Some days ago, I watched and listened to an Israeli father and mother, both wearing T-shirts with the words “Bring Them Home.”  Their dear son is among the hostages being held by Hamas and their pain and sadness is so deep.  How can we begin to imagine the anguish of these parents?   And there was a caption that encouraged us to write a letter of support to the Israeli Prime Minister.  And given this cause in which I believe so strongly, I did write the following message to Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu, In my more that forty-five years as a congregational rabbi, I have tried my best to teach and exemplify that Israel is precious to all of us, and that we all have a great stake in Israel’s well-being.  I need hardly elaborate upon that truth to you, of all people.

Even as we understand the evil that Israel has encountered, and will continue to encounter no matter what “agreement” may be reached, we also know of our Jewish heritage’s passion for life, and the value that we place upon the lives of those being mercilessly held as hostages in Gaza.  I also trust that you know that even Maimonides confronted the issue of how much we give for the sake of redeeming those lives that have become precious to the Jewish people.  

So do I join with people everywhere in asking that “you bring them home,” even when the price feels bitter to you, and to us also.  Such, I believe, is the will of most of our people, and the mandate of our Jewish heritage.

I will share this short letter with my congregation here in Bedford, New York.  I believe that a great majority of the congregation believes as I do, as we will again pray for the release and redemption of our people this Shabbat.

Wishing you strength, courage and wisdom,

Rabbi David Greenberg