In the aftermath of four dead children, we need to carefully assess who we are, not who we believe ourselves to be. It is hard to be self-critical, but it is critically important. The tragedies of the four slain boys is deeply shocking and painful. What it can tell us about ourselves is a step toward understanding those we currently consider adversaries on so many levels and how we might find a way to live together. The horrible reality is that we have been sacrificing our children for way too long. Our tradition compels us to continue to seek another way. It will be hard and fraught with obstacles and disappointments.
Israel is a nation of laws. Once, the aspiration was that Israel would be a nation like all other nations. But in fact, we hold Israel to a higher standard of ethics and morality. Although inevitably she will fall short of our ideal, it is the aspiration that makes her the land of hope for all Jews. We support and love her and commit ourselves to striving to reach the ideal where all children might live in peace and security. We have much work to do. Let everyone use the tragedy that has befallen all of us to dedicate ourselves to the possibility of achieving peace someday