How many times does an action need to repeatedly happen before something finally gives? When is enough enough? On Thursday, November 19, 2015, I lost a close friend. Being a conservative Jew, I was highly involved in the conservative youth organization United Synagogue Youth, otherwise known as the organization your parents send you to find your future spouse. Being a part of this organization allowed me the opportunity to do many things. One of these opportunities was to embark on a cross country summer trip by bus. On this trip, I created memories that will last me a lifetime, but more importantly, friendships that will last me a lifetime. On this trip I was given the opportunity to befriend an amazing individual. His name was Ezra Schwartz. Ezra was someone who always knew how to put a smile on your face. He could make you laugh when you were down, he was there for you in times of need. He was a friend, and a good one at that.
Over Summer 2013 I got to know Ezra. At the beginning of our six week journey he was a stranger. By the end of the month and a half as we said our goodbyes, I knew that he was someone who had made an impact on my life, whether it was big or small. Ezra was someone that I wanted to make sure I stayed in touch with after we departed. Long distance friendships are difficult. Sometimes you grow apart and other times it is out of sight out of mind as sad as that is. Ezra never failed to remain in contact with me. It was nice to catch up with him from time to time and check in on each other.
This last year, as most seniors left high school to head on to college, Ezra took a different path. He chose to take a gap year in Israel at a yeshiva in Beit Shemesh. During his time in Israel, Ezra and I still remained in contact from time to time. That contact ended when his life was taken by a Palestinian terrorist, while he was on his way to give food to lone soldiers in Gush Etzion, an area south of Jerusalem.
Upon hearing the news of my friend's death, I was in disbelief. I didn't think that it could possibly be Ezra. There had to be a misunderstanding. I kept checking reports only to find that an eighteen- year-old American had died, but I thought what are the odds that it would be Ezra? How could it be my friend? It wasn't a reality until I saw a single post on his Facebook wall. It was a message from a friend saying how much he would be missed. At this moment, I lost it. I had lost a great friend.
As a frequent follower of Israel's well-being, I constantly see reports about attacks that take place there. The crazy thing is, and as sad as it is, this is something that happens every day there, but you never expect it to be someone you know.
I am not sharing my friend's story for sympathy. I am sharing it for awareness. People need to know that this happens in Israel on a daily basis. This is every day for some people, and it needs to end. When will people realize that they are not going to get anywhere by killing person after person? It needs to end. I want peace for not only Israel, but for the world and I pray that some day it will be achieved.
R.I.P to my dear friend, Ezra Schwartz. Your big personality, heart and charisma will be greatly missed.
