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Space Shuttle Columbia
"Lovely and pleasant in their lives, in their death they were not divided.They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. " (Samuel II,1;23)
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"Lovely and pleasant in their lives, in their death they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. " (Samuel II,1;23)
I join the mourning the loss of the seven astronauts who tragically perished aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on Shabbat, Feb. 1, 2003, and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the astronauts.
These courageous American astronauts and their Israeli colleague, Colonel Ilan Ramon, assumed great risks to further the goal of achieving a better life for the people of this planet. Their courage and pioneering spirit are the essence of America and of humanity's march into the future. We shall never forget them. We will always remember their contribution to humanity and science.
We will also never forget Colonel Ilan Ramon, a"h, the first Israeli astronaut who proudly told the world at every opportunity that he was an emissary of Israel and the entire Jewish people. Among the many displays of his attachment to Judaism, it is reported that Col. Ramon e-mailed Israel's President Katzav that he recited the Shema while flying over Jerusalem. May the z'chut of Col. Ramon's proud identification as a Jew and his involvement in so many mitzvot during his last days merit him an honored place in Olam Haba.
Yehi zichro baruch
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