A Wound for Life: My Son Caught in the Line of Fire at his Yeshiva

You might want to sit down before you read this.

Gilad’s school/”Mechinah” program in Atzmona in the Gush Katif (Gaza) area was attacked Thursday night at approx. 11.30 p.m. A lone terrorist came into the settlement right near the south eastern section near the school. Mostly all of the 120 boys were in the “Beit Midrash” study hall as Thursday nights they stay up most of the night learning. (Remember– these boys are not force to learn but do it for “torah l’shma” just for the sake of learning.)

Unfortunately, two boys were out at their cabin. The terrorist killed them first at point blank range. He then proceeded to the styudy hall. Luckily another boy near the door thought he heard something and told everyone in their section to get down and shut off the lights. Gilad says that he looked outside and saw the terrorist heading for the study hall. Gilad, in his 6ft 3in frame crept under his desk like the others. The terrorist went straight in, and thank G-d, didn’t notice the 70 boys on the floor. But, He went towards the room on the end which was lit and the boys there didn’t know what to expect. The terrorist let off his m-16. The rabbi.teacher had a gun and shot back. The Rabbi got 2 bullets in him. The terrorist threw a few grenades. The carnage in that room totaled 3 boys dead with around 3 0 injured. The terrorist went out and was met by a local lt. col who killed him in a chase.

Gilad called us at 11. 45 to tell us “I’m ok, but others are not”. We didn’t know what he was talking about and put on the news on the radio and tv. The incident made the news right away. Gilad called back at 12.30 and told us of the gruesome details.

The next day, Friday, it was on the news. 23 boys were hospitalized with wounds for life. Gilad phoned to tell us that he was going to the 5 boys funerals. 4 in Jerusalem and the other in Petach Tikva. Transportation was being provided by the school. Gilad returned 15 minutes before Shabbat commenced. He was sunburned and literrally drained. (He actually looked quite well with his pony tail and now much darker skin.) He’ll be 19 on April 20th and already has been to more funerals than I have by 35.

On Friday night in Schul, the Rabbi announced special psalms to be said before the shabbat prayers and then he gave a short sermon. The Rabbi remarked that he attended some of the funerals. But, he told of the faith of one boy who he has known for 12 years and who went to each funeral. He was talking about Gilad, whom he did mention by name. He said that he saw Gilad with his mates and showed such strength and faith that he needed to commend him. He knew that Gilad knew some of these boys for a number of years as they went through high school and junior high school together.

The schule’s announcements included that they wished to be together with Gilad and his prayers for “Gomel” ( fate) being good to him this day.

Just three months ago, all of the families were invited on Hanukah to see this unique community. On one side, the refuge camp of Khan Yunis. The other side, a beduin camp leading to Rafiach and the Egyptian border. Conversely, on the eastern side, the most beautiful beaches seen in Israel. Sand as white as snow which would be the dream of any resort in the world would want to possess.

So, I had a strong drink (southern comfort) on Shabbat. Although I should have had it Thursday night or Friday night as, for sure, I lost some sleep. Gilad and my other sons also joined me in a “l’haim” and maybe you all should, too. Nahum is a business consultant and accountant who lives and works in Jerusalem. Nahum is married and the father of four boys, ages 14 to 22. Gilad is son number three, and will be 19 next month.