Late Thursday night, June 12, terrorists kidnapped three teenage yeshiva students from a settlement called Gush Etzion. At this point in time, our hearts are united with Jews around the world with the hope that these boys will be returned to their families immediately.
As the search for the abducted boys continues, we can only pray for the well-being and safe return of Gil-ad Shaar (16), Naftali Frenkel (16) a dual Israeli-American citizen and Eyal Yifrach (19). As we hold each of these boys in our hearts, the following prayer distributed by the World Union for Progressive Judaism enables us to unite with fellow Jews in words that reflect our collective concern.
This prayer will be recited at our worship services in the weeks to come.
May this prayer and supplication
be heard by You,
the Eternal our God and God of our ancestors.
May the kidnapped boys,
Eyal Yifrach, Gil-Ad Shaar and Naftali Frenkel
be returned home, in peace and in full health,
to their families and loved ones.
Help and sustain all those entrusted
with the task of finding the captives,
removing them from danger
and returning them to safety.
We pray that you hear our voices
and the prayers of all
who seek peace and justice,
life and loving-kindness.
Praised are You, O God,
who redeems the captives.
Amen.