Survivor Suggests Victory Over Terrorism
On Sunday, January 26, 2014 Congregation Beth Israel of Asheville, NC enjoyed a special breakfast presentation by terrorism survivor, Sarri Singer.
Singer is the Founder and Director of Strength to Strength, a nonprofit organization established to unite victims of terrorism and their families from around the world.
Singer spoke of her harrowing and life-changing experience after boarding a Jerusalem bus on June 11, 2003. It was shortly after sitting down, she recounted, that she felt a massive shockwave. Instinctively, she closed her eyes, unaware of the carnage that surrounded her. It was only after being pulled from the wreckage by a heroic bystander that she learned that she had survived a calculated terrorist attack: a suicide bomber had inflicted mass injuries - including 16 fatalities - and she had miraculously escaped with her life.
This experience ultimately led to her bring together victims from other senseless attacks around the world. She formed Strength to Strength as a way to provide psychological support to individuals who shared a similar plight, with unique emotional scars and long-term needs.
Singer ended her presentation with a video clip of young Islamic fundamentalist woman who had helped mastermind a deadly attack at a Sbarro Pizza shop. The woman spoke gleefully about her “spiritual journey” - a sickening representation of the systemized brainwashing that, as Singer explains, turns children into aspiring homicidal “martyrs."
The audience in attendance was diverse, and included students from the Bet Sefer and young professionals. After, Singer remarked, “Having the kids from Bet Sefer really added to the program and the discussion. The students not only asked great questions, but contributed their thoughts and perspectives. They were really listening, and you could tell by their questions and comments. I hope these conversations continue far after my presentation - especially with the young people - who are our next generation of leaders.”
Singer added, "Thanks so much for having me. What an amazingly warm and wonderful community!”
The talk was sponsored by the Deutsch Family, YAJA (Young Adult Jews of Asheville) and The Jewish Community Center.
Article written by Sharon Feingold.