Israel’s News Blog Magazine: Daily Stories Video and PhotosThirty Israelis have died so far in the war with the Hezbollah in Lebanon. Of the fifteen civilians who have so far paid this ultimate price, the story of the death of a man named Andre is perhaps one of the most poignant and heart rendering. An immigrant originating from the Ukraine, who lived with his wife and four year old daughter in the northern city of Nahariya, Andre’s death from a Ketusha missile strike was one in which one wonders how fate can target such a man the way it did. Andre and his family had made it to a shelter when they heard the warning sirens indicating that an incoming missile strike was headed their way on Tuesday. Following what appeared to be an ‘all clear’ siren, Andre went out of the shelter to smoke a cigarette, and was killed instantly by an incoming missile. Witnesses who saw the tragic event said that this poor man didn’t know what hit him. “It was like one moment he was alive and next he wasn’t. What a terrible waste”, a neighbor who saw the event related afterwards.
Andre and his wife were a beautiful young couple and well liked by everyone in the Nahariya neighborhood in which they lived. Even though not ‘officially” Jewish, as are many immigrants from Russia and other CIS countries, this didn’t prevent them from being part of their community, as well as of the nation that had chosen to cast their lot with. He loved this country very much and thought very highly of it. “Even though he wasn’t Jewish, he still had nothing but the greatest praise for everything Israel stands for” a neighbor, Maya Kinger reflected afterwards. And for that love, poor Andre paid the ultimate price.
Andre’s widow, Admila, interviewed on television, said that for the sake of her husband, the struggle must continue until the conflict is won. “We all live here and this is where our future is. We must overcome this trying situation so that we can all live here in peace”, she said. Neither Andre or Admila have any close family in Israel, and this makes the aftermath of his tragic death even more difficult. Since Andre is not entitled to be buried in a Jewish cemetery, his widow has decided to take him back to his home country for final internment.
Was this incident a matter of cruel fate, or simply making a wrong ‘tactical move’ by leaving the safety of the bunker too soon? We’ll never know. Others have suffered similar deaths, including two young Israeli Arab children who were playing in front of their house when they were struck by “incoming mail”. Their deaths, occurring in the city of Nazareth, now more than 80% Muslim, clearly shows that religious affiliation or cultural background makes no difference to the incoming missiles of death. Like Andre, these kids were also not Jewish; yet they suffered the same sad destiny.
Is there an answer to the question of why bad things happen to good people? No, unfortunately. And one must find consolation within his or her inner being as to why God would allow such things to happen. Life is, therefore, a most precious gift indeed.
5 Comments
And we won’t know,”why God would allow such things to happen” until we are able to see through His eyes. One thing is certain, God sees things much differently than we do. Maybe because He has power over death and we do not. He has already seen the begining and the end, and we have not. I do believe, one day, we will all understand. For now, we’ll just have to trust. I know for myself, when “bad” things have happened to me, they have served to bring me closer to Him. And I pray this will be the case for all those who are suffering loss through this battle. We all are, to one degree or another, they are not weeping alone.
That you would end your post with these words…
Today I was blessed with a book entitled “Gift of Life” written by a man named Henri Landwirth. Mr. Landwirth is a holocaust survivor who went on to become Founder of the Give Kids the World Foundation. Quite an amazing story, quite an amazing individual. One of my first thoughts was to send you all a book. Tell me how and when, and I will.
The book is not available in stores, only through the Give Kids the World Foundation, with all proceeds going to the Foundation and they only ship within the U.S. It is a gem and I’d really like to share it.
Hello;
I can hear the sound of the warplane right above my head…and I know it’s going to hit at any moment..but I insist on sending you a message.
I’m looking for Israeli internet blogs and forums through which I can talk to with Israelis on the net. I’ve read your blogs, but I’d love to go into a discussion, not just comments, so I hope you can guide me throught this.
I think it is highly important to communicate with Israelis in the climax of this conflict.
Big thanks.
Be safe
V. John
Lebanon
Dear V John,
Needless to say, I’m caught in the middle of all of this as Israel is also suffering casualties and property damage - not to mention immense economic damage with over a million of our population spending nights in shelters.
If you are a Lebanese citizen, not affiliated with an organization like Hezbolloah or Hamas, I have nothing but the most heartfelt sympathy for what is happening to your country. Hezbollah must be damaged to the point where they will no longer be an effective entity in Lebanon. Better, still, most of them should leave, and go to Iran or whereever else they will be accepted.
There is no reason why Israel and Lebanon cannot be at peace with each other - like Israel and Turkey. Even a cold or luke-warm peace is better than no peace. You might read the open letter to the people of Lebanon I posted on this blog site a few days ago. There are a lot of sites available to express opinions, and you are welcome to write to both the Jerusalem Post and the English version of Haaretz newspaper as well. The JPost letters address is letters@jpost.com and Haaretz is letters@haaretz.co.il
Good luck and keep you head down!
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