Sometimes, even as we are overwhelmed with grief over a terrible tragedy, we can still find inspiration and consolation.

Gavriel and Tehilla are students in Shuvu’s school in Lod; he is an 8th grader, she is in 4th grade. They’ve each been in the school since 1st grade, and although their family was completely secular, the youngsters have made great strides in Shemiras Torah and Mitzvos.

Gavriel and Tehilla’s parents divorced years ago and the father had full custody of the children; their biological mother is not at all part of their lives.

The parents eventually remarried, and his new wife loved Gavriel and Tehilla dearly, raising them as her own children. Five years ago, the family grew, as Gavriel and Tehilla’s father and stepmother had a daughter together.

Tragically, this past Shabbos, their parents and their 5 year old daughter were in their car when they were involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The parents were killed instantly, and their young daughter died of her injuries several hours later. Gavriel and Tehilla, however, refused to go in the car for that fateful trip.

For the past while, Shuvu Lod, has been focusing on promoting Shemiras Shabbos through special campaigns and projects, and Gavriel and Tehilla had taken upon themselves to never again set foot in a car on Shabbos.

Although they horrifically lost their father, stepmother, and sister, their own lives were spared through their determination to observe Shabbos.

Of course, Shuvu has brought in professionals to work with Gavriel and Tehilla as well as their classmates. They are also working to ensure that the children will be cared for and raised in an appropriate, loving environment.

Even as we mourn this tragedy we cannot help but be but be stirred by the result of the resolve of two young children to observe Shabbos.

May Hashem comfort these young heroes b’soch sh’ar aveilei Tzion v’Yerushalayim, and may they know no more tzaar.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)