It took three days for the Leiby Kletzky Memorial Fund to reach $100K in donations. Just two days later, the amount of the fund, the number of condolence messages to the family, and the number of supporters all have doubled.

As of Sunday evening, the Leiby Kletzky Memorial Fund has received over $200K from over 4,000 individuals. From all over the world, everyone feels the tragic loss of the Kletzky family and wish to participate in the joint campaign of ‘Coping With Grief by Doing Good’. Gifts have come from as far away as Israel, Australia, Russia, South America, Switzerland, and the Arabian Peninsula. Perhaps even more impressive, the gifts have come from donors of all ages, young and old alike, Jews and non-Jews alike. Children have sent in pushka money.  Students have donated money that they earned from running errands. Many elderly people on fixed incomes have also participated.

In a recent statement, the family reiterated their gratitude for the community’s outpouring of support.  “We would like to once again thank all our friends and neighbors; all the selfless volunteers from near and far; local, city, state, and federal agencies; all our fellow New Yorkers …as well as all of G-d’s children around the world who held our dear Leiby in their thoughts and prayers…. We feel that through Leiby we’ve become family with you all.”

The theme of ‘one family’ can be found over and over again in the countless messages and postings in the Book of Condolences. These following are just a few of the thousands of messages received.

“I can offer no words that would ease the horrific pain in your hearts and souls. I, together with many other Israelis’ watched on TV as the NYPD and the entire community looked for your beloved son. And we all saw the anguish in their faces when the grim reality was reported. As a mother of 2 children, I cannot begin to imagine the feeling of the knock on the door, and the dreaded moment when you were told Leiby would not be coming home. Please know in this your most anguish hour of grief you are not alone. We stand with you. My G-d comfort you and may Leiby rest in peace.”

“I’m a 16 year old girl and I recently lost my father. When I heard Leiby was missing it hit me really hard. I felt as if he was my younger brother and I prayed for his return. When I heard Leiby was taken from us, I haven’t been able to sleep at night. Know that your son inspired the whole world to join together in unity, something only special people can achieve. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים”

“My deepest condolences to the parents, especially Leiby’s mother. As a mother of 2 boys, I know what a long, long journey it is for a mother to bring up her baby to be 9 years old. To carry a baby for 9 months, give birth, struggle with sleepless nights, ailments, aches and pains, the first step, first smile, first fall, going from milestone to milestone, cheering with them, crying with them, worrying with them, wearing your heart on your sleeve every moment of the day. These are precious moments etched in our hearts forever. And then, suddenly, cruelly and horribly, your child is snatched from you, and in one second your life is completely and utterly destroyed. I pray that G-d help you find inner strength to cope with this immense tragedy, for the sake of your daughters, your husband and all the others who need you in their lives. I cried for your son, and I cried for your heart that will forever have a piece missing. With deepest sympathy, Carmen Ali from Qatar.”

“Your beautiful child has inspired me to honor him by doing good deeds in his name for the rest of my life. Know that your son will live on in the heart of so many that you do not even know. My deepest condolences to your family from ours”

These messages illustrate the kindness, warmth and concern of people all over the world. To read additional heartfelt messages and/or to contribute to the Leiby Kletzky Memorial Fund, visit www.leibykletzkymemorialfund.com