Caring people of all creeds mourn the loss of beautiful Leiby Kletzky, and I too feel a kind of shell shock about this senseless murder (“Tragedy In Borough Park Puts Shomrim Under Scrutiny,” July 22). In reality I know that mentally ill people and child predators do exist. As careful as we are, eventually some snag a precious child. We cannot stop living out of fear of such possibilities.
We take the best proper precautions we can. We try to teach our children to be aware, to find a policeman when they get lost, not to talk to strangers etc. Leiby’s mother did the right thing. She should in no way blame herself.
We all struggle with the wrenching decisions of allowing our children independence and responsibility. I’m going through such a struggle now as my youngest son has begun to drive. I get crazed as I see the flowers and pictures of victims of car accidents along every highway. I question if he his truly ready and mature enough to drive.
At a certain time we must let our children fly and become more independent. This tragedy is truly beyond the pale of every parent’s worst nightmare.
May the family be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Yerushalyiam. May Hashem welcome and cradle Leiby’s neshama (soul) in Gan Eden (Heaven).
West Hempstead, L.I.
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