By KAREN RICE
Rachel Bunin, 19, a Rutgers University student from Lawrence, decided to return to her dorm after lunch, 25 minutes before the bomb detonated in the university cafeteria. Her friend, Janis Coulter, 36, of Brooklyn, assistant director of the office of academic affairs, stayed longer to finish her lunch and was killed in the attack. Bunin and Coulter had arrived in Israel July 30.
On the phone from Israel, Bunin reflected on the chaos surrounding the attack and the realization that someone she knew was killed. "At first, when we first heard the noise, someone told me it was a sonic boom," Bunin said. "Then 10 minutes later I found out it wasn't--that it was a bomb. I had missed it by about 25 minutes. I didn't believe it. That last thing I expected it to be was anyone near me."
Bunin added that she was in a state of shock after the attack and only began to realize its magnitude when she saw the bodies being brought out. "I went outside and it wasn't until I saw the bodies in the body bags that it seemed real," she said. "After that, I lost it--I was crying."
This attack differed from past attacks, according to Governor George Pataki, because the terrorists targeted Americans as well as Israelis. "It has become apparent that five of the murdered are Americans, including one woman from New York City," Pataki said in a printed statement. "The Hebrew University in Israel hosts hundreds of American students every year. The targeting of this site clearly demonstrates the Palestinian leadership's intention to murder not only Israelis, but Americans as well.
Because Americans are becoming targets, many people are unsure if they should continue to travel to Israel or allow their children to go and study there. However, Pataki encouraged Americans, and New Yorkers, to remain strong in the face of terrorists. "The United States and Israel must remain united in the fight against global terror," Pataki said. "Americans must understand that we are targets of the same enemies and that we must stay strong in the face of those who would seek to destroy us."
Despite her frightening experience, Bunin said she will remain in Israel and agreed that staying was the best way she could help. She added that her parents have been very supportive and never once questioned her decision to stay. "I never thought about [coming home] and my parents never brought it up," she said. "I have an attachment to Israel. My parents are very supportive of my decision. I definitely would recommend for people and students to continue to visit and study in Israel. The people are so grateful we are here. Being here is the best way you can help."
Many local rabbis agree that continuing to visit and study in Israel is an extremely positive experience for students and the best way Americans can help fight terrorism.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman Wolowik from the Chabad Center of the Five Towns said he would not give up an opportunity to study in Israel and agreed that going is a good way to defy the terrorists. "I had the merit for a year and a half to study in Israel," Wolowik said. "I would never give it up for anything. I would definitely encourage a student to go and study in Israel. If we stop going to Israel we are doing what those who cause terror want us to do."
Wolowik added that he just returned from a solidarity mission to Israel that went from June 30 to July 9. He said the mission was very successful and another mission is planned for January 15 to 23 of 2003. "Just being there is letting people [in Israel] see they are not alone or neglected," he said. "The shops there are suffering. [Our group] bought out one store and thanks to our shopping, his house was not taken away and he was able to give his seven children food. He was so thankful. The business owners are so appreciative. Also, at what better time should we go to holy sites and pray then in a time of trouble?"
Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum of Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst
said that solidarity is essential at this time and that Americans should support Israel in their time of need. "It behooves us who are of the nation of Israel--it's ours, not only for the citizens who live there--to help out. It's a blow to us all. It's the responsibility of every Jew to stand behind Israel in thick and thin, in good times and in bad times."
Teitelbaum added that he would abet any student considering a year of study in Israel to go but he would understand any student who was afraid. "I would encourage students to go and study in Israel," he said. "By all means, although some may have to choose not to go because they cannot get past [their fear]. If they can't, I understand that. But, I would try to spiritually strengthen and encourage the student--I would try to encourage the young student to overcome their fear, but I would not be critical of a student who cant get over their fear. I can understand--the images from [the terrorist attacks] are horrific."
Rabbi Zev Friedman, the Dean of School at Rosh Mesivta for Rambam Mesivta High School agreed that studying in Israel is a great choice for a student to make but conceded that the student must decide how they feel about going. "The truth is 90 to 95 percent of kids [from the school] go to Israel to study," he said. "There are tremendous benefits to going. My own son went [to Israel] and will be going again soon. However, it's a personal choice and one should consult with family members or rabbinical leaders first. It's an individual choice overall, but going is a very positive thing."
