IN THOSE DAYS

The Prophet Jeremiah proclaims: “In those days, at that time, declares the Lord, the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the Lord their God.” There are many tears shed in Zion these days, ESPECIALLY THIS WEEK.

A dear Israeli friend shared her anger and sadness recently: “This is one of those weeks when it seems the whole world is out to get us.” My friend is no whiner. Israelis are not whiners. They are brave, stoic and determined people who live in almost incomprehensible complexity and constant threat. But some weeks are worse than others.

While we now mourn our own tragedy unfolding in Colorado, theatergoers attacked by a murderer, we must not forget that it was just a few days ago that Israeli tourists were killed and injured in Bulgaria. For Jews around the world this is far too common. Remember that the bombing in Bulgaria occurred on the 18^th anniversary of the fatal bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Eighty-five people were killed in the 1994 bombing with hundreds more wounded.

Sadness is increased for Israelis by a couple of events that could be easily missed in this crowded news cycle. First, as the Jerusalem Post reports: “Israel, Germany, Australia and other countries have officially asked the committee to hold a moment of silence, but it has rejected such pleas.” As we approach the 40^th Anniversary of eleven murdered Israeli OLYMPIC athletes and coaches, the International Olympic Committee rejects a “moment of silence” to remember the tragedy. Murdered athletes and coaches DURING an Olympic Games! It is not only sad; it is shameful. Secondly, in the same week the BBC publishes: “East Jerusalem” as the “Capital of Palestine,” but leaves the nation of Israel with no mentioned capital. Every other country profile includes a listed capital city. All countries but Israel. Yes, this is a week of sadness in Zion.

And so I join with my Israeli friends in their anger and sadness and I pray for the peace of Jerusalem.