As parents of four very dynamic yet publicity shy children we were forced to establish certain rules on when any one of them would appear on the front page of our newspaper.
The general rule being this: if any other parent walked into our office with a similar story concerning their child and we were inclined to publish it, then we could do the same for ours.
This rule did not however apply to academic achievements which were decided on a case by case basis either by the amount of whining or after the child went to bed but before the paper did.
The story concerning our son Arieh this week is not one we enjoyed writing much less living through.
But Arieh is more than just our son. He is a son of Wendover. He grew up here graduated (Valedictorian) from WWHS, played football (four year varsity), wrestled and was president of the National Honor Society and therefore newsworthy.
We are proud of his service in the IDF, as we were proud of sister and brother before him. But our pride is tempered with the fear every parent must feel when a child is in harms way. And yes we know that at over six feet and a highly trained infantry man Arieh is not a child, unless it is his father talking, and it is.
We tried to instill all of our children a love of country, a love of Zion and yes there are some things worth fighting for. and we would be poor parents if when the time came to suddenly reverse ourselves and beg our boys to leave harm’s way.
On the other hand we don’t sleep.
So even as he is chomping at the bit to fight “his” war, we pray that the Almighty keep and protect him and all the soldiers of Israel. May the Almighty’s face shine toward them and show them favor. May the Almighty look favorably upon them and grant them peace.
(Publisher’s note: We have been fielding emails and phone calls from friends, family and just plain nice folks who do not know us personally but wish to express their sympathy. Thank you all. for those who asked what they can do we suggest going to the Friends of the IDF facebook page, FIDF)