Today I'm thinking of the mothers of Israel.

The ones who raise little boys and girls who go off to war.

The ones who worry about sending their children to school.

The ones who carry their babies into the bomb shelters.

The ones who cover their children with their bodies on the sides of the road.

The ones who bury their children for the sake of our country.

The ones who demand that their children be brought back home.

The ones who wonder if they will ever see their child again.

The ones who see their children's faces on posters at the bus stop.

The ones who keep cooking and folding in between sirens.

The ones who wash blue soccer jerseys and green uniforms.

The ones who put their children to bed alone every night.

The ones who hush, "Soon, soon..." when they don't have any answers.

Today I'm thinking about the mothers of Israel.

Who sing ancient lullabies,

and weep over their challot,

and whisper over their candles.

Those who bake love into their cookies,

and who give strength with their smiles,

who plan during the unknown,

and get up every morning and try all over again.

The mothers of Israel-

Who live here because they believe we belong here.

Who take deep breaths in front of their children

and scream into their pillows.

Who cry tears of joy and sadness,

and dance anyway when there's a reason to celebrate.

These are the mothers of Israel.

Don't forget them while you are celebrating Mother's Day.

Reach out and let them know that you love them and see them.