Yesterday, was the Hebrew anniversary of the death of Sara Blaustein. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose life was tragically cut short by an act of Palestinian terror 23 years ago in Efrat, Israel. Sara’s story is one of deep faith, unwavering love for her family and the land of Israel, and incredible courage in the face of adversity.
Born and raised in the United States, Sara always dreamed of making aliyah and building a life in the Jewish homeland. She grew up in a family that valued the Torah, following Godās commandments, and Zionism, and these became the guiding principles of her life. After marrying her soulmate Norman and raising a beautiful family in Lawrence, New York, Sara knew that the time had come to fulfill her lifelong dream. Together with Norman and their daughter Atara, Sara made aliyah in 2000, joining her brother David and his family in Efrat.
Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country and the ongoing violence of the Second Intifada, Sara embraced her new community with open arms. She immersed herself in Torah study, attending Bible study classes whenever she could. She became a regular at Rachel’s Tomb, visiting every Tuesday to pray and connect with the spiritual essence of the Jewish matriarch. Sara’s home in Efrat was always open to guests, filled with the warmth and love that she radiated to all who knew her.
On that fateful day in May 2001, Sara was returning from praying at Rachel’s Tomb when Palestinian terrorists opened fire on her car, killing her almost instantly. Even in her final moments, Sara’s face bore a peaceful smile, a testament to her unwavering faith and love.
The news of Sara’s death sent shockwaves through her communities in Efrat and Lawrence. Hundreds attended her funeral and memorial services, sharing stories of Sara’s kindness, generosity, and infectious spirit. Her children spoke of her dedication as a mother, always ready with a listening ear, a warm hug, or a word of encouragement. Her friends described her as a true “eishet chayil,” a woman of valor who embodied the ideals of the Jewish people.
In the Book of Ruth, which was just read over the holiday of Shavuot, we read about the deep bond between Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi, and Ruth’s famous declaration: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Like Ruth, Sara embodied this spirit of devotion – to her family, to the Jewish people, and to God. She built a life based on these unshakable commitments, setting an example for all who knew her.
Though her life was cut tragically short, Sara’s legacy lives on. Her family built a Torah learning center in Efrat called Ohel Sara in her memory, a fitting tribute to Sara’s love of Bible study and her commitment to strengthening Jewish life in Israel. Ohel Sara stands just a minuteās drive from where Sara was killed, a defiant message of Jewish resilience and continuity in the face of hatred and violence.
Sara’s children and grandchildren continue to live out her Zionist dream, making their homes in the land she held so dear. They carry with them her love, her faith, and her courage, passing these precious gifts on to the next generation. And every year on the anniversary of her death, they gather at Sara’s gravesite to remember her life and the indelible mark she left on all who knew her.
As we remember Sara Blaustein today, let us draw strength and inspiration from her example. May we strive to live with her faith, her love, and her courage. May we honor her memory by rededicating ourselves to the values and ideals she held so dear – Torah, family, and the land of Israel. And may Sara’s memory forever be a blessing, a shining light that no darkness can overcome.
Allowing a Palestinian terror state in the heart of Israel would destroy the Jewish State.
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