How should we respond?
In 1981, Adam Walsh was brutally murdered at the tender age of five. In response, Adam’s father, John Walsh, became a well known advocate for victims of violent crime and hosted the television show “America’s Most Wanted.” Well over 1000 criminals described on the show were captured. During the years that the show ran Adam Walsh received multiple death threats but continued to advocate despite any fears.
John Walsh displayed the ability to act despite fear. If Mr. Walsh had remained inactive after his family tragedy then many or even most of these criminals would still be walking the streets.
There are many ways to respond to tragedy but at the very least we need the courage to make some type of statement, similar to John Walsh, that we will not allow despicable acts of terror to cause us fear. We must show, as individuals and as a nation, that our faith is strengthened by such cowardly acts. Kudos to those organizations, and there are many, which immediately sent some type of message of support, call for action or call for prayer on behalf of these children.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslav said “The whole world is a narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to fear at all.” Being afraid can paralyze us and prevent us from adequately responding to those who cause us harm. When terrorists test our resolve we are reminded to “Be strong and of good courage.”
History shows that strength and courage are indeed Jewish traits.
