One of the boys is my friend's nephew, Gilad. I'm heartbroken for her and her family, and frankly disappointed that it's not being discussed much in the news (at least not that I've seen). I know this thread may inevitably become nasty and political but I'm hoping it'll be a place to spread prayers and thoughts about getting these boys home safe. My coworker wrote and sang this song for them - please share if so inclined!
Bring Back Our Boys
This is so devastating.
Popular, I was aware of this but not sure what to say. It's so strange Hamas is denying. Tho as my sis said" just cos its Israel don't mean there aren't crazy murderers out there too".
hope it turns out ok but...
Updated On: 6/19/14 at 10:31 PM
Sometimes there aren't any words. The not knowing is tough. Keeping the faith...
My friend on the local news speaking out about her missing nephew.
CBS News
Here's hoping your friend's son and the other two boys are returned safe and sound quickly.
Thanks! Attended a moving candlelight vigil yesterday. Lots of wonderful support from community leaders of all faiths and backgrounds condemning the kidnappings and offering prayers. My friend spoke about her nephew as well. I couldn't help but wonder why Obama has stayed silent, especially being that one if the boys is American, but that is another topic all together! In any case, some good (hopefully not false) news this morning ...
Still alive!
From The Jerusalem Post: "A New York synagogue bought space for an advertisement on a giant digital billboard in Time Square in support of the campaign calling for the safe return of three Israeli teenagers who were kidnapped on June 13. The ad - which debuted on Tuesday on a billboard screen between Manhattan's 47th and 48th streets - is featured for 15 seconds twice an hour, according to the New York Post."
If someone happens to capture a picture of this could you please post?
I'm sorry to post this, but it looks like they found the bodies of the these 3 kids near Hebron.
Netanyahu is supposed to make a statement soon.
Link
Just heard that the 3 bodies were found outside of Hebron. Naturally ,Hamas denies any responsibility.
Tragic.
I'm so, so sorry.
My sympathy to your friend, Popular - and to you.
I'm so sorry for your friend, Popular.
And for us all--because I fear that the cycle of punishment and retribution will be worse today than it was yesterday. And even worse tomorrow.
Well said, PJ.
I am so sorry for your friend and all those who loved the victims, Popular.
I'm so sorry for your friend and everyone, Popular. Tragic.
May the All-Merciful Father Who dwells in the supernal heights, in His profound compassion, remember with mercy the pious, the upright and the perfect ones, the holy communities who gave their lives for the sanctification of the Divine Name.
They were beloved and pleasant in their lives, and [even] in their death were not parted [from Him]; they were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions to carry out the will of their Maker and the desire of their Creator.
May our G-d remember them with favor together with the other righteous of the world, and avenge the spilled blood of His servants, as it is written in the Torah of Moses, the man of G-d: O nations, sing the praises of His people, for He will avenge the blood of His servants, bring retribution upon His foes, and placate His land — His people.
And by Your servants the Prophets it is written as follows: I will cleanse [the nations of their wrongdoings,] but for the [shedding of Jewish] blood I will not cleanse them; the Lord dwells in Zion.
And in the Holy Writings it is said: Why should the nations say, "Where is their G-d?" Let there be known among the nations, before our eyes, the retribution of the spilled blood of Your servants. And it is said: For the Avenger of bloodshed is mindful of them; He does not forget the cry of the downtrodden. Further it is said: He will render judgment upon the nations, and they will be filled with corpses; He will crush heads over a vast area. He will drink from the stream on the way; therefore [Israel] will hold its head high.
Amen.
I heard this news a little before lunch but haven't been able to comment until now. Thanks for the prayers and condolences, I have no words at this time. Just anger and sadness that such a thing could happen in the first place. I'll be interested in seeing Israel's reaction to this. Obama still hasn't learned how these animals operate. They should show restraint? Negotiate? This may sound terrible but I hope Israel continues to protect herself and her citizens.
Did you know that before bodies were found, Israeli forces operating in the West Bank distributed candy to Palestinians along with a note denouncing Hamas and wishing them an easy Ramadan fast? IDF soldiers in Nablus handed out lollipops which were affixed to a note which read: "Since Hamas is making your lives bitter, here are some sweets." What other country would do that?
NO other country dear Popular.
Of Simchas my dear
Popular, I'm so sorry to hear this news. A terrible tragedy, no doubt. I can see this discussion turning ugly quite quickly. But I will say that perhaps being in the midst of a of a highly emotional moment like the revelation of the murder of three teenagers, is not the best place for a rational and measured conversation about the larger crisis.
If not now, when?
The men Israel has accused of carrying out the abductions are still at large. Israeli media said the break in the case came after their relatives were interrogated.
Troops set off explosions in the family homes of the alleged abductors late on Monday, blowing open a doorway in one, an army spokeswoman said. The other property was on fire after the blast. Soldiers, who arrested one of the suspect's father and brothers, ordered the inhabitants of the dwellings to leave before the detonations.
"This kind of act is a sin, whether you're a Muslim or Jew. They've scared the kids so much," Um Sharif, the mother of one of the alleged kidnappers, said about the damage to her home.
Hamas has been rocked by the arrest of dozens of its activists in an Israeli sweep in the West Bank over the past three weeks during the search for the teenagers that Israel said was also aimed at weakening the militant movement. Up to six Palestinians died as a result of the Israeli operation, local residents said
After news of the teenagers' deaths, condolence messages and condemnation of the killings poured in from foreign leaders.
"The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms, this senseless act of terror against innocent youths," President Barack Obama said in a statement. "I also urge all parties to refrain from steps that could further destabilise the situation."
Abbas condemned the abduction and pledged the cooperation of his security forces, drawing criticism from Hamas and undercutting his popularity among Palestinians angered by what they saw as his collusion with Israel.
Hamas, which has maintained security control of the Gaza Strip since the unity deal, is shunned by the West over its refusal to renounce violence. The group has called for Israel's destruction...
REUTERS: Israel launches Gaza air strike after bodies of missing teens found
Join us for a community-wide memorial service for the three Israeli teens who were heinously kidnapped and brutally murdered. Please show your support for the victims and their families.
Los Angeles
Tonight, Tuesday, July 1 at 7:00 pm
Beth Jacob Congregation
9030 W. Olympic Blvd.,
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
New York
Tonight, Tuesday, July 1 at 7:00 pm
The Jewish Center
131 West 86th Street,
New York City , NY
Updated On: 7/1/14 at 10:14 AM
I'm so sorry to hear this. My prayers to the families and friends of those lost.
Popular, I am so sorry.
In Toronto, a memorial service for the slain teens will be held July 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Ave., sponsored by UJA Federation and CIJA.
The peace loving Arabs in the area stoned the ambulance carrying the bodies. Mr Obama told Israeli leaders not to overreact.
No comment.
And Mr. Obama has been also been silent about the fact that a U.S. citizen was murdered by a terrorist organization whom we are now indirectly supporting.
Shameful.
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