After a Deadly Anti-Semitic Attack

This prayer was originally written as "For the Jews of France," following violence in Toulouse in 2012. It has since been rewritten and adapted in response to various acts of anti-Semitic terror, tailored to each individual situation. This general-use prayer includes a fill-in-the-blank line so it can be used in the immediate aftermath of such a devastating attack.

After a Deadly Anti-Semitic Attack

Author of life,
Man has turned violent,
Cutting down innocents
Crushing lives,
Upending dreams,
Attacking hope with hatred.

Source and Creator,
Grant a perfect rest under your tabernacle of peace
To the victims of murder in
______________________ (name of city and country)
Whose lives were cut off by violence,
An act of witless aggression
And calculated anti-Semitism.
Remember the survivors of this horror,
And the victims of any violence, suffering or despair.
Grant them shelter and solace,
Comfort and consolation,
Blessing and renewal.
Grant them endurance to survive,
Strength to rebuild,
Faith to mourn,
Courage to heal,
And devotion to each other.

Heavenly Guide,
Hand of love and shelter,
Put an end to anger and hatred,
Bigotry and fear,
And lead us to a time when no one
Suffers at the hand of another.

For the sake of our people,
And for the sake of Your Holy Name,
Grant the Jews of
______________________ (name of country)
Your protection,
Your wholeness and healing,
And Your peace.

Postscript: The prayer “For the Jews of France” is an adaptation of prayers in response to violence in Norway and attacks in Mumbai, which were based on two other prayers, “At the Hand of Violence” and “In Devastation.”

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