A prayer for our sons

Israel celebrates today Memorial Day for its fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks. In ceremonies throughout the country Israelis mark the loss of children, parents, brothers or sisters. All feel humbled by the weight of bereavement.

On a day such as this I cannot but talk to you about the prayer that rises in the hearts of all Israeli mothers at the birth of their children.


"Dear God. Thank you for giving me my child, this precious present. Please make sure that by the time he/she is 18 there will be no more wars in this country."

That is what all mothers say at the birth of their sons, because every mother in Israel knows that at the age of 18 our boys are sent to the army for three years. And then they serve in reserve duty - one month a year approximately - until they are 43-45. The girls are sent to the army for two years, but they are generally not in combat units, so the issue is less pressing for girls.

It is a mothers' prayer. It is our hope. It is a mantra that is repeated at every birth, for years. All mothers say it. As of today, our prayers have not yet been answered. But we never fail to hope. By the time my son is 18, there will be no more wars in this country.


Photo by Access Israel