One the things I’ve been captivated are the growing profiles of the VT victims being posted on the news web sites. On the one hand, it’s heart-wrenching to read about these promising lives cut short. One the other hand, everyone should read it, so that these people are not just a statistic. These were real lives cut short in a moment by a monster. Real people who had plans and hopes for the future. Now gone.

Of course, the most inspiring story is that of Liviu Librescu, a Holocaust survivor (Yom Ha-Shoah was the day before, ironically) who apparently gave his life to save those of his students. I never cease to be awed by the simple courage that dwells in so many of us. I only hope that if, God forbid, I should be in such a situation, I will be as brave.