We picked out a camera for Davidi to take with him…the unspoken message is that this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Once, you go there to see what there once was, to pay respect to those who live no longer. Once, you go there to try to understand how we once lived and perhaps most of all, to come home to Israel and celebrate how we live now. Once and perhaps only once and then you leave it behind you. Poland is not the future for young Jews.
In many ways, the best part of the trip to Poland is not what you see, and the heartache you are forced to endure. The best part is coming home to the sunshine of Israel. From one of the lowest points in our history to one of the highest points…that is where Davidi will go…and I did with as with Shmulik, I hope to get up at the crack of dawn and meet him at the Western Wall to welcome him home.
I long for that day…because I know that this journey through history will be so hard…like Elie and Shmulik, Davidi was never taught to bow, to bend.
On the bright side, for now, it was so wonderful to sit with these friends of ours…I loved seeing them, their beautiful daughters and I hope that we will maintain the connection (and that I’ll be better at answering emails!).
I loved showing them Maale Adumim and even the lake that is so small…because like much of what I learned from Dr. G, the lake, like Israel itself is a monument to determination.
And one more thing…if Dr. G sees this – I send my love. You taught me much and you hold a special place in my heart – always.
Visit A Soldier’s Mother.