June 20th 2014

Jewish communities across the world have expressed concern for the wellbeing of the three Israeli teenagers who went missing last week.  As the mother of one of the boys said ‘All we want is to hug our children’.

At the conclusion of Southgate Progressive Synagogue’s AGM last Wednesday, Rabbi Yuval Keren led prayers for the safe return of the boys..

Rabbi Danny Rich, Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism, who had spoken at the meeting added, ‘It is hard to imagine what these boys and their parents must be going through.  The abduction of children and actions against civilians is wrong in all circumstances and will do nothing to further the cause of peace which would enable Israeli and Palestinian families.

He forwarded to all Liberal rabbis and community leaders the following two prayers:

Rabbi Yehoyada Amir, Chair of MARAM, the Reform Rabbinic Council in Israel wrote:

"May it be your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors, that you may lead to life and peace the abducted young men Eyal Ifrach, Gil-ad Sha'ar and Naftali Frenkel, and guide them to return safely to their families and loved-ones who fear for their safety; may you save them from the hands of an enemy and he who lurks them and all calamities, and may you send a blessing to all that they do; may you hear the voice of our prayer and the prayers of all those wishing upon peace and justice, life and goodness. You listen to entreaty and prayer. Blessed are you God, who hears our prayers. Amen."

Our sister movement in the North America released the following prayer:

God of the prisoner,
God of the captive,
The voice of anguish echoes across the land.
Our sons,
Kidnapped, hijacked,
Torn from their lives and dreams,
Are held captive by violence and hatred
By those who would take our land
And destroy our people.

Guardian of Israel,
Bless those who have dedicated themselves to returning
Our sons to safety and shelter.
Grant them skill and wisdom
In this hour of need.
Give them the tools they need in the days ahead.
Bless their work.
Let success be close at hand.

This dismay is almost too much to bear.
Return Gilad Sha'ar, Naftali Frenkel, and Elad Yifrach
To the cradle of their parents’ arms,
And the refuge of their homes,
Speedily, in life and in health.
Bless their families with endurance and faith
That they will soon be reunited in the fullness of joy.
Bless our boys, in their captivity,
With hope and courage.
Grant them the strength and fortitude
To face, chas v’shalom, any shames or tyrannies forced upon them.

Rock of Israel,
Hasten their release.
Grant them lives of Torah and parnasa,
Rich with health and happiness,
Joy and peace.
Let rescue be near.

ברוך אתה ה אלוקינו מלך העולם מתיר אסורים
Blessed are you, Adonai our God,
Sovereign of universe,
Who releases the captive.