I just got back from the funeral of the three-month-old baby that was killed in the terror attack and I feel a need to write. It may be a ramble so I apologize.
Unfortunately I've been to funerals before, way too many to count. I've been to funerals of people who passed away of old age, of sickness, of accidents, of suicide and drug overdose. I've been to funerals of old people, middle aged and teenagers. But I’ve never been to the funeral of a baby. A little three-month-old baby. A healthy baby, brutally killed in broad daylight.
It hit me hard. Real hard.
I'm crying now, I’ve been crying for hours already.
I got to the funeral and made my way to the front. I saw the little baby wrapped up in shrouds, placed in front of everyone. It was so small, a little package on a huge slab of marble. The mother was right there, sobbing – wailing – screaming for her little baby girl.
There was a great sadness in the air, as well as this tension. No one was comfortable. It shouldn't be like this. The parents are so young – they look like children themselves. It shouldn't be that a 90-year-old rabbi eulogizes a little baby. The father spoke, it brought wails up from everyone in the crowd. They waited years to have this baby and had taken her that day to the Kotel for the first time.
What can we say? What can we do?
God has his plans and we aren't privy to the details. It’s painful and I could only imagine what that mother and father are going through. Losing their only child, right in front of their eyes.
I feel guilty in a way. The whole thing happened right outside my house. I heard the entire commotion but I didn't see exactly what happened. My son was watching and said he heard someone say a baby was hurt. I calmed him down. He asked me about the baby before he went to sleep but I didn’t' have the heart to tell him that she died.
I didn't cry at first. I didn't know the identity of the couple. It was sad but..,
Then I heard who it was and I cracked. I cried like a baby and I am still crying. I don't even know them that well, but they are family friends. My sister had a baby the same time as them and shared a hospital room with the mother. The grandmother is one of my mother’s really close friends. I don't know what it was but it hit me. They lost their baby, a little sweet pretty girl.
We went on a trip during Sukkot together just last week. I sat behind that sweet little baby, she wore a pink bow.
Hashem help us.
I now understand clearly, like never before, why our sages tell us that it’s better to go to a funeral than to a wedding.
We need to do something different. I don't know what but I am different because of tonight.
May Hashem send us only good things and he send comfort to the family and all of klal Yisrael.
Her name was Zissel. Chaya Zissel z"l bas Shmuel Elimelech n''y
(33) Joan Michel, October 28, 2014 4:24 PM
Memo from U.S. Consulate refers to Obama's speech calling that Jerusalem terror attack a "traffic accident."
(32) Anonymous, October 26, 2014 7:51 AM
"Words spoken from the heart..."
It is said that words spoken from the heart, reach the heart. The anguish in this author's honest, unedited words was palpable and heart wrenching. Tears flowed freely, somehow connecting me directly to the family and their loss, transforming this tragedy into a unifying link for the Jewish people. May every heart opened by this recount of the family's loss be a merit to the author, the neshama of little Chaya Zissel bas Shmuel Elimelech z"l, and a comfort to her entire family.
(31) Baruch, October 25, 2014 8:56 PM
G-d's will? Really?
I watched the video of this pure couple in their joy less than 10 seconds before this tragedy struck. As my heart breaks, I know so does G-d’s.
That is why I cannot understand the comments here that talk about "the will of G-d" in the context of this tragedy. G-d's will is for us to protect ourselves from such evil, to prevent it, to fight it. That's why G-d gifted the State of Israel and the Jewish people a country, a powerful army, a world-class economy, great legal minds, and control over the TV, electricity, phones, gasoline and cars of every person in Israel. The Torah does not only demand faithfulness - it also calls for responsibility and accountability. The Garden of Eden only remains ours as long as we avoid mistakes.
Today's level of hate, terror and barbarism are unprecedented and it is a result of OUR will, or lack of it. G-d has done so many miracles for the Jewish people, given us so many gifts - land, power, technology, a world-class health system and independent wealth. When will we stop patting ourselves on the back for putting up with inhumanities that no other country in the world would put up with, and instead, STOP putting up with it?
When will we stop crying that we do not understand G-d's will, and instead THANK G-d by using the strength and intelligence he has given us to exercise our G-d-given will to survive?
G-d gave us a thousand ways to respond to any and every terror attack. I hear compassionate Jews explain why we should shun a military response. I have heard so many "human rights" excuses to explain why we do not shut off the electricity Israel generates and supplies to places firing missiles at us. OK, so shut off the cell phones of anyone associated with terror against Jews. Do SOMETHING with the gifts G-d gave us.
If we take action with the gifts G-d gave Israel, there will be fewer tragedies. Then, we will understand G-d's will much better.
ER, October 27, 2014 1:14 AM
Yes, G-d's Will
All the technology and counter-terrorism planning in the world cannot divert G-d's plan. G-d's master plan, for some reason that will only be revealed to us when Eliyahu ushers in the era of Mashiach, includes children dying.
Every time I read about Chaya Zissel's death I cry...real tears actually stream down my face and my nose runs.
A better way to prevent babies' murders, and other attacks on our people, is to improve ourselves. We must work on our midot, strengthen our Torah observance, AND BE NICE TO AND ACCEPTING OF ALL JEWS.
We may not directly see the tragedies that are avoided but know that this is the only way to improve/alter the world and give G-d a reason to have mercy on us.
Baruch, October 28, 2014 10:45 AM
King David had it right...
I agree, almost.
King David is in many ways the root and foundation of the Mashiach.
King David ALSO clearly agreed that we need to, as you said, "improve ourselves. We must work on our midot, strengthen our Torah observance, AND BE NICE TO AND ACCEPTING OF ALL JEWS."
With all that said, King David ALSO spent LOTS of time and resources on "technology and counter-terrorism planning".
Gigi, October 30, 2014 7:56 PM
Wow ..... Very well said..Thank you :)
(30) Joy, October 25, 2014 7:57 AM
Hashem's Plans - We Don't Have All the Details...
I think it's important, as the writer mentions, that we keep this terrible tragedy in perspective: The innocent child, born in innocence and just learning to negotiate the paths of a child's life, was abruptly taken from the now-grieving family. But even this little bundle of love and life had made her presence felt and will be held in blessed memory for as long as this and future generations live. This is still hard to accept, let alone understand, but spiritual and human growth is only possible when tragedies are met face-on - and G-d is not blamed for everything!
(29) Diana Danielsson, October 24, 2014 9:44 PM
So painful, so sad!
I feel sad for the parents , how can they get help to go through this overwelming sorrow. The little girl is in my memory for ever. I send lots of light filled with divine love. I only hope it will help you all somehow.
(28) a.s., October 24, 2014 4:21 PM
Its horrible to find out that the victim of a terror attack is your cousin. I hope that that my cousins can be comforted from this horrible tragedy.
(27) Anya, October 24, 2014 1:46 PM
My prayers are with the family
I am a mother and cant even imagine what this family is going through. I am sitting here crying at work reading your story. May G-d help this family, and may this child in heaven help her family from above. I am beyond heartbroken. It is not fair and it should not be this way.
(26) Sara, October 24, 2014 11:16 AM
Heartbroken!
It is so painful! I am myself waited nine years for my son I am literally crying from the loss after so many years. May Hashem comfort this couple and only give them simchos from now on! May Hashem avenge these arabs and bring the geulah already!
(25) felicia, October 24, 2014 11:04 AM
God have mercy
IWe can never understand and will never understand the will of God in our lives
(24) Anonymous, October 24, 2014 9:10 AM
The Sadness of Generations....cont
The brutal murder of a teenaged French Olah, Judy, Yehudis/Jewess, in 1969 with 6 other Chayalim, brutally murdered by a "trusted" Palestinian Bus driver while waiting at a bus stop, so using vehicles as a suicide vest is not a new thing... And the funeral of [Chaim] Baruch Shapira, the one (of 8!) remaining child of a Holocaust survivor who was killed while fighting for Yerushalayim in 1948 and his father's reaction, to sing and dance at the levaya, with, can we say joy?, better, some Nachas that at least this child died for a tangible reason (as opposed to his others who were murdered by the Nazis, yemach shmam, senselessly!) And then the Arab baby is saved by an Israeli medic in 2011, just inside Itamar, as the remnants of the Fogel family were sitting Shiva after the brutal massacre of five of them, I read the many many com mentors in each of the articles and I get some chizzuk and some clarity. The chizzuk, among many other examples, but particularly from from one who wrote that Baruch Shapira's father remarried after his remaining son's death and had another child who grew up to be a commander for the commentor's son and Some clarity among all these and other examples, from the wide picture that this evil of Jew killing, Jew bashing, Jew blaming has been perpetrated on us by the Arabs for many generations unabashedly and forcefully ... particularly from the Arab writer who attempted to claim moral equivalence from Shalhevet vis a vis The Dura child who was at the time assumed falsely to be killed by Israeli forces. And it continues until today when our Arab sympathizer Obama responded to the Canadian terrorist attack by "standing firmly behind Canada" while sending out a low State Dept official to caution Israel not to escalate tensions! Conclusion? Like Baruch's father who danced, there were young Israelis yesterday who danced and they sang " Anachnu maaminim bnei maaminim, We have no one on whom to depend except Avinu Shebashamayim: We must defeat them!
(23) Yisroel, October 24, 2014 8:27 AM
The Sadness of Generations....
I sit in tears.... knowing full well that this little child, this kadisha, was brutally for one reason. This neshama, the product of not just nine months but EIGHT YEARS of heartfelt prayers, was snuffed out by evil that would -chas v'shalom- see no difference between that sweet neshama or me, my child, or my grandchild. To kill a Jew! This evil festered in the heart of one evil man. Encouraged by his family and/ or friends, glorified by his evil leaders and set on a pedastle by his evil spiritual guides as one to be emulated by evil comrades. And I read the comments and share the pain with other com mentors attempting to make some human sense (beyond or better, below, the Higher Sense that is too difficult for even Moshe Rabbeinu to understand) ...of this tragedy. And then I read the "Related Articles" that show up below and see the same angst, the same evil perpetrated again and again... Shalhevet Pass murdered in the intifada, in 2001
(22) Lee, October 24, 2014 2:43 AM
3month baby
I am an American christian who has been moved to tears about this baby. I have three grandsons a 3yr old a 2year old and a 6 month old baby. I don't know if I could keep may faith if I lost any of my grandchildren. I will pray that God will give you strength.
(21) Chani, October 24, 2014 2:31 AM
When is it enough?
Hashem. Have rachmonus. Say Enough! Please! Ad mosai? How much more can we take? My tears are flowing....
(20) Anonymous, October 24, 2014 12:20 AM
What a shame, what a tragedy. Where is the Media? Does anyone who isn't reading AISH or Stand with Israel even know what these barbaric animals are doing? Where is the BDS movement or the European leaders, where is Obama. All anti-Semites who could care less. Hashem will hold that precious little girl in his everlasting arms…….
(19) Betty, October 23, 2014 10:45 PM
Little Angel
My thoughts and prayers go to the parents of this beautiful little angel and all of Israel for your losses! So many young lives lost to these mad men! God help us all!!
(18) Rachel, October 23, 2014 10:24 PM
Emo Anochi B'Tzara
I'm heartbroken too, and the tears are flowing. I have a baby granddaughter about the same age. More than words, there is just pain.
(17) Chris, October 23, 2014 9:34 PM
It breaks my heart.
I feel so very sad.
(16) Beverly Margolis-Kurtin, October 23, 2014 9:23 PM
My heart was just ripped out
I would that I could cry, I can't, I'm too numb.
Maybe later.
I want to smash this laptop to bits in anger. I love all Jews regardless of where they are or what they practice, so my heart goes to the parents of that sweet bright light that was so swiftly extinguished. I'm so sorry...okay, here come the tears.
(15) Zegota, October 23, 2014 9:16 PM
Wake-Up People
It is difficult for me to rate something as terrible as this, for the innocent of a child is so honorable and cherish by people, and by the parent. To take a life so carelessly and thoughtlessly is an act of a terrorist and the act of extreme evil. Not an act of a hero, or a warrior but one of weakness and a coward, we cannot afford to allow such hate to grow. But must make a stand for what is right, and defend this right with the hand of G-d. Against all that is wrong we must stand up and fight for our values, for our morals, for our way of life. It is sad and terrible today that so many people around the world continue to ignore this threat, and act as nothing is wrong. However someday soon, these threats will be at your door, and you will seek help and guidance. So ask your self if you will be ready, and will you stand-up for what is right, or will you let Political Correctness control your thoughts. Wake-Up America, and defend your values. Praise G-d.
Beverly Margolis-Kurtin, October 24, 2014 10:13 PM
You're so right
Hamas called that heinous, cold-blooded murder was "heroic." That sick mind set that could say that is way too foreign for me or any human being to conceive.
It is the stated goal of ISIS to take over the world, all people need to take their boastful statements as fact and prepare for their unbelievable calls for independent terror attacks.
It is happening NOW. Look at what happened in Ottawa! It WILL happen here.
(14) Jana Funkhouser, October 23, 2014 8:00 PM
May Hashem grant that you will see your precious baby in heaven
Please read the book, 24 hours in heaven.. it will lift your spirits and prepare you for that moment when you see your baby sitting in Hashem's lap... happy, loved even more than you were able to love her.
(13) V. WAGNER, October 23, 2014 6:31 PM
God is always good
I pray for comfort for these young parents. Hashem is now raising her, Chaya is in the best possible place.Blessed is the God of Israel.
(12) Dennis White, October 23, 2014 6:26 PM
It may be up to Israel to stop these terrorists - Enough
How long will the world's civilized countries tolerate this...?
It may be up to Israel to STOP this.... Where is the U.S in reference to Israel? Can we wait for another President? And what will that New President do? - H. Clinton ??
Don't Forget
(11) Miriamwcohen, October 23, 2014 5:53 PM
Sad
There really is not an easy respnse to this. We are caught in the semmingly neverending cycle of hate, volence and murder, and terrorism is all around us. This poor baby was just another statistic so sad so hard for the parents, so hard for the residents of Jerusalem.
(10) shani, October 23, 2014 5:47 PM
hashem iyakam dema
there are no words appropriate to say
a 3 month old baby
on her way home from the kotel
on a platform from a train
it makes no sense
we live in a crazy, wicked world
may she be a mailitz yashar to hashem
may He end this horrible galus
Hamakom inachem eschem
(9) Lynn Finson, October 23, 2014 5:05 PM
A tear is a liquid prayer.......a tear is love.
Your article is right on. There are no words, just tears and prayers. I read that the Hamas leader, Yimach Sh'mo, applauded the attack and said it was "the natural response to the occupation." Yes, it is their natural response, murder comes easily to these terrible enemies. May G-d avenge little Chaya Zissels death and somehow may the parents and all of Am Yisrael do what is "natural for them- love each other more.
(8) Adele elliott, October 23, 2014 4:54 PM
To sad for words heartfelt condolences to her parents r i p
(7) Anonymous, October 23, 2014 4:53 PM
Sending hugs, prayers and thoughts of support and peace for Zissel's family, especially her mother and father. The violence has to stop, all of the world needs to live in peace, love and respect for one another.
(6) Laurie, October 23, 2014 4:32 PM
thank you
Thank you for sharing your personal connection and feelings. I cried when I read the Arutz Sheva article and I cried again. Hashem y'racham.
(5) Rachel Kapen, October 23, 2014 4:11 PM
Bialik's Reference
It brings to mind National Poet Chaim Nachman Bialik in Al HaSh'hitah: נקמה שכזאת, נקמת דם ילד קטן, עוד לא ברא השטן.
(4) Lee Kotze, October 23, 2014 4:04 PM
The pain
I hurt so much I can't even leave a comment. My deepest deepest heartfelt pain and sorrow and sympathy for the parents, the family, and the Jewish nation. I had better not say what is in my heart...
(3) Eileen, October 23, 2014 4:00 PM
שהשם ינקום את דמה
G-d should revenge her blood
(2) Yehudit, October 23, 2014 3:55 PM
Haunting
This piece is deeply touching. So beautifully and honestly written, hauntingly sad, intensely personal. You brought much needed emotion into my heart which has become so inured to the violence of our region and the world. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt mourning and opening up during such a difficult time. Hashem Yirachem Aleinu.
(1) Anonymous, October 23, 2014 2:49 PM
so sad-
May Hashem comfort the parents, and bless them with more children. Thank you for giving us the facts, and connecting us to the pain of our brothers and sisters in Israel, so we can do teshuva as a group.