Wouldn’t it be nice, for example, if Rav Chaim Kanievsky would have said the same kind words about living Religious Zionists students as he did about the 3 murdered ones? He doesn’t have to agree with their Hashkafos to do that. He can be diametrically opposed to Religious Zionism. But if he only said that those who learn in Religious Zionist Yeshivos like Merkaz Harav are the same Kodshim and Taharim as those who learn in Charedi yeshivas… that they study the same Torah and follow the same Halachos as Charedim even if their Minhagim and Hashkafos are different… if he would only say something like: it doesn’t really matter whether a Kipa is velvet or crocheted – Elu V’Elu Divrei Elkoim Chaim – what an impact that would make!
It is also high time we look at our secular brothers more favorably. I don’t think the Frum world gives them enough credit. Let us not forget what happened in Kikar Rabin a couple of days ago. Or in the Kenesset shortly before that. We all prayed for the same result – each in our own way. Our secular brothers are not the enemy. They are our brothers and to be warmly welcomed into our world. We must respect them too… and never try and shove religion down their throats. Because that pushes them away from us. We must appreciate them for who they are too… and learn from them just as we hope they learn from us.
So I now offer my prayer. May the unity we now experience via the Zechus of these 3 murdered boys continue. Let us not fall back into a pattern of enmity and vilification. Let us all get along even while we fight for what we believe. Yes, let us fight. But with respect and with dignity – without the rancor.
Let not the deaths of these three teenagers be in vain. Let them retain the legacy of Achdus. Let us learn to respect one another even while we disagree. It will be a much better world. Who knows? It might even bring Moshiach a little closer.
Visit Emes Ve-Emunah . / Harry Maryles