By Rebecca Fox

I didn’t know Elan Ganeles z”l, but I knew his family was flying in from West Hartford, from a community I know and love, and I wanted to be there to help them honor his memory.

I didn’t know Elan, but I heard his family and friends recount his deep compassion, his value for connection and friendship, and his hilariousness. His family stood there, recounting his goodness and I can’t help but feel it’s all so unfair; especially during times like this where things are so divided, losing a person who brought such joy and unity into the world is a devastating loss. 

And there at his funeral, stood more than a thousand people from all walks of life. Religious, non religious, Israeli, American, soldiers, pensioners. 

Does it take death to bring such unity? 

After this heaviness and dread, I get back on the bus to return to Tel Aviv where people are protesting in the streets. Cue, different world. 

I’m overstimulated and my head hurts from the sun; but I just want to feel unity. Because we all love this country and we all want to feel safe.

I think a good way to honor Elan’s memory would be to try to make the connection. Connecting means seeing each others worlds, and respecting them. 

So no matter what you believe, what you’re fighting for, I hope we can see each other’s worlds.

I hope Israel will only know peace. No more senseless murders.

Opening to the fact that people experience the world differently…seeing each other. Let’s start here.

Rebecca Fox lives in Israel. She grew up in Colchester, Connecticut, where her family still lives. 

This Kolot piece has been lightly edited.