A Father’s Grief and the Urgent Call for Action Against Terrorism

A Father’s Grief and the Urgent Call for Action Against Terrorism

My son, Asaf, was just 17 years old when he lost his life in a tragic terror attack. On March 5, 2003, a Hamas suicide bomber detonated explosives on bus #37 in Haifa, my hometown. This horrific event claimed the lives of 17 innocent people, including nine schoolchildren returning from classes.

Even as someone born and raised in Israel, I was left in disbelief. I struggled to grasp the motivations behind such an atrocity, where an individual would choose to end their own life solely to inflict pain upon others. The depth of hatred that can inspire one to commit such acts was beyond my understanding. Determined to explore this dark reality, I learned about the bomber’s mother. Instead of wearing mourning clothes and receiving visitors in sorrow, she chose to distribute sweets, celebrating her son’s deadly actions. I was shocked by the intensity of her hatred for my child, showing a disregard for maternal love.

Understanding a Deeper Problem

This revelation opened my eyes to a profound issue that transcends individual acts of violence. If hatred is a lesson taught at home and perpetuated in schools—where children dress as suicide bombers and performances glorify violence—then pursuing peace through negotiations, as we have tried before, becomes an exercise in futility.

Israelis seek peace. We are willing to make significant sacrifices to forge a better future, but this must be with those who share that vision. Extremist terrorists do not aspire to coexist; they seek our total destruction.

A Journey of Healing

As my family faced the unimaginable loss of our son, we sought a path toward healing. No parent ever fully recovers from the death of a child. However, several years after the tragedy, we welcomed another son into our lives. Most parents anticipate joy and fulfillment when bringing a child into the world. For us, this child restored hope and brought attention back to life’s positive aspects, even as we carried the weight of grief.

We became involved with OneFamily, an organization dedicated to supporting victims of terror and their families. Like many other bereaved individuals, we sought a semblance of normalcy amidst our pain. At work and in daily life, one often hides behind a facade of normalcy, masking the profound sorrow that lingers inside. However, gatherings with OneFamily provided a space to express our feelings without the burden of judgment. Surrounded by empathetic individuals, we shared our stories and connected deeply through shared experiences.

The Growing Need for Support

Currently, the community of bereaved families continues to expand. Following the events of October 7, new families are emerging who require extensive support to navigate their grief. Israel is confronting a daunting reality, one that involves significant sacrifices to rescue its kidnapped citizens, whether they are alive or deceased. This painful process often results in the liberation of convicted terrorists.

One such individual, Ali Hasan Al-Ragbi, received a sentence of 18 life terms for his involvement in the attack that took my son. Sadly, several other terrorists connected to the same incident were released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.

My Firm Stance Against Terrorist Releases

I stand firmly against the release of terrorists. It is an act of injustice, undermines the moral fabric of our society, and weakens Israel’s position as a nation. Discharging these individuals sends a message that fosters further violence among the youth, who are led to believe that there will always be a negotiation available.

In the past, I vocally opposed these releases. Yet, this time, I chose a different approach. The sheer number of hostages involved, their young ages, and the unbearable suffering they endured prompted the need for extraordinary measures.

A Call for a New Approach

I have therefore resolved to focus on a pathway toward the future, one that will prevent tragedies like that of October 7 from ever happening again. It is imperative that Israel adopts a more vigorous strategy against terrorism. No longer should we rely on containment, hollow warnings, or toothless threats. Strategic action is necessary if we aspire to ensure safety for our citizens.

My son Asaf may be gone, but I have three more sons and three grandchildren living in Israel. At Asaf’s grave, I vowed to dedicate my life to their safety. The principle of “Never Again” must ring true, especially for my family.