In Tragedy - Our Country Feels Like a Village

While still reverberating from the horror of the murder of the five members of the Fogel family in Itamar….the second blow hit us, of the bomb in Jerusalem.

It is hard for non-Israelis to understand the personal closeness of any event in Israel, and how this impacts every Israeli.

The first we heard of the bomb in Jerusalem, was a call from Daniel, my son-in-law, who works five minutes from the terror attack. He was calling in to say “you don’t need to worry about me, I’m fine”.

My daughter Shira, Daniel’s wife let out a gasp. “Wow – I was just at that bus stop where the bomb went off, an hour ago… Hashem Yerachem…”

We immediately called my son who studies at Yashlatz (located just five hundred yards from the bombing) and my daughter who studies at Machon Tal (a few hundred yards further on from Yashlatz).

Both were OK, if unnerved by the sirens of ambulances racing past them.

Unfortunately, others from Bet Shemesh were less fortunate.

The Bet Shemesh to Jerusalem 416 bus had just stopped and let off the passengers, right by the bomb when it went off.

Mainly teenagers, including local kids of my friends and neighbors; please daven for their speedy and complete recovery (information from One Family):

Odelia Nechama bat Michal - suffered serious head injuries and is in intensive care. Her life is still in danger.
Natan Daniel ben Shulamit - a 17-year-old student who is in serious condition.  He suffered massive internal injuries and has had a number of internal organs removed. 
Leah Bracha bat Shoshana - is a 19-year-old seminary student.  She suffered burns to her legs and arms as well as serious shock.
David Amoyal - David is the owner of the snack stand next to the bus stop.  He told everyone to run away and then called the police, and was on the phone with them when the bomb exploded.  He suffered injuries to his legs and feet and lower body.  He is in moderate condition.
Sasson ben Shulamit - This is the second time Sasson has been injured in a terrorist attack in Jerusalem.  He suffered lower body injuries and serious post-traumatic symptoms.
Ad Shapira - Ad is 18 years old and just about to complete high school.  She suffered light orthopedic injuries and is in good condition in hospital.
Shilo ben Ofra - Shilo is 15 years old, and suffered burns and fractures to his legs and lower abdomen.  He is sedated in intensive care.
Daniel ben Nurit - Daniel is 13 years old, and suffered lacerations and shrapnel injuries to his lower extremities, and is likely to be released from the hospital before Shabbat.
Elchanan ben Alona - Elchanan is 14 years old, and suffered serious injuries to his feet.  One ankle and three of his toes were crushed.  He has had one operation and will require more surgery.  He will likely be in the hospital at least 2-3 weeks.
Netanel ben Shlomit - Netanel is 18 years old and works as a security guard at the bus station.  He was injured in the abdomen had surgery.  He is now recuperating in the hospital.

May the people of Israel know no more suffering and tragedy.