boys in my prayers and ask from Ribon Shel Olam to give you strenth. Also i took upon myself to say one perek from tihilim in the name of this children daily...
(141) shoshanna fachima, March 11, 2008 11:34 AM
hichum avelim
may Hashem console all the families among all mourners of Jerusalem and the House of Israel,and they shall know no more sorrow.may we all be granted redemption quickly with the coming of moshiach and the building of the Beit ha Mikdash with rahamim.Amen veAmen ken yehee ratzon.
(140) ruth berkovits, March 11, 2008 10:44 AM
Hamokom Yenachem Eshchem Betoch Shaar Avlei Tzion BYerushalayim
Hamokom Yenachem Eschem Btoch Shaar Avlei Tzion B'Yerushalayim.
(139) Donniell Fishkind, March 11, 2008 8:47 AM
Hamakom Yenakhem Eskhem Bsokh Sha'ar Aveyley Tzion V'iYirushalayim
The loss of this extremely promising young man is indeed a national loss. May God give you strength.
(138) robin Jacobowitz, March 11, 2008 7:12 AM
nichum aveilim
Am yisrael is mourning with you at this difficult time. I live in Jerusalem, and everywhere I go, this tragedy is the topic of conversation. May Hashem grant you the strength that you need during this difficult time.
(137) DR J M MORGENSTERN, March 11, 2008 6:26 AM
MY FAMILY AND I SEND YOU OUR CONDLENCES.
WE SHALL BE THINKING ABOUT ALL THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES.
(136) Miri, March 11, 2008 6:04 AM
May Moshiach come in their merit!
I was very shocked and sad to hear this news. They were too young to die, but hashem wanted their pure neshamos near him in Gan Eden. They were the korban for our sins!
Hamakom yenachem eschem besoch shaarei avlei tzion veyerushalaim
May Hashem avenge their blood and may Moshiach came in their merit, speedily in our days, amen!
(135) steve, March 11, 2008 5:49 AM
the whole story of a family
I don't know you and your family....I am sure however there is a whole and wonderful story of how your family came to be and who they are - with much of the story yet to unfold. I have however read a portion of the current tragedy you are dealing with and offer my deepest condolences and prayers. May Neira's spirit be wrapped up in love, bound to your family forever. May your family's story become one of tremendous length, complete fulfillment, and wonderous blessing.
(134) amanda, March 11, 2008 5:44 AM
hashem should help benai israel and people should start to realize how powerful tifilah is that tifilah has the power to change a lot of things.
please people sderot and israel in general needs your help. These poor boys that got murdered there memory should be remembered in tifilah and when we daven and do mitzvot.
(133) gershon yehuda, March 11, 2008 1:07 AM
Shared grief, shared bitachon
I never met your beautiful child but I cry for your loss as if he was my own. I pray daily for your healing. Surely, Hashem will show us the reason for the tragedy soon. We must have faith and we must heal as best we can with His help. Hashem save.
(132) Sheila Rinde, March 11, 2008 12:01 AM
May the Families and the Family of Klal Yisrael be Consoled Among the Mourners of Zion and Jerusalem
May Hashem in His Infinite Mercy show how us the Hidden in this Event so that we May serve Hashem more Fully in ruchmeas and goshmeas.
May all of the Holy students of the Yeshivah who were Called to Heaven rest in Peace and be advocates for their Families. for Eretz Yisrael Klal Yisrael and Jerusalem. May we all know the Redemption Speedily in Peace.
(131) Annette, March 10, 2008 9:16 PM
from Sons of Jacob in North Bay, Ontario
Here we are praying too - with all of you in mind, from our hearts and from the bottom of our guts
May you be comforted among the mourners of Jerusalem
(130) Rivka, USA, March 10, 2008 8:50 PM
Hashem Yishmore
May this terrible tragedy be a message to all of Klal Yisrael that we need to be strong and continue to have faith in Hashem and in our fellow Jews. May we merit to have Mashiach come speedily in our days.
We are praying for you and for all of the Jews in Israel. Shalom Al Israel!
(129) Anonymous, March 10, 2008 8:17 PM
Hamakom Yenachem.
I want to join those offering a nechama: Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B'soch Shaar Aveilei Tzion V'Yerushalayim.
(128) Sally Bell, March 10, 2008 7:21 PM
I am heartbroken for you. May Hashem bring comfort to your family and Mashiach soon.
(127) Hilary Leeder, March 10, 2008 6:19 PM
Baruch Dayan Emes
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of such beautiful young men. May their memory be for a blessing.
(126) Oren, March 10, 2008 6:05 PM
We are crying with you
We have been in tears and completely heartbroken since we heard the tragic news last week.
HaMakon yanachem etchem b'toch shar avelei Zion v'Yerushalaim.
We should know no more tragedy.
(125) ligia, March 10, 2008 5:27 PM
Baruj Dayan Emet
Shalom from SantaMarta ;colombia:All my thougths and prayers for all in this terrrible moments,I pray for the peace in Jerusalem.
(124) Anonymous, March 10, 2008 4:45 PM
HA MAKOM YENACHEM OTANU V'YERACHEM ALEINU B'TOCH AVEILEI TZIYON V'YERUSHALAYIM
HA SHEM...HA SHEM... HOW MANY MORE KORBONOT?
(123) Chana Pombo, March 10, 2008 4:19 PM
My condolences to family and friends
My condolences to Rav Yitzchak and his wife and to all of Neria's family and friends -- my heart goes out to you and to all of the families of these Mercaz Harav yeshiva students.
(122) Noemi Hiller, March 10, 2008 3:44 PM
De Ecuador
Soy de Ecuador, shalom, estoy muy trisate con lo acontecido.. especialmente con el Rabi. Que Hashem sea su consuelo.
(121) franca spizzichino, March 10, 2008 3:38 PM
Tears from Rome
My dear all families, tonight I could not stand any more and I am here trying to tell you some little and poor words for the terrible thing happened. One person once told me the Hashem count the tears of women because they suffer more for their sensibility: Here in Rome is someone who is crying with you and that think that sometimes is better not to say anything just to spare with you the sadness of the terrible thing happened to you and the persons you will miss. May Hashem give you the strenghth to overcome this and may Mashiah came soon to give Israele force and to you the courage to go on. Lots of love for a simple person who is with you even if I am far from your families I will pray for you may Hashem help you shalom shalom and lehitraot
Franca Spizzichino
(120) Kayla, March 10, 2008 3:01 PM
Filled with sadness in Brooklyn
May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim and may Mashiach come soon. Our hearts are with you.
(119) Anonymous, March 10, 2008 2:33 PM
Sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isa 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
(118) Paola Epstein, March 10, 2008 1:28 PM
Shalom from Holly Springs, Georgia, USA
B.H.
My family is praying for the students and their families. Hashem bless all the ones who study the Torah. One day we will find the reason why this happened. May the Messiah arrive soon!
(117) NYEditor, March 10, 2008 1:27 PM
Sending you love in this time of sorrow
G-d bless you. I send you love.
(116) Boris Pichkhadze, March 10, 2008 1:18 PM
We are with you - Jewish Community, Tbilisi, Georgia
We are all sure that the candle of G-d is ever-burning and unquenchable... and our faith led, leads and will lead us to ultimate truth and redemption.
(115) Anonymous, March 10, 2008 12:06 PM
This is once again a wake up call for all Jews around the world. Its a true tragedy and our only weapon against this is prayer & mitzvot. Lets come up with an idea to combat this to prevent G-d forbid any more such instances. An idea would be for as many Jews as possible to pick a certain day and time and pick up the phone to appolagize to someone they have wronged. Or pick a day and time were all Jews at the same time would take out a check book and write a check to seduka. Hashem loves his people to be unified.
May my condolences go out to the families directley suffering from this horrible tragedy May the Mashiach come speedily in our time.
(114) eliezer and shira speiser, March 10, 2008 11:59 AM
nechama to the family
As with the entire world, we send our 'tanchumim' to you. G-d should send you the ability to find 'nechama' for your terrible loss. Hamakom yinachem etchem bitoch shaar aveyley tzion veyerushalayim. Rabbi Eliezer and Shira Speiser from Lakewood, NewJersy
(113) John, March 10, 2008 11:57 AM
Yahrzeit
I invite all who are able this week to light a memorial candle for the Jersusalem Yeshiva vitims with the overiding intention for no more civilian violence...light a yahrzeit! G-d sees and hears our intentions.
(112) Deon, March 10, 2008 11:27 AM
Grieving in Kansas
May the Holy of Israel bring comfort and strength to the students and parents. We are praying for the peace of Jerusalem in Kansas, USA.
(111) Stuart Berger, March 10, 2008 10:57 AM
Our prayers are with you
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the student's families. G-d has a special place for those murdered beside him.
(110) Rabbi Doni, March 10, 2008 10:35 AM
You are Missed in Israel
Shalom We are praying for the students and parents here in Louisville Kentucky USA @ Temple Beth Shalom and praying for the peace of Jerusalem Shalom Rabbi Doni
(109) david, March 10, 2008 10:07 AM
heart broken from Panama
In the merit of the slain yeshiva students may the Meshiah arrive speedly
(108) Anonymous, March 10, 2008 9:56 AM
Shalom from Wisconsin
Our thoughts and tears are with you all at this time. No one can extinguish the Light of HASHEM.
I raise my eyes to the mountains; from whence will come my help? My help is from HASHEM, Maker of heaven and earth.
(107) Yaakov in Toronto, March 10, 2008 9:34 AM
Echoes of the First Cohen
"VaYomer Moshe el Aharon Hu Asher Diber Hashem Lemor BiKrovai Ekadesh VeAl Penai chol Ha'am Eckaved VaYidom Aharon" (Vayikra 10,3)
Hamakom Yinachem Eschem BeSoch She'ar Kol Aveilei Tzion VeYerushalayim.
(106) Chaya, March 10, 2008 9:33 AM
Hamakom Yeracheim
I read all the articles, saw the pictures, and just cried and cried with you. No words, only tears. Only Hashem can bring comfort to you and all the mourners of tzion, speedily in our days.
May these precious souls recalled to heaven bring merit to all the people of Israel.
(105) Shannon M, March 10, 2008 9:32 AM
Condolences from Colorado
I will lift up my prayers for the families and victims of this horrible tragedy. May you all be comforted during this time. Blessings from Colorado.
(104) Renee Halevy, March 10, 2008 9:19 AM
These days, the nation of Israel finds itself in a period of time with no real leadership, no people of vision, and no one who examines the situations we face from a torah true way of life. Your personal suffering is now my suffering and all of our sufferings. Peole and families like yours are who we look up to now. Your unfortuneate circumstance is what opens our hearts and gives us direction. May hashem bless you all, with courage and strength to carry on.
(103) Anonymous, March 10, 2008 8:15 AM
Terrible tragedy but a chance for Am Yisroel to learn and to repent
B"H
We cannot for a moment fathom the ways of H-shem. This is a time of mourning for all of us. They were truly children of the entire Am Yisroel, sent to teach us some profound lesson.
We see the tremendous level of Kedusha of these young martyrs, chosen to help unite our People; they died while learning Torah - similar to the Ten Harugei Malchus.
"H-makom Yenachem Etchem" - Only H-shem can comfort you; also, the void, the empty place (Makom) left by these boys is the Nechama, since we see what they merited to accomplish in such short lifetimes.
Bnechamas Tzion V'Yerushalyim Tnechamu V'lo Tosifu L'daava Od.
Moshe Mendlowitz
(Retired former teacher)
Tallulah Mendlowitz
(librarian Machon Tal)
(102) davidovici, March 10, 2008 5:45 AM
we will never forget these korbamot
With no Temple, we should feel orphan. these special boys who were chosen to come closer to Hashem are reminding us the longing of Hashem for our deep feelings of connection. Lets focus on this specially now, through these tragedies.
(101) Menashe Kaltmann, March 10, 2008 5:45 AM
Condolences from Australia
Hamakom yenachem etchem btoch shaar avlei Tsion v'Yerusalayim.
We wish the dear Cohen family our sincere condolences on the terrible news. We all Jewish People are one extended family so we feel the grief of this Cohen family.
No words can really express our combined sorrow.
(100) Sharon, March 10, 2008 3:43 AM
Amazing stories of inspiration
It certainly true that when someone dies young, you hear all the good things - how wonderful he/she was. But as I read the stories related by the families of these boys, I was struck that these kids were really on an unusually high level in their spirituality and hesed. That makes it all the more heart-breaking to see their lives cut short, but G-d chooses who will live and who will die. Though it was an evil enemy of Israel who carried out the act, clearly these boys had finished their roles here in this world. And instead of being killed in a car crash, in which case we would never have heard of them, they were killed in this manner, so that we may all learn of their deeds and their strong belief and thus be inspired.
Like so many others, I have been deeply pained by these tragedies and still cannot come out of it. And the families and friends of these boys will never be the same. But the nation of Israel is eternal. And with all the blows, we must remember that there is a reason for our suffering, and ultimately all the world will recognize our place as G-d's people. Only then will there be peace.
May the families be comforted.
(99) orly, March 10, 2008 3:06 AM
heartbreak in los angeles
dear families of the holy boys who were murdered,
our hearts and thoughts are with you. the unity this unfortunate massacre has created is unbelievable. these precious sons have died al kiddush Shamayim, and i have never been more inspired to really change, and to influence others that same way.
purim is coming up and we learn that there is no such thing as coincidence, as illustrated in the purim story. the miracle of purim was that Hashem was there for us, even though it seemed like He wasnt there.
And aside from that, Hashem says "imo Anochi Batzara"...
behold dear jews, Hashem will not forsake us, and He is the One orchestrating all this. let us turn our hearts to Him and proclaim Hashem Echad!
(98) Chana Jenny Weisberg, March 10, 2008 3:03 AM
The Jewish people stands beside you
I stood in my kitchen on Friday morning listening to the eulogies, and crying and crying and crying. You and your family are in my heart and thoughts at this unbearable, painful time. You and your family are an inspiration and a shining light to the whole Jewish people.
Hamakom yenachem etchem btoch shaar avlei Tsion v'Yerusalayim.
(97) tova wald, March 10, 2008 2:29 AM
What can we say to bring comfort to those who have sustained this loss. I have written a prayer which I am resubmitting in the memory of Neria Cohen and his fellow students::-
A Prayer for our Time
We are standing before You, God of Abraham, Yitchak and Yaakov as we once stood at the foot of Your holy mountain, Sinai. There You revealed Yourself as we stood in awe and trepidation to receive our most precious gift of all, the Ten Commandments by the hand of Moses, your chosen profit.
There are those who wish to weaken and diminish us, to push us over the abyss. Their thoughts turn against us as they plot and scheme to achieve their purposes. Enter the portals of their minds to change their decisions for the good. Reveal to them that there is nothing greater in the universe than love, compassion and understanding. Keep our leaders strong in their faith and true to our cause.
G-d protect your people and keep us safe
Amen
(96) Anonymous, March 10, 2008 1:39 AM
From a Jerusalemite
Neria and the others will stay alive for us with the message they brought to the world. They died to sanctify the name of G-d, we will have to live up to their sacrifice. We are all in pain together. Thank you for writing about Neria so that we can know him.
Hamakom Yerachem etchem metoch shaarei Tziyon vYerushalayim
(95) Anonymous, March 10, 2008 12:42 AM
Hamakom Yenachem etchem betoch shaar avlei tziyon virushalayim - May you and your family know only simcha from now on, and be comforted in the fact that you raised such a Holy person as your son
(94) raye, March 10, 2008 12:23 AM
As if he was my own
You can't imagine how one who HaShem has never rewarded with the gift of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren of her own feels - your loss is my own trenendous loss.
(93) Ester, March 9, 2008 11:54 PM
Hamakom Yenachem Eschem... and P.S. to Shmuel:
The Charedi on the NY Times is quite good-looking in my opinion. His "ugliness" in your eyes are his beard and payos. If a Jew hates his brother, because of his frumkeit no less, do you expect the Arabs - or Americans or British - to love us?
How painful.
(92) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 11:41 PM
A meditative vision
Last night, just before I slept, I was feeling heartbroken about the tragedy of the murders and surrendered my thoughts gently to Hashem. For just a few moments I saw the boys in another realm, seated at a plain long table, mixed among several older sages... (..some boys were still entering the area). It gave such comfort to see these boys nestled among the older sages. Somehow it seemed the deep learning at that table is integral to existence.
I don't usually share meditative visions with others, so please remove my comments if they are not helpful or appropriate to values learned at Aish.
(91) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 11:10 PM
My heart just breaks for you
(90) Victoria Zaychik, March 9, 2008 11:08 PM
...
May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim
Boston,USA
(89) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 11:07 PM
From Philadelphia
Our heartfelt and tearful prayers are with Avraham, Ro'i, Neria, Yonatan, Yochai, Segev, Yehonadav and Doron and for all their parents, siblings and loved ones in this time of sorrow.
(88) Luis T, March 9, 2008 10:46 PM
My indelible desktop
I have had any of a number of pictures on my desktop over the years, never really quite deciding on any one. Most were biblical, or relating to my faith and were frequently interchangeable. Not anymore. I will have only one on there from now on forever. These young men knew me not from Adam, yet they will forever remain a part of me in my mind, heart and soul. Shalom my friends, so much more awaits you.
(87) Leah Franco, March 9, 2008 10:43 PM
Sincere Condolences from Atlanta, Georgia
With great sadness I began reading about Neria's tragic death - then I was suddenly "uplifted" by the writer's words regarding his father's strength of faith during this most difficult of times -- May Hashem continue to provide comfort to Rav Yitzhak and his entire family.
(86) leah chanah, March 9, 2008 10:24 PM
For the elevation of the sweet and precious neshamas
of Avraham David Moses,Ro'i Roth,Neria Cohen,Yonatan Yitzhak Eldar,Yochai Lifshitz,Segev Peniel Avihail,Yehonadav Haim Hirschfield,and Doron Meherete, our family lit 8 yartzeit candles before Shabbat, davened and recited tehillim, we mourn with their families for your great loss and pray for the salvation and redemption of Klal Yisroel
soon and speedily from Shamayim and comfort for their families from on High
(85) Sheryl Meyer, March 9, 2008 10:23 PM
Broken Hearted
When I learned of the horrific massacre that took place on Thursday evening, I was heart-sick. I mourned for the victims, as I am old enough to be any one of their mothers. Then I cried out to HaShem for Israel's protection, and for peace in the families of the victims. You remain in my prayers, as always. Am Yisrael Chai.
(84) Lorrie, March 9, 2008 10:22 PM
May you be comforted
May your family be comforted in the knowledge that Neir is now serving Hashem. His photo exudes a certain glow and radiance that reflect all the teachings and love that your family obviously shared with him. May you only know from simcha and joy.
(83) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 10:09 PM
Our hearts go out to you, our dear brothers, in your time of sorrow. Know that your sorrow is our sorrow as we pray to the Borei Olam that he grant you the strength and fortitude to withstand this great nisayon. May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Zion.
(82) KM, March 9, 2008 9:43 PM
Rav Yitzchak,
We are all heartbroken over your loss. I know there is probably very little comfort these words can provide, but please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your son's memory be a blessing always.
(81) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 9:12 PM
As you experience the worst pain any parent can fathom, know that klal yisroel mourns with you. As Hashem says. 'emo Anoche b'tzara' may He comfort you along the the other families and may we be zoche that Moshiach come today to bring yeshua and an end to all these tzarot. Yehe zichro baruch.
(80) Rivkah Cohen, March 9, 2008 9:10 PM
My condolences
I offer best I can to you,your family and yeshiva my deepest condolences. Thank you for honoring Hashem by always standing for his truth and giving others a legacy of rightness.
(79) Avraham Rouimi, March 9, 2008 9:05 PM
Tzaddik
Neria HaTzaddik has joined Hashem. We suffer, but he is in Heaven's Peace.
(78) Gary Katz, March 9, 2008 9:00 PM
Civilization shares your grief
Condolences on these needless deaths. All civilized people mourn with you. The un-civilized...I read about what they did. Gary Katz
(77) esty g., March 9, 2008 8:53 PM
dear cohen family,
i share in your pain and as i daven i ask hashem yisborach to give you chizuk and koach.
hamokom yenachem eschem bsoch sha'ar aveili tzion vyirushalayim.
(76) Paulette Peters, March 9, 2008 8:51 PM
How heavy the heart...
How heavy my heart is for your loss. G-d's heart is wounded when one of His chosen ones is martyred. He is the Glory and Lifter of our heads...He is the Glory and Lifter of yours!!
(75) Celina, March 9, 2008 8:47 PM
HEART BROKEN
let all the rabbis with their holiness and wisdom find a way to reach the evil souls to realize how frutile their murders are. Soon they will have to suffer the same pain. It must be a way out of this insanity. My heart is broken
(74) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 8:39 PM
My Rabbi said
My Rabbi said in the Kodshei Kodshim(((the beis midrash)this happened 70 years after the chevron yeshiva Massacre.Bikrovi akadesh .Chaval al deavdin velo mishtackch. yehi zichrom baruch!
(73) Edith Schwartz, March 9, 2008 8:24 PM
Neria's death
I am so very sorry that this beautiful candle has been snuffed out. May his light continue to shine through his family, those that knew him and through their memories of him.
(72) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 8:14 PM
May G-d grant you consolation
Hamakom yenachem etchem btoch cal avlei tzion v'yerushalayim. May you know no more sadness. May our people be blessed with peace.
(71) Shmuel, March 9, 2008 7:59 PM
Tanchumin
May Hashem send all the families of these kedoshim a comfort that only He can provide, in the fullness of time. May the memories and good deeds of these lovely, holy young men be a zechus, a merit for all of us. May you be comforted with all those who mourn for Tziyon and Yerushalayim.
(70) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 7:58 PM
tears
When I read this article, the tears had fallen. May they be in the cup of HKDBH's cup of tears waiting to overflow to bring Moshiach soon!
(69) Linda, March 9, 2008 7:56 PM
Dear Rabbi Cohen and your entire family, I pray for G-d to engulf you all in strength and comfort, a prayer shared by all Jewish people and other people all around the world. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and know we will be praying your healing.
(68) Robbie Lopez, March 9, 2008 7:46 PM
Too deep for tears
Your personal loss of your son is a feeling of sadness too deep for tears. To lose one's child is the greatest heartbreak. My heart breaks for you .
(67) Rivka, March 9, 2008 7:19 PM
We share your pain
Dear Cohen family,
This is like a personal tragedy for me and a nation tragedy for am Israe.l. We are all toghether in this pain. May Hashe.m in his mercy give us the strength to accept His decrees with love. Menuchatam began eden adn. Hashe.m yinkom damam.
(66) Monty Reitzik, March 9, 2008 7:12 PM
Condolences from all at Har El, Vancouver,B.C.
Hamakom yinachem etchem b'toch sh'ar aveilei Tzion V'yirushalayim.
All 8 were named and remembered at Shabat services.Our heartfelt condolences.
(65) Tani, March 9, 2008 6:47 PM
hamakom yinachem otcha
May Hashem grant you and your family the strength to face this enormous loss. Jews throughout the world, and all freedom loving people, are outraged by this barbaric act and we all mourn with you for the loss of your beautiful son.
(64) aaron pollack, March 9, 2008 6:46 PM
To mishpachat Cohen condolences from Montreal Canada . Neria's light will glow in my heart forever . May you be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.... and be spared further sorrow
(63) Nicole Brackman, March 9, 2008 6:39 PM
Deepest condolences
May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Hashem Yinkom Damo.
(62) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 6:31 PM
My Deepest Condolences for Your Loss
I just want to add my name to all those who are grieved by this terrible loss. As my rabbi says, may Neria z'l, be a guter beter on high for you, your family and all Clal Yisroel.
(61) Marsha, Stamford, CT, USA, March 9, 2008 6:22 PM
HaMakom Y'nachem Etchem...
No doubt the torrential rains we had all Shabbos here on the East Coast were the malachim weeping along with Klal Yisrael. May you know no more sorrow..
(60) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 6:16 PM
Passed Aish walking many times...
....as I walked thru the Old City. i lived on Ha-Kinor Street for a year as a student. I was a young woman who was facinated by the sound of Prayer coming from Aish. I remember a rainy Purim in the Old City, 1981, and leaning against the stone of Aish looking at the Kotel...I wish for you peace, I wish for you a sense of knowing that every parent mourns with and for you. I am the mother of 3 girls now...and we lit Shabbos candles this week with your family and son in mind.
(59) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 6:07 PM
The joy of Rosh Chodesh Adar will never be the same. We will carry the memory of Neria and the 7 Kedoshim imprinted in our souls. May these korbanos fill Hashem's quota, and our collective tears fill HIS cup to the brim so our geu'la will arrive speedily.
(58) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 5:47 PM
I am thinking of you and the other families like you. I feel pain for you and am crying with you for your precious little boy. Here in Sao Paulo we got together to say Tehillim. May Ha-Shem comfort you amongst the other mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim.
(57) Talya from Berlin, March 9, 2008 5:27 PM
We feel your pain, and send you our tefilos, May Hashem comfort you amongst the mourners of Yerushalayim.
(56) Joellen, March 9, 2008 5:26 PM
Thoughts and Prayers through the tears
Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Charleston SC USA
(55) Marc, March 9, 2008 4:50 PM
Marc
To the Cohen Family,
I am so sorry for you loss. You should know that all Jews mourn with you - you are not alone.
May Hashem comfort you and bring you strength.
Marc Abramovitz
(54) Avraham, March 9, 2008 4:41 PM
Our condolences from snowbound Canada
I heard the terrible news of this tragedy, while waiting in the emergency room of the hospital. My pain was so great, that when I was informed a short while later that I had to undergo an urgent life saving operation,I took it in stride knowing the deep pain that the families of these innocent Yeshivah Bocherim were going thru. My thoughts and prayers go to them and their families. May the souls of these young boys rest in peace with Hashem, and Refuah Sh'lemah to the injured. Amen.
(53) Avraham, March 9, 2008 4:24 PM
MOSHIACH!
PLEASE HASHEM SEND US MOSHIACH ALREADY YOUR CHILDREN HAVE SUFFERED WAY TOO MUCH. NOW IS THE TIME!
TO THE DEAR COHEN FAMILY WE LOVE YOU. WE PRAY FOR THE DAY THAT WE WILL GREET MOSHIACH TOGETHER AND WE WILL BE WITH NERIA ONCE AGAIN ETERNALLY. V'HIKITZU V'RAN'NU SHOCHNEY AFAR. WE WANT MOSHIACH NOW! LOVE YOU DEARLY
(52) Davida, March 9, 2008 3:57 PM
Look down and watch G-d's Temple be Re-built.
I pray that these lambs of sacrifice will look down from Their Celestial Home and rejoice to see The Temple of HaShem be built on Mt. Zion. Let them be the catylist for this.
(51) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 3:32 PM
From the Jewish community in Panama
Our prayers and hearts are with you. May H' give you strenght and consolation.
(50) Gabor, March 9, 2008 3:13 PM
with tearful eyes I wish to express my best sentiments of solidarity to the beraved horim and the yeshiva in this darker moment, far from Rio, Brazil.
(49) Yael Mermelstein, March 9, 2008 3:12 PM
Though this gesture is inadequate, I offer you our most sincere condolences. May Hashem give you great strength to emerge from this tragedy, and may you be zoche to give over sparks of G-d's light, Neria, to Klal Yisrael in the merit of his sweet soul on high.
(48) Israel Fuentes, March 9, 2008 3:12 PM
I really am sorry
Cohen Family,
I really am sorry for your loss. May Ha-Shem comfort you.
(47) Abir, March 9, 2008 3:07 PM
Condolences
It is sad to see laughter at the murder of kids; I offer my deepest condolences, this is coming from a Lebanese Canadian. I pray that God will help the families of these young men and children and give them the patience to go through these difficult times; Hoping that we will have peace one day and the killing will stop.
(46) Soldann//Stan Greenberg, March 9, 2008 3:05 PM
Blessings and Empathy from Arizona, USA
Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers. May this piercing and horrible tragedy be yet one more opportunity for us to cleanse any remaining impurities in our hearts and beings and be a cause for our fulfilling our profound mission to be and share enlightened lovingkindness. Please accept my profound condolences and know that many in the Phoenix, AZ Area are praying in sympathy with each and all of you.
(45) Tamara, March 9, 2008 2:46 PM
HaMakom Yenachem Eschem
We all mourn with you.May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim.
May his pure soul be a Meilitz Yashar for his family & Klal Yisroel.
(44) Shoshana, March 9, 2008 2:27 PM
condolences
Hamakom Yinachem Eschem betoch sha'ar ovlay tzion v'Yerushalim
the pain is so strong, we all feel it.
Clal Yisrael need to take this wake up call and unite - break the barriers and not only feel eachothers pain, but also their LOVE!
H'yd
(43) Roxanne (goy), March 9, 2008 2:25 PM
To the families
"They gather upon the soul of the righteous and condemn innocent blood. But the Lord was my fortress, and my God the rock of my refuge. And He returned upon them their violence, and for their evil, may He cut them off; may the Lord our God cut them off."--Tehillim 94:21-23
My condolences to the Cohen family and the families of the other seven boys. Zecher Amalek!!!
(42) Robin, March 9, 2008 2:19 PM
Thoughts and prayers
My heart is heavy and I know there are no words to convey the deep sorrow that everyone is feeling. Aish HaTorah has been a constant light in my life since I discovered it a few years ago---seeing the building that houses it when I visited the Western Wall Plaza several times filled my heart with joy. My prayers are with all who have suffered losses and I pray for an end to this insanity of violence which plagues my beloved Eretz Yisrael.
(41) brian, March 9, 2008 2:09 PM
there are no words...
only tears. our thoughts and prayers are with you and the families of the victims. We need to wake up from our sleep and take this to heart. jews all over the world are finally feeling the pain of what's happenning is israel. let us unite, pick leaders who can truly lead, bring our nation back to our full potential of being a light onto the nations
(40) Manasseh, March 9, 2008 1:55 PM
I Plead to Maguen Avraham
This one brought tears to my eyes
May Hashem, the shield of Avraham look upon Zion and Yerushalayim with his eye of protection and grant a solution and to his people peace
Standing with you at this hour
(39) hansisra, March 9, 2008 1:43 PM
shalom -played some beautiful piano tonight, while cryin' inside & out
meant 2 strenghten you all
(38) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 1:41 PM
Ha Makom Y'nachem Etchem
Our hearts are with you.
Ha Makom yenachem etchem btoch sharey aveley Zion ve Yerushalayim.
(37) darren titan, March 9, 2008 1:02 PM
May Hashem bless you and your family with only simchas
May Hashem comfort you among the other morners of Zion and Jerusalem BS"D
you and your family are so loved by Kal Israel. As you know Hashem loves with you with an infinate, eternal and unconditional love. As the sadness departs in time, try to not let those haters of Hashem, those haters of Israel take away even one drop of that truth.
(36) Basya Yael, March 9, 2008 1:00 PM
A tzadik
Rav Yitzchak. You are a tzaddik. In the midst of you and your family's tragedy you have thoughts for others. Your soul is entrenched in kedusha in good and bad times. May you and your family be comforted together with all the bereaved families of those holy neshamas.
(35) Nechama Haber, March 9, 2008 12:50 PM
here in Texas, we were deeply touched and have your son's picture as you walk into the shul
no one can measure our grief. we stand with you in all ways. our tears can only make us stronger in our resolve.may you be comforted with the mourners of Jerusalem.Neria as well as the other boys were beutiful children and have etched their names on our hearts.
(34) Dylan Ray, March 9, 2008 12:37 PM
You have my 100% support.
I may not be Jewish(I am evangelical Christian), but I still want all of Israel to know that I support your people and offer my condolences over this recent tragedy. G-d performed a miracle when your state was born on that glorious 1948 day, and the scriptures say that He has much more greatness planned for Yerushalayim, including eternal peace.
Sorry for the your losses,
Dylan
(33) Rivka, March 9, 2008 12:36 PM
Hashem yirachaim
I once heard Rabbi Reymond Bayda explain such inexplicable suffering in an incredibly enlightening way. Every neshama has only a certain amount of years to be on this world and gain merit for the next world. The problem is that sometimes a person does so much good in their short life that they deserve more merit than they had time to gather. When this occurs sometimes Hashem takes their lives in a way that will cause the community to do things in their zechus so that they will get the merit they rightfully deserve.
I have lived in Yerushalayim for a number of years now and have never known any of the 8 kedoshim killed, but hearing about these sterling young boys makes me think they may very well fit into this category of souls!
May Hashem evenge their blood and all of those murdered by our enemies!
Hamakom Yinachem Etchem Bitoch Sha'ar Avlai Tzion V'Yerushalayim
(32) Debora, March 9, 2008 12:20 PM
May G-d comfort you... just that...
(31) Annette Morash-Cohen, March 9, 2008 11:58 AM
HaShem make this to end speedily in our day!
Dear families, there are no words -- they are almost meaningless, but my heart cries out against such desolation, and for your pain. But then, my spirit rises within and whispers that this is not the end and we WILL once again meet and rejoice with our loved ones in that blessed Day when our Mashiach stands up and declares the end of these days! May He come speedily in our day! Amein.
(30) Debra Sammy, March 9, 2008 11:50 AM
tears for dear children
I am not living in the land of Israel. But want you to know that my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult of times. At my Frida night Shabbes table - with tears even though I do not know you, all I could think of was the unneccessary pain caused to you. May all our tehillim be heard by Hashem
(29) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 11:37 AM
May your tremendous pain and sacrifice be a source of merit
May your tremendous pain and sacrifice be a source of merit for you and your family and all of Clal Yisrael, and may it be a source of inspiration for the growth we all need to bring our geulah shlemah.
(28) Tracy Raymon, March 9, 2008 11:32 AM
May God
May god bless you and keep you as he will keep your light (Neria). Know that in America we are praying for the best outcome.
(27) Michal., March 9, 2008 11:21 AM
Terrible! Hashem asks much from his children.
Today I sat in an airplaine (which came from Israel) beside a young Catholic Priest-to-be. I hadn't heard what had happened yesterday in the Yeshiva. That
young Catholic told me,there were some
boys killed, he did not hear who, he thinks they were Arabs. Maybe Jews also. Only now I hear what had happened and I wept about these killed boys, especially Neria. I feel so much with his parents!!! I wish you with all my heart, that Hashem may comfort you among all mourners of Zion and Jerusalem!
(26) MARILYN BUSH, March 9, 2008 11:16 AM
MY FEEINGS ATTHIS TERRIBLE TIME
As a human being, a mother and the love of the country Israel and all the people, words at this time no one knows my inter feeling. I care so much and I don't
have the same pain as all of you who have lost your love ones. I have never experiened what you have and are going through. My heart is very much broken and I shed many tears when I got the news before it hit the media.I said my prayer at that time. How can these evil people realize what they are doing and have done? I will never understand it. How ignornt they are as we are really brothers, from Abraham.I come every year to Israel for a short period to help Israeli children. I see how happy they are for what I do and give them. They are our future and I will continue to help for as long as I can. Sure it can be dangerous at times because of these evil people but I never think of it. I'm there to make these Israeli children happy and add some happiness to their lives.
I want you all toknow how uch I care and I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR SONS AND LOVE ONES. NEVER. WITH GREAT SYMPATHY,
Mirium
(25) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 11:16 AM
My sympathies
My sympathy on the loss of your son. May he and the others' neshamas have an aliya. They all died al kiddush Hashem and may G-d avenge their blood quickly.
(24) Giacomo, March 9, 2008 11:13 AM
ISRAEL LISTEN TO G-D AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT
But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain [shall be] irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. Numbers 33:55
(23) lynn finson, March 9, 2008 11:01 AM
treasured tears
Rav and Rabbanit Cohen,
The price, the sacrifice of Neriah is so high. The tears it evokes in Klal Yisrael freely flow. They do not stop. My heart is breaking for you and your family and for all of us. What biter enemies we have. Let us learn more, daven better and love each other in Neriah's memory. Hashem Yikom Damo.
(22) Damon, March 9, 2008 10:57 AM
Sorrow for you and your family
I am very sad because of what has happened to you, the other families and our nation. I pray that God will help you, your family and our nation in this time of great mourning and sadness. I pray that God would bring healing to you, your family and our nation.
Love, Damon
(21) Carmin Rosenthal, March 9, 2008 10:53 AM
Our hearts are with you.
Dear Rabbi
Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B'soch She'ar Aveilei Tzion V'Yerushalayim
(20) Shmuel, March 9, 2008 10:31 AM
Media distortion
The international media has skewed its reporting of this horrific crime. Jay Bushinsky of WCBS and others tried to explain it as vengeance for an attack the prior day (unwilling to acknowledge the fact that it takes months of planning to carry out such an episode). And the NY Times saw fit to put on its front page a photo of an ugly-looking charedi with peyos, with bizarre lighting, rather than photos of any of the victims. Few if any media made mention of the their ages.
We should protest media distortions, while we ponder the amazing fortitude and emunah of the Cohen family and so many other families who daily face death for the 'crime' of being Jewish.
(19) Jack Goldfarb, March 9, 2008 10:29 AM
A Heroic Lad
May the spiritual light that this young lad and his 7 fellow students represented shine in eternity. God,in Your infinite wisdom, grant comfort and
courage to those who loved him so.
(18) Ruby Grossblatt, March 9, 2008 10:28 AM
May Hashem comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem
BS"D
No words that I write can take away the pain that you feel, but please know that your "family" throughout the world cares and mourns your loss and the loss of the other young Jews who died in the midst of their learning.
Hamokom y'nachaym eschem b'soch sh'or avaylay tziyon virusholoyim.
May you have only simchas from now on.
(17) E Frand, March 9, 2008 10:23 AM
We are all crying with you over this horific loss for your family and Klal Yisrael.
HaMakom Yenachem Etchem Btoch Shaarei Aveilai Zion V'Yerushalayim.
(16) fay grajower, March 9, 2008 10:13 AM
ner hashem nishmat adam
to all the bereaved families -
may the young students' give strength to us here and may they be a melitz tov.
hamakom yinachem etchem b'toch sh'ar aveilei tzion v'yerushalyim
(15) Anne of Australia, March 9, 2008 10:12 AM
Words seem so ineffectual at times like these, but please accept my deepest sympathies. My prayers are with the families of all those who lost loved ones in this senseless tragedy.
(14) J. Peter Roberts, March 9, 2008 10:11 AM
In their honor...
Let us proceed even further with Torah study and mitzvot.
May the families be comforted with all the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Let us always remember the Eretz Israel is the largest insurance policy for the Jewish people worldwide. We need to continually support and pray for it's protection and survival.
(13) Nechama Cheses, March 9, 2008 9:44 AM
far away in Boston we feel your pain,,,
As a mother reading this about the incredible strength of Neria's family, it tempers my extreme outrage of this senseless spilling of Jewish blood. How tragic for this to happen any place in our holy city, especially in a place of innocent Torah study during chodesh Adar. How disgusting to see the celebrations in Gaza. I only wish the army sechel and hatzlacha in making the right decisions and take action to make this scenario never to happen again.
Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B'soch She'ar Aveilei Tzion V'Yerushalayim...
(12) Henya Storch,Monsey,NY, March 9, 2008 9:36 AM
please accept my sincere condolences. My tears, broken-heart, and prayers are with you and your family. The world has lost someone very special. Ha M'akom Yenachem etechem betoch sha'ar avelei Tzion V'Yerushalayim.
(11) elisheva, March 9, 2008 9:13 AM
Our beautiful children
Saddened by such a heartbreaking loss of our beautiful children , for they are all someone's child and I share with them in their brokenhearted lives. Let them and their families be a light unto all Nations as they have shown their courage and strength . Israel and the Jews will never be extinguished. Their light grows stronger. Amen
(10) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 9:12 AM
Dear Rav Yitzchok and family,
Our hearts are broken by your loss. All Klall Yisroel are in pain over the pitirot of Yair and the other innocent kidoshim.
There are longer and shorter Erev Shabbatot. By the time Shabbat arrives, our work is done. Yair, a"h accomplished his life task on a very short Erev Shabbat. As hard as it is to accept, Yair's work was done!
May the Dayan HaEmes, bring Mashiach quickly, be michayeh maitim and help us understand the inexplicable.
Let's pray for an end to Hester Panim. Let's beg the Ribbono Shel Olam to actively contain rish'ut and elevate kedushat yisroel and Ein Ode Milvado in the eyes of Jews and the world.
May the "Rav L'hoshia" bring you and all the families of the kedoshim, yeshuah v'nechama.
Hamakom yinachem etchem b'toch sh'ar aveilei Tzion V'yirushalayim.
(9) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 8:32 AM
Hashem Yerachem
I'm so so sorry for your terrible loss. The tears stream down my face as I type this. I will take this pain, and channel it towards Hashem in tefilla, and beg for the geula which we so desperately need. May your son's memory be for a blessing and may Hashem comfort the families of these 8 kedoshim. May you know of no more sorrow, and may all tears be wiped away--may we greet Moshiach speedily in our day.
Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B'soch She'ar Aveilei Tzion V'Yerushalayim
(8) Vivian, March 9, 2008 8:15 AM
Those that are reviled by the world are beloved by G-d
My heart breaks for these families,for Klal Yisrael,for the world. They are heroes,all of them. The world will mumble some meaningless words of regret,but we all know that they are imposing their moral equivication about the"poor Palestinians". We have no one to rely on except Hashem- who will wipe out our enemies! ZECHER AMALEK! Wipe out all traces of him-dear G-d bring Moshiach Now!
(7) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 8:01 AM
Hamakom yenachem eschem b'soch shaar aveilei tzion v'yerushalyim
(6) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 7:48 AM
May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim.
(5) Jamie, March 9, 2008 7:25 AM
My Heart Is Broken
I crumbled into tears when i saw Neria's angelic face, the face of a tender boy, slaughtered by hate. It's difficult to imagine that an arab driver who worked for Mercaz Harav, who must have had some dealings with the students, could put young children in his crosshairs and murder in cold blood. This is evil. Look at it hard, in its face and draw the lesson. They are not like us. We cannot continue to have illusions of peace when arab citizens are intent to destroy us. May the families be conmforted amongst the mourners of zion, and may the power of Purim transform these days of darkness into light.
(4) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 7:17 AM
HaMakom Yenachem etchem betoch sha'ar avlei Tzion u'Yerushalayim - May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim
(3) Ana McCarthy, March 9, 2008 6:04 AM
Our family extend our love and prayers for the families. May HaShem bless all the families afflicted with great gifts.
(2) Alejandro Levy, March 9, 2008 5:33 AM
I am with you
Dear rabbi...
In my prayers his name will be mention.. and in my heart happy moments i will keep.
g-d works in many ways... somehow i know soon we all be united again..
(1) Shmuel, March 9, 2008 5:07 AM
Rav Yitzchok, May Hashem stand by you
May your son's light continue to shine brightly upon you, your family and Klal Yisrael.May you know only good from now on.