Almost eight months ago, three Israeli families found themselves dealing with unimaginable anguish. Their sons were missing, presumed kidnapped. After 18 days of hoping against hope, the bodies of the boys were found and the families buried their sons. So the story might have ended, a tragedy shared by three families. But that’s not how it ended. And the story was never just the story of three families — it was the story of a people.

I’m referring, as you know, to Eyal Yifrah, Gilad Shaer, and Naftali Fraenkel. In every home in Israel and in every corner of the Jewish world, from the moment we learned of the kidnapping to the days and weeks after the boys were found, there was an acute sense of loss. We called them “our boys,” and those were not empty words. In our outrage and grief, Jews of disparate backgrounds found a united voice.

All at once, a new and uplifting story began to emerge. As the families dealt with their grief, they found strength in the overwhelming support shown them. The unity displayed among the Jewish people raised them up, and they in turn sought to harness that sense of unity to raise up the Jewish people.

From a place of courage and gratitude, the families of Eyal, Gilad, and Naftali — together with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and Gesher, and with support from UJA-Federation and others — created the Jerusalem Unity Prize. The award acknowledges the efforts of organizations and individuals in Israel and the diaspora who actively work to advance mutual respect and tolerance throughout Jewish communities and Israeli society. An award ceremony and Jewish Unity Day will take place on June 3rd, the yahrzeit of Eyal, Gilad, and Naftali.

Last night, we welcomed Racheli Fraenkel and Ofir Shaer, along with Mayor Barkat, to learn their story firsthand. We were also joined by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, and Yoni Sherizen of Gesher. In an incredibly poignant conversation moderated by The Forward’s Jane Eisner, the parents spoke of their sons and recalled how the Unity Prize was first conceived during a shiva call, when the mayor came to pay his respects. Racheli called it, “taking the sweet out of the bitter.” Ofir remembered the decision his family made in the midst of their grief: This could be a private family matter and they could shut others out, or they could open their door. And he was so grateful they decided to open their door, because when they did they also opened their hearts and found connections with Jews around the world.

Unity is an elusive concept, and many last night spoke of adding meaning to what can often be an empty slogan. There are many differences in our community that are unlikely to be bridged any time soon. But as Rabbi Lord Sacks observed, “I don’t need you to agree with me; I need you to care about me.” As Ofir put it, “This is about unity, not uniformity.” At UJA-Federation, reversing the fraying bonds between our people is a top priority. There are major common challenges facing our community — and broader society — that we could better address, if only we work together.

These past months have shown us how well we bear each other up in the worst of times. The Jerusalem Unity Prize reminds us to find common ground and raise each other up, not just in crisis — but always.

A younger generation, robbed too soon of three bright lights, depends on us to lead the way.

Shabbat shalom