This is not a time for light-hearted posts. Our community is still suffering from an immense tragedy that consumed us all this week.
An innocent child who would have turned nine next week, Leiby Kletzky, walking home from day camp on Monday. He was supposed to meet his mother halfway between his home and the day camp.
Instead of turning in on the avenue, he continued to walk straight. Realizing that he was lost, he asked a man for directions. Not in a million years would anyone imagine that this man who views himself as a frum yid is really a heartless, cold blooded murderer.
Thousands of people searched the streets that night... and all day Tuesday, into a second night of searching. A volunteer asked me for access into the tracks. I let him go through the gate in our yard. I don't think I'll ever be able to forget the way he looked and what he said, "Ma'am, I'm looking for the boy." He was speaking slowly, his voice heavy with pain.
"I was wondering if there is any way to get onto these tracks."
I told him there is a gate in our yard, and quickly went to unlock it, wishing him much success.
Tuesday night the neighborhood didn't sleep. Volunteers by the hundreds flooded to the command centers to be given jobs. People came from nearby cities to help as well.
It was awe inspiring to see the community get together like this. Surveillance tapes were acquired from businesses in the area. They found Leiby in one of those videos.
The rest of the story is too painful to write about.
Everyone who was able to go to sleep Tuesday night awoke Wednesday morning, eager to hear about the discovery of the boy, alive and well. Because nobody could stomach any alternative. I had nightmares all that night. And I awoke to a nightmare even worse than my dreams.
HOW? How does something this horrendous happen to a pure, sweet little child who only wanted to be a big boy and walk home one his own? A few short blocks for an almost nine year old. Is that so unreasonable? In the middle of the safest neighborhood in Brooklyn, in broad daylight, a boy asks a man for directions. A man he probably saw in shul. A man that looked like a typical Borough Park resident. A member of the tight-knit community.
Little Leiby's name will be on everyone's lips for a very long time.
Here's a comprehensive news clip on this tragic story.
Many families have been talking with their children about stranger safety, and we aren't an exception. In fact, for the past two day, that was our most popular topic. Here is a good site with tips on how to talk to your children and what to teach them.
May Hashem have mercy on all our children.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I usually answer comments, so if you'd like to receive my reply, click "Subscribe" below either before or after you post. :)