Wednesday’s deadly terrorist attack targeting an airport bus carrying newly arrived Israeli tourists in a Black Sea Bulgarian coast town has claimed at least seven lives. An estimated 33 people were injured at press time, and nine are reported missing.
Black smoke still rises over body parts in the airport’s parking lot, as do questions about the perpetrators’ identity. Some say the attack, which coincides with the 18th anniversary of the terrorist bombing in Argentina that killed 85 Jews, might be a factor.
Israelis, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, are already accusing Iran — a collective cry which at this moment brandishes some credible evidence. Others blame Hamas. All we know is that an all-too-familiar hatred generated the act. Yet again, innocent human beings found themselves trapped in the web of anti-Jewish, anti-Israeli venom — and paid the ultimate price.
As politicians sift through historical patterns, families of the victims are too agonized and shocked to consider blame. A husband was, and is no more. A daughter was, and is no more. They came to Bulgaria to savor the sights. Now they will never see anything again.
These attacks shock us, but do not surprise us. Perhaps that is the greatest crime. Israelis understand that hate flows eternal in the hearts and minds of their enemies. There is no antidote, no salve, no solution. History has taught Jews to be aware of this hatred, which simmers in various ideologies in every corner of the world.
But if we refuse to venture out to our hearts’ destination, we are already dead. And the terrorists, whatever their affiliation, have triumphed. Until the smoke settles and we can point an accurate finger at the responsible party, all we can do is to mourn our losses and return to the business of life. This we will do, in honor of those who were killed this Wednesday in July. We shall remember them. And never forget.
Copyright © 2012 by the Intermountain Jewish News
