JANUARY, 2006   ISRAEL  TRIP

Many of us have traveled to Israel, perhaps several times.  I have been to Israel several times, mainly for vacation and to experience the beauty that is Israel.  This trip, however, was much, much different, and so much more rewarding and meaningful.

There were no trips to Eilat, no Pina Coladas in Tel Aviv, not even any tours. This trip was about witnessing sadness and tragedy, but also unbelievable strength and spirit.

Along with Zalman Indig, I visited many families who have been decimated by Islamic terror. Husbands and wives who have been widowed, many children who have been orphaned, and scores and scores who have been wounded, both physically and emotionally by their loss. Their anguish was painful, their faith and strength, astonishing. 

The most profound impact of my trip was the visit to the Shok family of Beit Haggai.  The 35 year-old father, Yossie Shok, was brutally assassinated by Islamic terrorists in mid-December, 2005. He leaves a widow, Sagit, and five young children (the youngest was one month old at the time). The overwhelming pain and tragedy is only exceeded by her strength and spirit.

My father passed away a few months ago, and each day, I attend prayers three times to recite Kaddish for him. During each Kaddish, I think of my father, but also of Yossie Shok. The tree was violently uprooted and destroyed, but five small acorns remain, to be nurtured and grow into beautiful trees in the future. When the Shok family is coping with their tragic loss, financial considerations should not play a role in their grief and sorrow. It is incumbent on all of us to insure that the Shok family, and ALL the families that have met the curse of terror, be financially supported, and their burden eased. At  ALL4ISRAEL, this goal is met on a daily basis.  Your financial support for all the victims is vital, and appreciated.

Peter Grosz