Being fortunate to have the blessing of my mother in my life, and never taking it for granted, on this Mother’s Day I was more cognizant than usual of those close to me who no longer have their mother in their lives.  Occasionally I have felt as though I was possibly being insensitive to them when speaking of the enjoyment and benefit I get from my mother.  However, when I stopped and thought about it a little deeper I felt there was a common message I was getting from every one of them, be it a conscious message or unconscious one.  The message I felt I was getting was, “you better realize how lucky you are and make the most of it.”

There are people who matter to me who have lost their mother in the past year, and many more who matter to me who have lost their mother in previous years.  Nothing I can say can ever change the facts, however I feel that I can honor them all in one very poignant way.  By honoring and loving my mother and thanking God she is still here for me to do so.  I would love and honor my mother regardless, as I am sure everyone reading this would do for theirs as well,  but on this Mother’s Day I offer this message back.  In showing my love and respect to my mother, I also do so to honor all mothers, those living and those who have passed on, and by realizing the blessing it is to have my mother in my life I am making the statement that I recognize the blessing that all our mothers will always be to everyone one of us.

When I first heard about Israel’s attacks on Syria I was somewhat perplexed.  Although it is well-known that Syria is an enemy of the Jewish state, to initiate aggression carries disturbing overtones and consequences.  Then I realized that I of all people should have no trouble understanding what Israel has done over the past few days.  Having  spent over a year promoting my book “Jew Face”, I have utilized my blog not only to sell the book but to do my part in increasing Holocaust awareness so that “Never Again” is more than just a slogan.

Israel’s attacks on Damascus makes that statement with the loudest voice.  The attacks were carried out to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon.  These weapons would then have one purpose and one purpose only.  To kill Jews.  In a day and age where this is still tolerated by a large portion of the world, the government of Israel is making it clear that every Jewish life has value, and that any clear-cut threat against its people will not only not be tolerated, but will be met with whatever force necessary to prevent it.  Are you paying attention Ahmadinejad?

As an individual I am not and never have been a soldier in any military.  But as a Jew I am extremely grateful that there is a Jewish Army, the Israeli Army, that is run by people who will never allow Jewish people to be threatened without the strongest resistance.  Israel will undoubtedly get criticized by the masked and blatant anti-Semites around the world, but fortunately they take the approach that that is of little or no consequence in light of the bigger picture and situation at hand.  Protecting Jewish life.  Thanks to the State of Israel, “Never Again” feels like anything but empty words and collectively the Jewish people are safer as a result.