"I have one big request for you Eliyahu," Miriam said, "when you stand before God, please defend the people of Israel in all its actions."
Hours after she was notified of her son's death, Miriam told Israel Radio, "The pain is great, almost too great to bear. But one thing I feel, despite all this…is that in the wake of disagreements between our brethren, with our different worldviews and different relationships to the land of Israel that creates a lot of conflict, a lot of anger, a lot of argument - many times, I've asked G-d that he should first of all grant me love for everyone in my heart, and … that He should show me the special quality of the nation of Israel, and that I should succeed - that we should all succeed in loving each other…truly from the heart."
Eliyahu Pinchas Asheri's mother Miriam gives us a glimpse into the soul of the mensch who was her son and the source of her strength and courage, even in the face his death at the hands of murdering thugs.
Miriam said it became clear to her during the course of these trials and tribulations, how wonderful Israel really is. She expressed gratitude to all the people who called to offer moral support.
"The help there was… I don't have the words to describe how encouraging [it was]…how everyone was truly so wonderful," she said.
"And I think this was also Eliyahu's way. …Whenever there was a fight, he would always say, 'Stop, everyone should have their place…,' and his way was always one of peace. And I think this is an impetus - god forbid we should ever have such a terrible impetus - but an impetus for true unity between all factions, despite disagreements - and they do exist - but to see the good in the Jewish nation…."
May she be comforted among the mourners of Israel and Zion, and may Eliyahu's memory be for a blessing.
