It is written in the Talmud, “He who saves one life saves the world entire.” So what can be said about he or she who destroys one life? Or countless lives? Is that individual responsible for the destruction of one or several whole worlds? Yes! 

     Recently I had the honor of meeting a courageous woman and mother, fighting for the basic right of dignity for her son. Yet her cries continue to be largely ignored by members and leaders of the United Nations. Her name is Leah Goldin and her son’s name, was Hadar. Most of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath; the young warrior poet who slew the mighty giant with a rock and sling and managed to inspire his people, uniting all the tribes of Israel into a powerful Kingdom of legend. Yet few today know about modern Davids; they live and die among us yet remain unseen or unnoticed by the world. One such youth was twenty three year old Lieutenant Hadar Goldin of the Givati Brigade in the Israeli Defense Forces. He was senselessly murdered, his body dragged through underground tunnels and held for ransom by Gaza based terror group Hamas till this day.

     Now before you quickly justify this case as an act of war and not of terrorism, let the facts be presented for the world to see. The facts how Hadar’s own mother told me herself and not some biased news media outlet:

• First, Hadar was killed on August 1^st, 2014.

• Two hours AFTER a CEASE – FIRE WAS DECLARED.

• Israel did not violate the cease-fire.

• Hamas quickly broke the cease-fire just two hours after it was issued.

• After the Protective Edge War with Gaza.

• HIS BODY CONTINUES TO BE HELD HOSTAGE BY HAMAS TODAY.

• THE UNITED NATIONS AND WORLD COMMUNITY REMAIN SILENT!

     A cease-fire implies that neither side of a conflict will attack the other so long as the order remains in effect. Hamas terrorists blatantly violated the agreement while Israel kept to their end of bargain. Hamas operatives invaded Israeli territory via underground tunnels, savagely attacked and murdered Hadar, and dragged his body back through the tunnel into Gaza. You may ask why anyone in their right mind would do such a thing. You may also be wondering why any terrorist or criminal would kidnap anyone just to kill them instead of holding them alive for ransom. I find myself asking the same questions but I’m afraid I already know the answer.

     You see, in most Jewish, Christian or even Muslim homes, children are taught to love God by loving and respecting the dignity of your fellow human being. Sadly, however, this is far from the case in many Palestinian homes. While some genuinely seek a peaceful solution, many are still falling prey to the vicious onslaught of Hamas’ version of a solid Palestinian “education” where children are taught to hate Israelis and are even trained to attack civilians from a very young and impressionable age. Their education remains that Israelis are “evil devils” and should be killed to “liberate Palestine.” How can any peace even be remotely possible with such brain-washing going on? But I digress… My point… Hamas believes that Israel will exchange hundreds of terrorists for the release of the bodies of fallen Israeli soldiers, as has been the case in previous wars. Whatever the intent, however, I think we can all agree, the action is not only cruel but is inhumane.  Whichever side you are on, I believe that even enemies can show some measure of respect to one another. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!

   But allow me to scratch the surface to you about the incredible young man that Hadar was. Only 23 years old, Hadar Goldin was a patriot; he loved his country and people to no end. He was a gifted artist and writer having completed various creative works before his passing. Hadar was a happy person, and he loved humanity, often placing others’ needs before his own. Everyone that met him loved him because he was that kind of man, kind to all with a positive personality. He believed in peaceful coexistence and friendship among all people. “Strength and humility were the words he and his twin brother Tzur would engrave onto their rifles, describing the balance between knowing when to use their weapon and when not to.

   Nearly three years later, Leah Goldin is still fighting for the release of Hadar’s body. She has even gone directly to the United Nations and confronted key leaders, who have shamefully turned their backs to ignore her plight. Leah is one of many Jewish mothers and parents whose cries have gone unanswered and completely ignored for several years. Why is the world silent? Why do they not pay attention? Why are Jewish mothers treated differently from others? What if it were you? What if it were your child? You may cite “Israeli aggression” to justify Hadar’s death, but in most Israeli-Arab wars, including Protective Edge, Islamic extremists were the aggressors, not Israelis. Hamas clearly violated a cease fire agreement brokered by the United Nations. It was during this time of “peace,” that they kidnapped and murdered Hadar. Let the facts be clearly set forth: Hamas operatives commit dastardly crimes against their own people in Gaza on a daily basis, and the murder of Hadar Goldin is among the latest acts of terrorism perpetrated by Hamas and they must be held accountable not only by the Israeli government, but by international courts.

            A Jewish mother is no different from a Muslim or Christian Mother, each deserves dignity and respect. Leah Goldin and her family deserve honor and dignity for their son, who must also be honored with a proper burial and memorial for his bravery. In the face of global indifference, what will you do? Will you be among the millions of people who remain silent? Or will you take action by raising awareness of Hadar Goldin’s cause and the cases of other young men like him? The choice is yours, but please, have a heart and join us! Let this mother’s plight and that of others never be ignored again! The time is NOW!