Teens for Freedom

Our hearts are overcome with grief as we reflect on the ultimate price that has been paid by too many of our Israeli brothers and sisters. Whether as soldiers who were killed or kidnapped in the line of duty, or as civilians who gave their lives in the innocent pursuit of daily life, words of consolation do little to dull the pain we feel collectively as a people. Search as we might for meaning amid tragedy, we cannot and will not allow their sacrifices to be for naught.  Instead, as representatives of the Jewish people we will direct our most heartfelt prayers Heavenward as we pledge in the memory of our kedoshim to recommit our lives as a living memorial to the values they held most dear. In their name, and as participants of NCSY summer programs, we commit ourselves to the unity of Torat Yisrael (Torah), Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel), and Am Yisrael (Jewish People).  Their sacrifices will not be forgotten and our tears will not be in vain.

Together with their families, all the Jewish people, and men and women of good will everywhere …

We remember our soldiers kidnapped by Hizbullah terrorists on July 12, 2006. 
We remember the pain we felt when their lifeless bodies were returned to Israel on July 16, 2008.
We remember Sergeant Major Ehud Goldwasser and First Sergeant Eldad Regev.

We remember the innocent students killed at Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav on March 6, 2008 (30 Shevat, 5768).
Neriya Cohen (age 15)
Segev Peniel Avichail (age 15)
Yonatan Yitzchak Eldar (age 16)
Avraham David Moses (age 16)
Yochai Lifshitz (age 18)
Roei Aharon Roth (age 16)
Yonadav Chaim Hirshfeld (age 18)
Doron Maharate (age 26)

And we remember and pray for the recovery and return of captured Israeli soldiers …
Gilad Shalit (missing since 6/25/06), Guy Hever (missing since 8/17/97), Ron Arad (missing since 10/16/86) Yehuda Katz (missing since 6/11/82), Tzvi Feldman (missing since 6/11/82), Zachary Baumel (missing since 6/11/82).

Remember, Hashem, what has befallen us, O woe!
Look and see our disgrace, O woe! What has befallen us!
Bring us back to You, Hashem, and we shall return
Renew our days as of old.