But now, more than forty years later, they came to comfort the mourners and to see what had become of the city they had helped to defend. After sitting with Aryeh and Tamar, they promised to come again to visit them and the rest of the family. Binaya’s mother, Michal, took their address and told them that after the shiva she would visit them. You see, we’ve grown a great deal in this country, and we remain one family despite our differences. Perhaps there is more that unites us than divides us.
Binaya was one of eight children – four boys and four girls. All the boys studied at Mekor Chaim yeshiva high school. Two of the three boys who were recently kidnapped and killed had studied in the same yeshiva. The kidnapping seems to have taken place light years ago but it may have been the catalyst for Operation Protective Edge, in which Binaya lost his life.
How ironic is the name: Yeshivat Mekor Chaim, the source of life, and yet three of its students are no longer with us in this world. Despite the terrible loss, I am certain their memories will always remain in the hearts of their friends and family.
When King David eulogized King Saul and his beloved friend Jonathan after learning of their deaths, he said the following words that still ring true to this day:
“They were lighter than eagles, they were stronger than lions…”
Binaya joins a long line of warriors who sacrificed their lives on behalf of Am Yisrael and whose souls fly higher than the eagle, upward toward the heavenly abode. We beseech You, God, to accept them with open arms and place them among Your angels. May they serve as advocates for Am Yisrael in order that You continue to protect us and keep us safe in our land.