After Shabbat I learned that the FBI had been warned by the Russians about the two Chechen brothers, and had even interviewed the elder would-be terrorist. Victims of the bombings are sure to feel doubly injured when they learn that those who were entrusted with the security of the country fell short of their responsibilities. The U.S. has to become more attentive if it is to beat terror. In Israel, we have already learned to live with an ever-vigilant defense apparatus and even with intrusive daily security procedures. In this atmosphere Israel is able to regularly foil the plots of terrorists. Yet, I pine for the day when Israel goes on the offensive and strikes fear into the hearts of terrorists and thereby allow a new generation of Middle Easterners to grow free of the Jihadist ideology and devoid of their carnage.
Back in N.J., I heard a woman being interviewed on the radio. A few years ago her hands and feet suffered a massive infection and her doctors were forced to amputate them. After getting over her own pain and loss she went to school to study amputee care and now she was heading to Boston to comfort and guide the many victims of the Marathon bombings who had lost limbs. I cried when I heard how she now felt purpose in her life, to help others fare better with their trauma and cope with their new reality.
The spirit of kindness is indeed indomitable, but not for lack of trying by the other side.