Dear Hersh,
The news of your tragic death brought tears from the heavens. I never met you, but I prayed for your safe return during the 11 months of uncertainty. As a Breaking News Desk Manager at The Jerusalem Post, I hoped to announce your rescue. Sadly, that day never came. Your story deeply resonated with me, as we shared common experiences as American Olim in Israel.
Shared commonalities
We both embraced the challenge of making a life in Israel and believed in the possibility of coexistence. Your dedication to peace between Jews and Arabs was inspiring. In your memory, my partner and I will travel to India and Sri Lanka, following the adventure you were robbed of. I plan to carry your photo with us, believing you’re on the journey.
I admire your family’s strength and resilience. They deserve justice for the pain inflicted on their lives. As American citizens in Israel, it’s our duty to honor your legacy by contributing to a peaceful future in Eretz Yisrael.
The writer is a Breaking News Desk Manager at the Jerusalem Post. She made Aliyah to Tel Aviv in December 2020 from Long Island, New York.