Sad News....Terribly Sad News.....Just Announced

 Every week, Nation on Pause sends me an email asking me to renew my "commitment to Shabbat as a merit for Oded Lifshitz". I've been praying and doing acts of kindness specifically in Oded bn Bilhah Lifshitz's merit since April, when it was announced that the Elad bn Chana Katzir, the hostages I had "chosen" back in October, was announced killed by Hamas.

As soon as I hit "enter" on my commitment for this Shabbat, our family chat lit up with the horrific announcement that the bodies of four people will be released by Hamas tomorrow:

Oded Lifshitz was 84 years old. He was a retired journalist and peace activist who "dedicated his life to helping others and transporting sick Gazans to Israeli hospitals". 

and Shiri Bibas and her two little boys, Kfir and Ariel. Shiri, a 33 year old accountant, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz and the boys were only 9 months- and 4 years old when they were taken. Shiri's husband, Yaden Bibas, age 34, was released from captivity on February 1, after almost 500 days as a hostage. 

We were so hopeful.....

And now even Netanyahu just said, "Tomorrow will be a very difficult day for the State of Israel. A shocking day, a day of sorrow"

May the memories of Oded, Shiri, Ariel and little Kfir be for a blessing