Writing from Yanuh-Jut, Druze village in Israel
We always say Israel is a small country and you can usually make a connection between people…someone who knows someone, but Druze and Jew?
Last week there was a bus organised by Rabbi Kermaier, who is very involved with the Druze, from our neighbourhood to the Druze village, Yanuh-Jut, at 12.30. I knew it would be emotional but didn’t expect any deep personal connection.
My stepson’s company commander in the army was Salman Habaka O.B.M., and my husband and I decided to go to the ‘shiva.’
I didn’t really think about safety till the road we were on was shot by rocket fire and closed for safety. I thought it might be a good idea just in case…to let someone know where we were. We had to turn around and take a long detour on another road.
I sent a message to Shmuel, my son, and told him we were meeting with the mayor, the family of Alim Saad O.B.M., Rinal Seif, the widow of Zeidan who was murdered nine years to the day after saving lives in the Har Nof massacre, and the family of Salman.
I had met Rinal a few years ago one shabbat evening at Rabbi Kermaier’s house in Arnona, Jerusalem, on Parshat Yitro [1].
Shmuel texted back that he told Rinal’s brother, Keinan, whom Shmuel knows, that we were on our way there and he asked to send warm regards to his sister.
We arrived at 16.15. Rabbi Lau, the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, was there and quite a few other caring Jews.
The shiva was in the community centre. One room for women and one room for men. The mood was sombre and very sad.
Everyone was dressed extremely modestly in black with the mourners having the addition of white scarves. The visitors made their way down the line of mourners…widow…parents…sisters…brothers…cousins…uncles and aunts. Their only child is still a baby. Everyone was just so grateful to us for coming and I just felt so so heartbroken for them.
Salman’s widow was surprised but happy to hear that my stepson had been at her wedding.
Local dignitaries spoke of Salman’s heroism and Rabbi Kermaier did, too, and presented the family with a Tanach[2].
Rinal was in the women’s hall, so of course I gave her warm regards from her brother. She cried…and I cried when she heard I was from Har Nof. Since the massacre, she has been remarried to Zaiden’s brother. The latest loss has brought everything back to her. Rinal spoke to us all and then the Rabbi said Kel Maleh Rachamim[3] as it was the yahrzeit[4].
Then we went to meet Alim’s family. Three young children…the eldest daughter will be doing her national service next year. They, too, were presented with a Tanach. Alim was due to leave the permanent forces on 9th October and had celebrated. We heard stories about his bravery and selflessness.
It was a really really emotional visit to the village. I had been to Druze villages before, but never completely understood their extreme loyalty, modesty, and love of Israel.
My grandson, Daniel, got tzav 8[5] and asked me last night, “What’s news?”
So I told him about our visit.
“Alim? I was with him in Lebanon! The salt of the earth! Amazing guy!”
Three shocking losses of three incredible men from one Druze village, and I found a connection with them all.
May there be no more loss of our soldiers’ lives and may the hostages be released VERY soon, safe, and well!!!!
1] Name of the Torah portion of the week
[2] Complete Bible, including Pentateuch, Prophetic Writings, and Scriptures
[3] Jewish prayer for the soul of a person who has passed away
[4] Anniversary of a death (in this case, Zeidan’s death)
[5] Emergency call-up to the army
