Israeli terror victim to UNSC: Spread faith, tolerance and love

"I do not hate or support hatred. No amount of frustration justifies hurting another person. With a broken heart we come here today to ask for your help."

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
Updated: APRIL 19, 2016 07:39
Renana Meir at the United Nations (photo credit: UN)
Renana Meir at the United Nations
(photo credit: UN)
Terror victim Natan Meir, whose wife Dafna, 38, was stabbed to death in their home by a Palestinian teenager, urged the United Nations Security Council in New York on Monday to take steps for peace.
“I ask you leaders of the world to spread faith, tolerance and love. These are the fertilizers needed to grow the flower of peace,” Natan said.
He read from a prepared statement in English as he spoke into a microphone set up for a press conferences in front of the UNSC. His words were broadcast by the UN, which posted a video of his statement on its web page.
The father of six described how he had met his wife Dafna on this day, exactly 19 years ago.
“Three months ago, on Sunday, January 17, a 15 year old Palestinian came into my home and stabbed my dear wife to death in front of our children with a knife. In my life I always try to find ways to sanctify life and to practice faith, tolerance and love.
“I believe in my heart that our creator gave the children of Abraham the opportunity to live together in our holy land. I will be patient even if it takes generations.
“In my heart I have love for my Arab neighbors and I know that most of them want to live together in peace in the land that is holy to us.
"I want to say to the international community, let us build bridges instead of tensions. Instead of incitement, let us create love. Politics alone is not enough. Meetings between people, these are things that will lead to peace,” Natan said.
His oldest daughter Renana, 17, also read in English from a prepared statement.
“I never intentionally harmed another person. It never occurred to me to mistreat another human being just because she looks or thinks differently.
“I have never taken out my frustrations on people who have done something to me. I was not raised that way, I was raised to love the other, to respect all people, to love unconditionally and to see each and every person as a human being,” Renana said.
She explained that her mother had been murdered in front of her and her siblings.
“It is hard to express in words how deep the pain is, how unbearable the longing is for my mother and how this longing breaks my heart and soul."
Still, she said, “I do not hate or support hatred. No amount of frustration justifies hurting another person. With a broken heart we come here today to ask for your help. Help us create peace through love and help us all to see that there is good in everyone.”