Pnina lost her mother and eldest daughter in a terrorist attack in Jerusalem 

Bereavement is an experience of loneliness. Great loneliness.

One has to avoid using too many words with people, because the feeling is a burden on the listener. A person who hasn’t experienced loss can never step into the shoes of a bereaved person, for whom one day follows another, with no relief for his pain. Time, unfortunately, does not heal. It only teaches one to live with the pain. The memories shoot through you, the loss is as acute as it was on the first day, and it rises up again at events, at festivals, experiences, ceremonies, at parties, and even in the middle of mundane routine.

It’s a scar that accompanies a bereaved person until the end of his life. Hence the constant need to share it, where possible, with those who have enjoyed better fortune but who are still able to listen.

Bereavement is individual. It cannot be compared or calmed within a support group – even with others who have lost the same biological relation.

Everyone has lost a unique world – different in its essence, its nature, its growing up, the depth of its bond with the person who has lost it, and in the experience of its torturous absence.

So I will speak for myself and about myself:

My mother and my daughter were the center of my life. My mother was a sterling character; attentive to me and also to everyone else, with infinite giving and warmth. I miss her each and every day, and especially in times of crisis. My eldest daughter was my greatest pride; the epitome of inner and outer beauty, curious to learn and with sharp understanding.

She was only five years old, but already a talented ballet dancer, and actress. She loved to sing and to express herself, she loved to live.

A budding flower that had begun to sprout petals, showing the world its beauty – and cut down forever.

With their loss, I fell to pieces. I needed huge strength to gather myself up and to continue on the path set down for me by my mother and father: love of the land of Israel and the people of Israel, and taking care of the family.

Daily life turns into a challenge;

No more support, nothing to lean on

But me

Myself.