March 31, 2011

On Wednesday, March 23, a terrorist bomb exploded near a bus stop in central Jerusalem. One person was killed in the attack, and scores more injured. The lone casualty was a 59-year-old evangelical Christian from Scotland, Mary Jean Gardner, who had come to Israel to study Hebrew for her role as a Bible translator.

Bible translation was clearly more than just a job for Ms. Gardner it was her life's passion. Prior to coming to Israel, she had spent more than ten years in the African nation of Togo as part of a team translating the Christian New Testament into the local language. After learning Hebrew, she intended to return to Togo to translate the Hebrew Bible, which Christians know as the Old Testament.

On the day she was murdered, Mary Jean was not working, however. She was going to lunch with a friend who was in Israel as part of a tour group. On her way to the restaurant, she happened to pass the bus stop where the terrorist bomb was planted. On a seemingly normal day, as she was engaged in an ordinary task, her life was abruptly cut short.

In this way, Mary Jean Gardner is the same as any of those whose lives have been cruelly ended by terrorism while running an errand, sitting on a public bus, or dining with friends or family in a restaurant. Israelis live every day knowing that they are targeted by those whose only motivation is to kill as many innocent men, women, and children as possible. It is difficult for some to imagine how it is possible to live life under these circumstances and yet we do, trusting that God is with us, and firm in the conviction that we have a rightful place in this Holy Land.

This claim to the Holy Land is based on another element that unites Jews and Christians: a strong belief in God's word. Jews cling to God's words to Abraham, promising the "land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1) to him and all his offspring. Mary Jean Gardner's belief that the truths in the Bible can change lives inspired her to make these words available to as many people as possible. Jews and Christians alike turn to the Bible regularly for guidance, instruction, and comfort.

Sadly, this common love of God and his word puts Jews and Christians equally in harm's way from those who do not revere these words, but who follow instead skewed interpretations of religion marked by hatred, oppression, and violence. We stand united as a target, and we stand united in our faith in God, who protects, provides, and comforts us when we grieve.

So in the wake of this bombing and this tragic loss, we stand united again in prayer for the loved ones of Mary Jean Gardner, and for the swift recovery of those injured in this senseless and cowardly act of terror. We pray also for peace in Israel, and for an end to the terrorist violence that is taking the lives of innocents Jews and Christians alike.

With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President