Our hearts are with kidnapped students…

This week, our hearts and attention are in Israel, where three Israeli yeshiva students were kidnapped on June 12, while hitchhiking in the West Bank. No group has taken responsibility for the kidnapping and no demands have been made. The entire country has been shaken by this, and Jews around the world are praying for their safe return. On Sunday, police estimate that 30,000 people came to the Western Wall in Jerusalem to pray for the teens’ safe return, but as of this writing their whereabouts remain unknown.

We join our brothers and sisters around the world, as we pray for the safe return of Eyal Yifrah, 19; Gil-Ad Shaer, 16; and Naftali Frenkel, 16 and an American citizen.

We are reminded of the kidnapped Nigerian girls two months ago, who have not yet been rescued. Kidnapping of anyone, especially children, is deplorable at any time, there is no good reason!

People who wish to show their support can sign the JFNA’s letter at: http://bringbackourboys.net/. At services this Friday evening, we will join with the Jewish community of Silicon Valley, and all around the world, in prayers for the safe return of these three Israeli teenagers.

May you have a week of blessings and a Shabbat of peace.

Rabbi Debbie Israel