Murder of the Fogel Family

My body has literally been in pain since Saturday night when I heard about the horrific murder of 5 members of the Fogel family. I feel a loss in my heart that I've never felt before and an anger that I don't know will ever cease. This family very well could have been my neighbors, best friends or relatives. As far away as these people may feel to the rest of the world, they feel that much closer to me. Not only do we live in Israel, we also live in what is called the west bank.

The disgusting Arab terrorists who call themselves "Fatah Freedom Fighters" stabbed and slashed the throats of a a couple living in Itamar, Israel, along with three out of six of their young children- including a 3 MONTH OLD BABY IN HER SLEEP. How could anyone possibly kill a innocent, sweet baby? It makes me so sad, I've been crying every day. It makes me so mad, I want to scream. Being a mother, I look at my own baby and squeeze her a little tighter. I see the purity in her eyes and think of those children who deserved to live.

If you haven't already read, here is an excerpt from Israel National News,
"Between 22:20 and 22:30 the terrorists entered the house through the living room picture window, did not notice the 6-year-old boy sleeping on the couch and continued on to the bedroom where they slashed the throats of the father and newborn baby who were sleeping there. The mother came out of the bathroom and was stabbed on its threshold. The evidence shows that she tried to fight the terrorists.

They then slashed the throat of the 11-year old-son who was reading in bed. They did not notice the 2-year old asleep in his bed, but murdered the 3-year old with two stabs to his heart. After that, they locked the door, exited through the window and escaped."

See full story here

The 12 year old, who survived, came home to find her murdered family. I keep thinking about her reaction, that her heart must have flown from her body. How will she ever get past this? The three living children will never feel the warmth of their parents' arms wrapped around them. I can't imagine living with that kind of fear and deep sadness.

I keep reading news articles. Even though it hurts me so much, a part of me wants to feel it more-- as much as their living family members who shouldn't have to endure such pain. Even still, I've been trying to avoid the graphic pictures that the family allowed the press to release, although I did gaze over them. I shudder at the evil. As I browse online, there is a flow of Arabic conversation right outside my window. I can't help but wish people didn't employ Arabs in our very own community. I just heard them laughing- I wonder what they are laughing about. You never know who is good and who is not. The Fogels had just gone to bed after their Shabbat evening and they were murdered in their sleep. Something they never saw coming, no one ever sees these things coming.

I finally know what it's like to feel truly a part of this country. We exist with many tragedies, yet we rejoice in the miracles and EVERYTHING binds us together as brothers and sisters. I can't even relate with my family or friends back home about what happened. To them, it is a heart-breaking story and to me, it is so real- I feel it in every part of my being. I don't expect this to make headlines or for the world to feel compassion for us. It has never been that way for the Jewish people, and we've survived- basically.

So how should we respond to this? By building more Jewish homes. Yes! Shove it, Obama. By having more Jewish babies. Doing everything we can to move forward and be a splinter of light in this crazy world. There is no upbeat message in this, I'm sorry to say that I still feel like crying. I still feel like my life is upside down, and I'm living in a daze. I couldn't even answer the door tonight, I'm still in after-shock, and I'm admittedly a little scared. All I know is that I do not want peace with people who kill our precious babies. There are no excuses for this kind of violence, for this kind of hatred. THINK ABOUT IT! It has to be more than just, "we want your land." If you can slit the throat of a 3-month old, it's not about land, it's about hatred, it's about wanting Jews DEAD no matter where we are.

My prayers are with the Fogels- Udi, Ruth, Yoav (11 yrs), Elad (4 yrs), Hadas (3 months) who were murdered Kiddush Hashem (sanctifying G-d's name). All I see are your brilliant smiles, even from the pictures- your souls radiated. Your impression on my life will be everlasting, and I know you are all in a high and holy place. My heart is with the rest of your living family and the Jewish people. May we all find comfort in G-d and each other. May we let the love in our hearts prevail.