I just returned from a very emotional evening. We held the first event and meeting of the Or-Akiva Community Committee for Assistance and Support of Victims of Terror and Their Families.

I do not know if other cities, towns, etc.. in Israel have such a committee, but after all that has happened I felt that Or-Akiva should have one. Five citizens of Or-Akiva have been killed in the past 2 and a half years and seven wounded in terrorist attacks. A large number of agencies, organizations, and associations are involved in working with and for the families. We will attempt to bring it all together so that all the needs of the victims, and their families can be seen to.

The event began with the unveiling of an exhibit of pictures of the five victims from Or-Akiva. This exhibit will form the nucleus of the Memorial Museum for International Victims of Terror that we hope to open, one day, in Or-Akiva.

Present were representatives of : the Or-Akiva municipality, JAFI, Chabad of Or-Akiva, the Lapid Memorial (VAdim Nourziets' family), representatives of the Young Kafkazi Youth Leadership, members of the families and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

The GMJF is serving, at this point, as the organizational umbrella for the committee.

The members of the families are warm and supportive of one another. The feeling was not one of despair, despite all that they have suffered, but of hope.

How ironic that, as I was driving home, I heard the news flash that all residents of Israel are now instructed to "activate" our gas masks. Another wrinkle, but we will survive. What alternative do we have?

Adar Aleph 5763 - March 2003