March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
100$ please let me know how to pay my tribute.
This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Bo Keyslay. We will remember him forever.
From David Goldstein:
Bo Keyslay was my friend. Bo was your friend. He was a friend to everyone he met. People like Bo are usually described as “nice”, as in “Bo is a nice guy”, but Bo was more than nice. He was “kind”, and real kindness is rare. His kindness took many forms. He was caring. He was concerned about the welfare of others. He was slow to anger. He called his mother. The best measure of Bo is that his kindness inspired kindness in others.
Bo was also a man of uncommon integrity. Integrity for many people is measured by not lying or cheating more often than we have to. Bo held himself, and those he worked with, to a higher standard. For Bo, integrity meant doing your best, it meant being true to yourself, it meant honesty and constancy, but above all it meant not remaining silent in the presence of unfairness or injustice. Bo’s commitment to integrity inspired integrity in others.
He was a man who often lived at extremes. When he worked, he worked with intensity and focus. When he played, he played with the same intensity. When he was happy, it was hard to imagine him sad. But when he was sad, I imagine it was hard for him to believe that he would ever be happy.
As a sweet and gentle soul, his kindness made him more vulnerable to the harsh realities of a world that often surrendered to anger, vindictiveness and greed. In a world of friends who loved and admired him, sadness was his one and only enemy.
Bo Keyslay was my friend, and he was my brother, and I loved him for who he was, and for what he taught me: be kind to everyone; demand the best of yourself and others; and don’t forget to call your Mother.
Tributes
Leave a tribute100$ please let me know how to pay my tribute.
December 10, 2022
December 10, 2022
Each year I am reminded of your loss. I have such gratitude for our shared times, the teasing banter, endless discussions, and the raw honesty we shared in difficult times at the end. I have regret for not being able to mitigate the pain you felt in your final call. I imagined future dawns for you as the challenges abated. That was sadly not to be.
You were loved by many.
You were loved by many.
December 3, 2022
December 3, 2022
This is a speech that I will be giving on Dec 14th, one week after the 10th Anniversary of the passing of Boaz and also in commemoration of the students and teachers who died one week later at Sandy Hook Elementary School:
My name is Dan Schwarz and I am honored but also saddened to speak with you today to share my story. I am a psychologist in private practice in Jenkintown and a long-time resident of Ambler. I am a member of congregation Or Hadash and the committee chair of the Or Hadash Gun Violence Prevention and Suicide Prevention Task Force. We have collaborated with Congregation Beth Am and CeaseFire Pa. to participate in this important 10th anniversary commemoration of the Sandy Hook Tragedy. I want to thank Elisa Abeloff and CeaseFirePa. for inviting me to speak tonight.
On the morning of December, 8, 2012, my telephone rang and my father, who lives in Israel, informed me of the tragic news that his wife's 56 year old son, Boaz, had ended his life with a firearm in his home in Houston, Texas. My father and his wife, Leah, were devastated that Boaz would choose to do such a thing. They knew that he was having problems at work and in his relationship with his girlfriend. Leah was inconsolable and they were both in shock and completely grief stricken. The psychological aftermath of this tragedy and loss of life from gun violence are all too common in our country, with gun deaths by suicide accounting for more than 24,000 deaths per year and homicides totaling more than 19,000. Deaths from gun violence impacts predominantly on those left behind to struggle with feelings of guilt, trauma and so many unanswered questions. My father and Leah continue to struggle with Boaz’s untimely death. Then, less then one week later, on December 14, 2012, the tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, CT. plunged the country into a collective feeling of confusion, loss and grief. The unthinkable tragedy of Newtown has now been brought up again with the loss of children’s and teacher’s lives nearly ten years after Newtown in Uvalde, Texas. After numerous mass shootings and now hundreds of thousands of suicides, more than half from firearms, we are continuing to be confronted as a society and country with the ongoing scourge of gun violence, death, injury and suffering. It can often feel overwhelming.
Since Boaz’s death and Sandy Hook exactly ten years ago today, I have devoted much of my time and energy trying to address the issue of gun violence prevention and suicide prevention. Today, more than ever, after the Nov 13 shooting at the University of Virginia, Nov 19th Colorado Springs shooting at an LGBT nightclub, a Walmart in Chesapeke Virginia on Nov 22 at a Walmart, Uvalde, Buffalo, Boulder, Orlando, Parkland, Las Vegas, Aurora, Waffle House, San Bernardino, Odessa, Poway Synagogue, Sutherland Springs, Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg, Tulsa, and shootings that are taking place on a daily basis in Philadelphia, and on and on. The daily cases of firearm homicides, suicides, not to mention accidental firearm injuries and deaths, gun violence has taken center stage in my mind. My personal loss and the ongoing reality of thousands of deaths and injuries per year to suicide and gun related violence must be addressed. This is why we are gathered here together tonight to do what we can to cry out for change. The loss of life from gun related deaths in the United States is staggering to consider, over 45,000 just last year. Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed with guns. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in America and the rate of youth suicide is increasing. Every month, an average of 70 women in the US are shot and killed by an inmate partner, and many more are shot and wounded. 4.6 million children in the US live in homes with guns that are both loaded and unlocked. Minority communities and neighborhoods are reeling from the frequency of gun violence. Our inner cities are often like war zones. Last year there were 562 homicides in our city. The vast majority – 506 people – were lost to gun violence. We are on a similar pace this year.
My step-brother’s death, combined with the tragedy of Sandy Hook, other mass shootings, suicides and my own clients descriptions of severe grief over the loss of loved ones from gun violence and suicide threw me over an emotional tipping point. I need to do something to try to cope with my own personal and collective loss and bring others together to talk about what we can do to make a difference regarding gun violence and gun safety.
I have come to learn about local, state and national organizations that are working hard every day to address gun violence on a number of levels. This includes organizations like CeaseFirePa. and Soul Shot, Mom’s Demand Action, Heeding God’s Call and many other organizations all working daily to address the issue of gun violence and suicide. I want to highlight just a few.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a great brochure that is a collaboration with the National Shooting Sports Foundation entitled Firearms and Suicide Prevention. It is available here and on-line. It highlights the importance of suicide risk factors, warning signs, and gun safety, including using gun locks and other means of safe storage. The brochure can be placed in gun shops and ranges and taken to gun shows. Many of the tables here have free gun locks for you to take today.
The Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force has sent literature including individual and group support in our county for loss survivors. This Task Force provides free suicide prevention training for teens and adults called Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR). QPR has been provided by the Montco Task Force to school districts, scouts, churches and synagogues and also more recently to 150 people in gun shops and gun ranges through an organization called Hold My Guns. Over the past ten years, I have learned the importance of collaborating with the firearm owning community regarding issues of mental health awareness, suicide prevention training and gun safety. This cannot be overstated. Anyone interested in having a QPR trainor present this suicide prevention program QPR can take a flier or contact the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force. The Veterans Administration has sent information on gun safety as well. We know that Veterans are at higher risk of suicide than the general population.
Mom’s Demand Action has the great program Be Smart. The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths, suicide, and injuries.
I also want to raise the Safe2Say Something Program that we have in Pennsylvania. It was introduced in January of 2019 and is an app available to all students, teachers and parents. Safe2Say Something PA is an anonymous PA school safety reporting system that accepts tips from students, parents, educators, and/or concerned community members on matters ranging from violence, suicide, guns, drugs, and threatening behavior to bullying, cyberbullying and other acts of victimization that impact students K-12 across the entire state of Pennsylvania. The Safe2Say Something PA app created by the parents who lost children at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Sandy Hook Promise. Safe2Say something allows you to submit secure & anonymous safety concerns (“tips”) to a 24/7 Crisis Center. The Crisis Center triages and then forwards the tip to the appropriate school official and, when needed, to local law enforcement (through 911 dispatch). The purpose of the reporting system is to provide intervention and assistance for individuals at-risk of hurting themselves or others through violence or other potentially harmful actions.
The Soul Shot Art Exhibition, which is coming to Beth Am at the end of the month, is a project that links fine artists with families or friends of victims of gun violence. The artists meet with the victims' loved ones to learn about the lives they lived. The goal is to present diverse works that in some way relay graphically, or through narrative, the essence of the person being portrayed. I am proud that one of our Or Hadash congregants, Wendy Eliot Vandevier, a local fine artist has a portrait in this years Soul Shot exhibition.
The Soul Shot mission is to bring attention to and memorialize the lives lost and tragically altered due to gun violence. Portraits have the unique ability to call out the souls and profoundly affect those who see them.
Souls Shot hopes that this project will continue to bring some joy and peace to the families and friends of victims and, by bringing attention to the scourge of gun violence in this way, be a call to action to all who see them.
Heeding Gods Call is an important faith based organization. Heeding God’s Call has created and developed a uniquely grassroots and faith based approach to gun violence prevention.
Finally, I am so pleased that Or Hadash has joined our newly formed coalition of synagogues. This event tonight is a reflection of our efforts to reach out to our community partners and legislators. Our coalition is in the midst of creating a mission statement and is continuing to develop important relationships to learn about effective gun violence prevention programs in our cities that we can endorse. This is especially important in light of new federal and state funding that is being directed towards these kinds of programs designed to keep our streets, schools and communities safer.
We are all here tonight, on this 10th Anniversary of Sandy Hook, to remember the victims, to honor their memory and to lend our voices throughout our community to end gun violence and to promote safety in our communities. It is heartening to know that there have been so many other events taking place throughout Pa. and our country and that our community voices are rising together today with those throughout our country. Our voices cry out that we need to make changes and that we will not stop this important work of raising awareness, educating, communicating, collaborating, sharing and doing everything we can to bring hope that the scourge of gun violence will continue to be addressed in meaningful ways. Our leaders and legislators will continue to hear from us through rallys and events like tonight, letter writing campaigns, fundraising and voting for those who will endorse the needed changes in our laws regarding gun violence and suicide prevention. until effective changes take place
I can think of no better way to remember my step-brother Boaz and the innocent vicitms of Sandy Hook, then to join with you tonight and to continue this important work.
Thank You
My name is Dan Schwarz and I am honored but also saddened to speak with you today to share my story. I am a psychologist in private practice in Jenkintown and a long-time resident of Ambler. I am a member of congregation Or Hadash and the committee chair of the Or Hadash Gun Violence Prevention and Suicide Prevention Task Force. We have collaborated with Congregation Beth Am and CeaseFire Pa. to participate in this important 10th anniversary commemoration of the Sandy Hook Tragedy. I want to thank Elisa Abeloff and CeaseFirePa. for inviting me to speak tonight.
On the morning of December, 8, 2012, my telephone rang and my father, who lives in Israel, informed me of the tragic news that his wife's 56 year old son, Boaz, had ended his life with a firearm in his home in Houston, Texas. My father and his wife, Leah, were devastated that Boaz would choose to do such a thing. They knew that he was having problems at work and in his relationship with his girlfriend. Leah was inconsolable and they were both in shock and completely grief stricken. The psychological aftermath of this tragedy and loss of life from gun violence are all too common in our country, with gun deaths by suicide accounting for more than 24,000 deaths per year and homicides totaling more than 19,000. Deaths from gun violence impacts predominantly on those left behind to struggle with feelings of guilt, trauma and so many unanswered questions. My father and Leah continue to struggle with Boaz’s untimely death. Then, less then one week later, on December 14, 2012, the tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, CT. plunged the country into a collective feeling of confusion, loss and grief. The unthinkable tragedy of Newtown has now been brought up again with the loss of children’s and teacher’s lives nearly ten years after Newtown in Uvalde, Texas. After numerous mass shootings and now hundreds of thousands of suicides, more than half from firearms, we are continuing to be confronted as a society and country with the ongoing scourge of gun violence, death, injury and suffering. It can often feel overwhelming.
Since Boaz’s death and Sandy Hook exactly ten years ago today, I have devoted much of my time and energy trying to address the issue of gun violence prevention and suicide prevention. Today, more than ever, after the Nov 13 shooting at the University of Virginia, Nov 19th Colorado Springs shooting at an LGBT nightclub, a Walmart in Chesapeke Virginia on Nov 22 at a Walmart, Uvalde, Buffalo, Boulder, Orlando, Parkland, Las Vegas, Aurora, Waffle House, San Bernardino, Odessa, Poway Synagogue, Sutherland Springs, Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg, Tulsa, and shootings that are taking place on a daily basis in Philadelphia, and on and on. The daily cases of firearm homicides, suicides, not to mention accidental firearm injuries and deaths, gun violence has taken center stage in my mind. My personal loss and the ongoing reality of thousands of deaths and injuries per year to suicide and gun related violence must be addressed. This is why we are gathered here together tonight to do what we can to cry out for change. The loss of life from gun related deaths in the United States is staggering to consider, over 45,000 just last year. Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed with guns. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in America and the rate of youth suicide is increasing. Every month, an average of 70 women in the US are shot and killed by an inmate partner, and many more are shot and wounded. 4.6 million children in the US live in homes with guns that are both loaded and unlocked. Minority communities and neighborhoods are reeling from the frequency of gun violence. Our inner cities are often like war zones. Last year there were 562 homicides in our city. The vast majority – 506 people – were lost to gun violence. We are on a similar pace this year.
My step-brother’s death, combined with the tragedy of Sandy Hook, other mass shootings, suicides and my own clients descriptions of severe grief over the loss of loved ones from gun violence and suicide threw me over an emotional tipping point. I need to do something to try to cope with my own personal and collective loss and bring others together to talk about what we can do to make a difference regarding gun violence and gun safety.
I have come to learn about local, state and national organizations that are working hard every day to address gun violence on a number of levels. This includes organizations like CeaseFirePa. and Soul Shot, Mom’s Demand Action, Heeding God’s Call and many other organizations all working daily to address the issue of gun violence and suicide. I want to highlight just a few.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a great brochure that is a collaboration with the National Shooting Sports Foundation entitled Firearms and Suicide Prevention. It is available here and on-line. It highlights the importance of suicide risk factors, warning signs, and gun safety, including using gun locks and other means of safe storage. The brochure can be placed in gun shops and ranges and taken to gun shows. Many of the tables here have free gun locks for you to take today.
The Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force has sent literature including individual and group support in our county for loss survivors. This Task Force provides free suicide prevention training for teens and adults called Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR). QPR has been provided by the Montco Task Force to school districts, scouts, churches and synagogues and also more recently to 150 people in gun shops and gun ranges through an organization called Hold My Guns. Over the past ten years, I have learned the importance of collaborating with the firearm owning community regarding issues of mental health awareness, suicide prevention training and gun safety. This cannot be overstated. Anyone interested in having a QPR trainor present this suicide prevention program QPR can take a flier or contact the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force. The Veterans Administration has sent information on gun safety as well. We know that Veterans are at higher risk of suicide than the general population.
Mom’s Demand Action has the great program Be Smart. The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths, suicide, and injuries.
I also want to raise the Safe2Say Something Program that we have in Pennsylvania. It was introduced in January of 2019 and is an app available to all students, teachers and parents. Safe2Say Something PA is an anonymous PA school safety reporting system that accepts tips from students, parents, educators, and/or concerned community members on matters ranging from violence, suicide, guns, drugs, and threatening behavior to bullying, cyberbullying and other acts of victimization that impact students K-12 across the entire state of Pennsylvania. The Safe2Say Something PA app created by the parents who lost children at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Sandy Hook Promise. Safe2Say something allows you to submit secure & anonymous safety concerns (“tips”) to a 24/7 Crisis Center. The Crisis Center triages and then forwards the tip to the appropriate school official and, when needed, to local law enforcement (through 911 dispatch). The purpose of the reporting system is to provide intervention and assistance for individuals at-risk of hurting themselves or others through violence or other potentially harmful actions.
The Soul Shot Art Exhibition, which is coming to Beth Am at the end of the month, is a project that links fine artists with families or friends of victims of gun violence. The artists meet with the victims' loved ones to learn about the lives they lived. The goal is to present diverse works that in some way relay graphically, or through narrative, the essence of the person being portrayed. I am proud that one of our Or Hadash congregants, Wendy Eliot Vandevier, a local fine artist has a portrait in this years Soul Shot exhibition.
The Soul Shot mission is to bring attention to and memorialize the lives lost and tragically altered due to gun violence. Portraits have the unique ability to call out the souls and profoundly affect those who see them.
Souls Shot hopes that this project will continue to bring some joy and peace to the families and friends of victims and, by bringing attention to the scourge of gun violence in this way, be a call to action to all who see them.
Heeding Gods Call is an important faith based organization. Heeding God’s Call has created and developed a uniquely grassroots and faith based approach to gun violence prevention.
Finally, I am so pleased that Or Hadash has joined our newly formed coalition of synagogues. This event tonight is a reflection of our efforts to reach out to our community partners and legislators. Our coalition is in the midst of creating a mission statement and is continuing to develop important relationships to learn about effective gun violence prevention programs in our cities that we can endorse. This is especially important in light of new federal and state funding that is being directed towards these kinds of programs designed to keep our streets, schools and communities safer.
We are all here tonight, on this 10th Anniversary of Sandy Hook, to remember the victims, to honor their memory and to lend our voices throughout our community to end gun violence and to promote safety in our communities. It is heartening to know that there have been so many other events taking place throughout Pa. and our country and that our community voices are rising together today with those throughout our country. Our voices cry out that we need to make changes and that we will not stop this important work of raising awareness, educating, communicating, collaborating, sharing and doing everything we can to bring hope that the scourge of gun violence will continue to be addressed in meaningful ways. Our leaders and legislators will continue to hear from us through rallys and events like tonight, letter writing campaigns, fundraising and voting for those who will endorse the needed changes in our laws regarding gun violence and suicide prevention. until effective changes take place
I can think of no better way to remember my step-brother Boaz and the innocent vicitms of Sandy Hook, then to join with you tonight and to continue this important work.
Thank You
November 29, 2022
November 29, 2022
My Tribute will be $100 one Hundred dollars
December 8, 2021
December 8, 2021
I would like to give a Tribute of $200
for ever missed in memorial of Boaz Keyslay
Let me know if I need to write again.
Thank you
Leah Schwarz
for ever missed in memorial of Boaz Keyslay
Let me know if I need to write again.
Thank you
Leah Schwarz
December 7, 2021
December 7, 2021
Dear Leah, time is going so fast, a lot is changing but the memories of you and Boaz remain and life and business lessons from him are helping me through. Health and peace to you.
December 7, 2021
December 7, 2021
This morning as I was driving to work, Bo came to my mind, I remembered the boy I met in forth grade and how cute and kind he was. We spent some time together in school and after school that year and then he left. We met again briefly a few years later when he came to visit in Israel. We were 15 and had a great time and then he left again. Through the years I often wondered how he was doing. I wish I could have met him again as an adult, I would have loved to get to know him again. I am sad that he is gone but feel blessed to have met him and spend time with him. My thought are with the family.
December 6, 2021
December 6, 2021
My Dearest son.
Nine years gone by, and I miss you so much.
They say that time is a healer, how wrong they are.
I still imagine how life could be for you, and for me.
I am surrounded with photos of yours, looking at them
and reliving the happiness of those days, the laughter
we share and the stories we told each other. the shopping we did, and the show houses we went to visit together, the movies we have seen.
Where are those days?
Tomorrow the 7th of December 2021 I am going to be with you
siting in front of your grave lighting a candle changing the flowers and asking Why? I certainly know the answers.
Rest in peace my beloved son.
With love that will never end
Mum
Nine years gone by, and I miss you so much.
They say that time is a healer, how wrong they are.
I still imagine how life could be for you, and for me.
I am surrounded with photos of yours, looking at them
and reliving the happiness of those days, the laughter
we share and the stories we told each other. the shopping we did, and the show houses we went to visit together, the movies we have seen.
Where are those days?
Tomorrow the 7th of December 2021 I am going to be with you
siting in front of your grave lighting a candle changing the flowers and asking Why? I certainly know the answers.
Rest in peace my beloved son.
With love that will never end
Mum
December 7, 2020
December 7, 2020
My dearest Boaz,
Friday night, December 7th 2012 eight years gone by, I have written many
pages of our memories together, all of a sudden somehow many of the pages disappeared, how did it happened? was it a sign from you?
to stope my tears, to tell me "Mum, stope writing, stope crying"
I am looking now at a beautiful photo of us, dancing at my wedding,
with Michael , you hold me tight, with a smile of bashfulness that is so characteristic of you, we were dancing and tears of happiness on both our faces, you try to comfort me and said "all is o.k. Mum"
Is it my dearest Boaz, when I miss you so!
If there is love in the world, this love is always with you, from all who
knew you, from so many that you have touched they will remember you
for ever.
Rest in peace my beloved.
Your loving Mum
Friday night, December 7th 2012 eight years gone by, I have written many
pages of our memories together, all of a sudden somehow many of the pages disappeared, how did it happened? was it a sign from you?
to stope my tears, to tell me "Mum, stope writing, stope crying"
I am looking now at a beautiful photo of us, dancing at my wedding,
with Michael , you hold me tight, with a smile of bashfulness that is so characteristic of you, we were dancing and tears of happiness on both our faces, you try to comfort me and said "all is o.k. Mum"
Is it my dearest Boaz, when I miss you so!
If there is love in the world, this love is always with you, from all who
knew you, from so many that you have touched they will remember you
for ever.
Rest in peace my beloved.
Your loving Mum
December 7, 2020
December 7, 2020
Dear Leah and Michael,
Bo was a good friend. As you know we spent much time together celebrating birthdays, playing many, many rounds of golf, at dinners and even with you two when you were here in Houston. We loved his company and included him in family gatherings for all those years. Our hope is that you can find peace in this life. With much love, Ron and Margarita Farmer
Bo was a good friend. As you know we spent much time together celebrating birthdays, playing many, many rounds of golf, at dinners and even with you two when you were here in Houston. We loved his company and included him in family gatherings for all those years. Our hope is that you can find peace in this life. With much love, Ron and Margarita Farmer
December 7, 2019
December 7, 2019
Since your passing, Boaz I have been made more aware of the issue of gun violence prevention and survivors to suicide loss. Combined with the epidemic of gun violence in our country and since your passing seven years ago, I have devoted a great deal of my time to address advocacy efforts to save lives. I am now a member of the Governor of Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Task Force and am working to provide recommendations for prevention initiatives in our state.
The impact of your passing, Boaz continues to be felt and efforts for positive change will go on through my efforts and many others..
The impact of your passing, Boaz continues to be felt and efforts for positive change will go on through my efforts and many others..
March 2, 2019
March 2, 2019
My dearest Boaz
Today 2nd of March 2019 it is your birthday .
How could I celebrate the day? You are far away
in another world I can not reach.
I close my eyes and with my vivid imagination
created a celebration for the two of us.
You are dressed as always so handsomely, your smile
shine your happy face. You found happiness,
you found success, and you found tranquility,
and I shared all this wonderful emotions with you.
The picture was perfect.
And then it all disappeared, and reality hit me.
Today I need you more then ever, and I know in my heart
that you would be with me if only you could.
Rest in peace my dearest son.
Your loving Mum
Today 2nd of March 2019 it is your birthday .
How could I celebrate the day? You are far away
in another world I can not reach.
I close my eyes and with my vivid imagination
created a celebration for the two of us.
You are dressed as always so handsomely, your smile
shine your happy face. You found happiness,
you found success, and you found tranquility,
and I shared all this wonderful emotions with you.
The picture was perfect.
And then it all disappeared, and reality hit me.
Today I need you more then ever, and I know in my heart
that you would be with me if only you could.
Rest in peace my dearest son.
Your loving Mum
December 6, 2018
December 6, 2018
My Dearest Boaz,
Today, Friday night 6 years ago I got a telephone call after lighting the Shabbat candles, the call was from Houston, from that moment on my life changed.
Every Friday the horror repeat itself.
Time does not matter, a year or 6 or 60, there is a void in my heart and dark emptiness' I muss you so.
You are with me where ever I go, when traveling to far away places, or just stay home living life, I imagine your reactions to the wonders I see, and hear your thoughts to new discoveries I experienced, like we have a conversation together.
When you arrived in my dreams, I want to hold it, but it is only a dream, disappear like a cloud in the sky.
What comfort me is our past togetherness, and the real happy memories we shared.
Rest in peace my dearest Boaz.
Your loving Mum
December 2018
Today, Friday night 6 years ago I got a telephone call after lighting the Shabbat candles, the call was from Houston, from that moment on my life changed.
Every Friday the horror repeat itself.
Time does not matter, a year or 6 or 60, there is a void in my heart and dark emptiness' I muss you so.
You are with me where ever I go, when traveling to far away places, or just stay home living life, I imagine your reactions to the wonders I see, and hear your thoughts to new discoveries I experienced, like we have a conversation together.
When you arrived in my dreams, I want to hold it, but it is only a dream, disappear like a cloud in the sky.
What comfort me is our past togetherness, and the real happy memories we shared.
Rest in peace my dearest Boaz.
Your loving Mum
December 2018
March 1, 2017
March 1, 2017
My dearest Boaz.
Tomorrow 2nd of March your 61st Birthday. It could be a day of celebration, but you are not here with us for the past five years to celebrate. The pain is there, and memories are so vivid. Time does not heal, I miss you so, it hurts .I wanted to write you a poem but I can not find words that suit my feelings. So I read all the poems they have sent me, poems of love for you, Boaz it was worth living for!
I took my big file and start reading some of the letters I have received from around the world, and there I found comfort for a little while.
I have learned about real friendship you had," about love that you shared that brought kindness, humanity, and great hugs!" how I miss your hugs too!.
Another good friend wrote: "Bo was a better athlete then me, a faster skier and a better golfer by far. and we had such good time and great memories together".
I know you were seeking the key for happiness and success.
You worked hard to find both.
Rest in peace my dearest beloved son on your 61st Birthday.
Your loving Mum
Tomorrow 2nd of March your 61st Birthday. It could be a day of celebration, but you are not here with us for the past five years to celebrate. The pain is there, and memories are so vivid. Time does not heal, I miss you so, it hurts .I wanted to write you a poem but I can not find words that suit my feelings. So I read all the poems they have sent me, poems of love for you, Boaz it was worth living for!
I took my big file and start reading some of the letters I have received from around the world, and there I found comfort for a little while.
I have learned about real friendship you had," about love that you shared that brought kindness, humanity, and great hugs!" how I miss your hugs too!.
Another good friend wrote: "Bo was a better athlete then me, a faster skier and a better golfer by far. and we had such good time and great memories together".
I know you were seeking the key for happiness and success.
You worked hard to find both.
Rest in peace my dearest beloved son on your 61st Birthday.
Your loving Mum
December 9, 2016
December 9, 2016
My dearest,
I found more photos from our last cruise, photos that remind me of a whole life we shared, photos that brought to life conversation we had, photos of many happy moments, photos of us growing older, photos that telling me about your life when I was far.
photos and memories that is all what remain.
Rest in peace my dearest Boaz.
Your loving Mum
I found more photos from our last cruise, photos that remind me of a whole life we shared, photos that brought to life conversation we had, photos of many happy moments, photos of us growing older, photos that telling me about your life when I was far.
photos and memories that is all what remain.
Rest in peace my dearest Boaz.
Your loving Mum
December 7, 2016
December 7, 2016
Our birthdays were close together and so I remembered you were 60, as I now am, but you will never grow old as the rest of us do, as I am . Your smile remains young, and so do the memories. Thinking of you and more especially your Mum xx
March 3, 2016
March 3, 2016
My Dearest,
How can I write Happy 60th Birthday which was yesterday March 2nd.
How can I celebrate your birthday and you are not with us?
But I did, and I can. I have imagined your 60th birthday, and
how it could be if you were with us. New life in every aspect.
I have celebrated your day with all your friends that written to me from all over, and they all remember the date. There is so much love for you,
No day shall erase you from memory of time.
you are missed and you are in my heart till the end of days.
Happy Birthday my love.
Mum
How can I write Happy 60th Birthday which was yesterday March 2nd.
How can I celebrate your birthday and you are not with us?
But I did, and I can. I have imagined your 60th birthday, and
how it could be if you were with us. New life in every aspect.
I have celebrated your day with all your friends that written to me from all over, and they all remember the date. There is so much love for you,
No day shall erase you from memory of time.
you are missed and you are in my heart till the end of days.
Happy Birthday my love.
Mum
December 7, 2015
December 7, 2015
You and your mom are on my mind. I wish I knew any way to ease her pain. You are greatly missed. Rest in peace, Boaz.
December 7, 2015
December 7, 2015
Missing you still........I thought of you the other day, for no reason you popped into my mind, and you made me smile, as you always did. I just read your mothers tribute and it made me sad, As a mother myself, and of sons, I totally understand her sentiments, but I know you would want to say, please don't feel guilty , even if you were there , the outcome may still have been the same...just possibly delayed. In situations such as this , we all wish we could have saved you, helped, done something, but your Mum most of all.....I feel so sad for her and have such empathy ......I will keep her in my thoughts xx
December 7, 2015
December 7, 2015
My dearest Boaz,
No day shall erase you from memory of time.
Today, December 7th 2015, three years since you left us.
They tell me that with time it will be easier. It is so hard, I miss you so much, where ever you are you must feel it.
I live with gilt every day why wasn't I at your side at those hard time, isn't it what mothers do?!
Forgive me my dearest that I did not cross the oceans and be with you.
We came back from the cemetery, your name is engraved in the cold stone, and flowers is all around. We sit and hold hands and speak of you, what if... and we create new life for you if only...
All your friends are in touch. They all write and call and remember.
This morning one of your close friends have written:
"The lights of Hannuka candels remind me of Bo smile"
Their kind words, and the stories they tell me easing the pain.
Another close friend of mine, write this morning: "You must know that you need to make the most of each day before the present becomes past". I am trying my dear friend.
Rest in peace dearest Boaz.
With endless love,
Mum
No day shall erase you from memory of time.
Today, December 7th 2015, three years since you left us.
They tell me that with time it will be easier. It is so hard, I miss you so much, where ever you are you must feel it.
I live with gilt every day why wasn't I at your side at those hard time, isn't it what mothers do?!
Forgive me my dearest that I did not cross the oceans and be with you.
We came back from the cemetery, your name is engraved in the cold stone, and flowers is all around. We sit and hold hands and speak of you, what if... and we create new life for you if only...
All your friends are in touch. They all write and call and remember.
This morning one of your close friends have written:
"The lights of Hannuka candels remind me of Bo smile"
Their kind words, and the stories they tell me easing the pain.
Another close friend of mine, write this morning: "You must know that you need to make the most of each day before the present becomes past". I am trying my dear friend.
Rest in peace dearest Boaz.
With endless love,
Mum
February 12, 2015
February 12, 2015
I had the fortune of having Bo as my boss for a couple of years. His integrity and work ethic inspired me then and continues to inspire me now. I had the chance to go to London on a business trip in 2004 and he patiently took me around the city and made the trip memorable. I am deeply saddened about his passing.
December 8, 2014
December 8, 2014
I think of you, Boaz, often, did through the years, though we didn't keep in touch, and always will. Rest in peace.
December 7, 2014
December 7, 2014
You are remembered and missed...
December 7, 2014
December 7, 2014
Some very fond memories of some really happy times, keeping you in my thoughts x Kim
January 11, 2014
January 11, 2014
I am so sad to find out about Boaz passing. We were friends in elementary school and I will always remember how special he was.
January 10, 2014
January 10, 2014
I'm so sad to hear that his life ended so prematurely!
His laughter will always stay with me!
His laughter will always stay with me!
December 10, 2013
December 10, 2013
The date may change but the pain remains. Shalom x
December 8, 2013
December 8, 2013
A year has past and my memory of you is still as vibrant as you were in life. I feel incredibly blessed to have known you, to have been a part of your life even for the short time I did. I see the friends and family you left behind and am not surprised by their tributes - it speaks volumes... you were a remarkable and kind man - a man admired and respected by all. You are safe and I know you are happy. Bo - quirky, mischevious, charming, considerate to a fault, your generous spirit, compassion.... the world was a better place having had you in it :) I miss you!!
December 7, 2013
December 7, 2013
Boaz is forever in our thoughts We will always have special memories of our great times as part of our family we all love and miss you May you always rest peacefully
December 7, 2013
December 7, 2013
I think of my life now, bisected, into "before December 7, 2012" and "after December 7, 2012". Everyone who knew him was caught up in the wake of his suicide. Some of us were severely battered by it, while others of us were merely jostled. We were all disoriented and it has taken time to adjust. We move on--yet I live with much of him every day, surrounded by items that we purchased together, a constant gentle reminder to think of him. Less each day, yet still in my head. One day he will tell me why I was left with the spectacular horror of that morning, December 7 2012. Until then, I remember...but move on.
December 7, 2013
December 7, 2013
At dawn yesterday at ChampionsGate golf course in Florida, as the hot air balloons rose up in the dawn light, I couldn't help but think you were missing out on a great course to play. Peace be yours, Bo.
December 30, 2012
December 30, 2012
My dearest Leah, how very devastated i was to learn about your sweet Boaz; my memories are so very clear and sharp,the many great times in Malta and in London and Miami. He was one of lives truly good souls,and like all good souls found the reality of this World too harsh;Rest in peace sweet Bo, knowing you will be deeply missed by so many people whose lives you touched. Shalom my friend.
December 27, 2012
December 27, 2012
I am so sad that Boaz is no longer with us But he will remain in our hearts forever. Our family new boaz first in Malta then in London..We watched him fly his beloved family nest and make his new life in USA. We are all heartbroken for Raffi and Leah and Michael . May he always rest in peace Our thoughts are with with you all Love always The entire Rhodes Family London
December 16, 2012
December 16, 2012
12-13-12
Bo Keyslay:
I wonder if some friendships are simply meant to be, preordained somehow. It seems that my meeting Bo was one of those. We met in the early 90’s at a self-help seminar here in Houston back when we were both actively seeking the keys to success and happiness. Do we ever really stop? Bo sat to my right during a break and a casual conversation lead to a twenty-year friendsh
Bo Keyslay:
I wonder if some friendships are simply meant to be, preordained somehow. It seems that my meeting Bo was one of those. We met in the early 90’s at a self-help seminar here in Houston back when we were both actively seeking the keys to success and happiness. Do we ever really stop? Bo sat to my right during a break and a casual conversation lead to a twenty-year friendsh
December 16, 2012
December 16, 2012
I cannot hope to match the eloquence of expression of those preceding me; but we had many adventures and personal trials over a period of 30 years. What brought him to this choice of a permanent solution to a temporary problem was out of character with the recollection that I treasure; he was exuberant, irrepressible, all in all the time; he was my other son and I shall miss him.
December 15, 2012
December 15, 2012
Boaz, If I could only be there for you in your darkest hour! Your charisma was irresistible, your drive and energy behind your ideas were contagious, your style and manners were impressive, your love for technology - limitless, your lessons in business and life became invaluable to me. You were and will be greatly missed and never forgotten. May you rest in peace.
December 10, 2012
December 10, 2012
Oh, Bo - not nearly enough time with you! Even with as little time as we had you are terribly missed. You were a good man, and I am blessed to have had even this little amount of time to work with you and get to know you. .Rest in peace my friend - Jamie
December 10, 2012
December 10, 2012
Bo, your passion, commitment to excellence and to team members raised the energy level of our workplace. Your kindness and sense of humor made you a joy to work with, to be with. I am forever blessed by your friendship.
Peace be upon you! KimE
Peace be upon you! KimE
December 10, 2012
December 10, 2012
Bo your determination and focus will be missed. You were such a gentleman and I will always remember how you went out of your way to help me make my meeting when I could hardly walk with my busted ankle.
That kindness and humor you showed me will always be in my heart when I think of you. Michele
That kindness and humor you showed me will always be in my heart when I think of you. Michele
December 10, 2012
December 10, 2012
I just reconnected with Bo, after several years absence. On Nov. 23, he texted "We need to get together for some quality time. How is your next week?" I was traveling, so set it for Dec. 10. I will forever regret that I didn't move that date up, because even 5 minutes with Bo was always a blessing. I will miss our future golf games, talks and new times with my friend. Rest in peace, Bo
December 10, 2012
December 10, 2012
Bo- You touched many lives and your smile and laugh will live on with all of us. I know you are finally at peace. Safe journey my friend. You will be missed.
December 10, 2012
December 10, 2012
Bo, a very close friend & business partner of over 25 years. A man of integrity, elegance, compassion, and humility. Clearly one of my absolutely revered and cherished friends in the world.I have so many wonderful memories of Bo. My life was better with Bo in it. I miss him terribly and I know the same is true for the many who love him. I know I do! Rest in peace my dear friend! -John
December 10, 2012
December 10, 2012
Bo has been a dear and loved friend for 13 yrs - Our time together involved playing golf, doing business and enjoying good food as well as great conversations about life. I am sad and hurt that Bo will no longer be with us on this earth. I know he is at peace now and no longer has to deal with the challenges that faced him but I know we could have worked it out given the chance. Miss you
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
100$ please let me know how to pay my tribute.
December 10, 2022
December 10, 2022
Each year I am reminded of your loss. I have such gratitude for our shared times, the teasing banter, endless discussions, and the raw honesty we shared in difficult times at the end. I have regret for not being able to mitigate the pain you felt in your final call. I imagined future dawns for you as the challenges abated. That was sadly not to be.
You were loved by many.
You were loved by many.
December 3, 2022
December 3, 2022
This is a speech that I will be giving on Dec 14th, one week after the 10th Anniversary of the passing of Boaz and also in commemoration of the students and teachers who died one week later at Sandy Hook Elementary School:
My name is Dan Schwarz and I am honored but also saddened to speak with you today to share my story. I am a psychologist in private practice in Jenkintown and a long-time resident of Ambler. I am a member of congregation Or Hadash and the committee chair of the Or Hadash Gun Violence Prevention and Suicide Prevention Task Force. We have collaborated with Congregation Beth Am and CeaseFire Pa. to participate in this important 10th anniversary commemoration of the Sandy Hook Tragedy. I want to thank Elisa Abeloff and CeaseFirePa. for inviting me to speak tonight.
On the morning of December, 8, 2012, my telephone rang and my father, who lives in Israel, informed me of the tragic news that his wife's 56 year old son, Boaz, had ended his life with a firearm in his home in Houston, Texas. My father and his wife, Leah, were devastated that Boaz would choose to do such a thing. They knew that he was having problems at work and in his relationship with his girlfriend. Leah was inconsolable and they were both in shock and completely grief stricken. The psychological aftermath of this tragedy and loss of life from gun violence are all too common in our country, with gun deaths by suicide accounting for more than 24,000 deaths per year and homicides totaling more than 19,000. Deaths from gun violence impacts predominantly on those left behind to struggle with feelings of guilt, trauma and so many unanswered questions. My father and Leah continue to struggle with Boaz’s untimely death. Then, less then one week later, on December 14, 2012, the tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, CT. plunged the country into a collective feeling of confusion, loss and grief. The unthinkable tragedy of Newtown has now been brought up again with the loss of children’s and teacher’s lives nearly ten years after Newtown in Uvalde, Texas. After numerous mass shootings and now hundreds of thousands of suicides, more than half from firearms, we are continuing to be confronted as a society and country with the ongoing scourge of gun violence, death, injury and suffering. It can often feel overwhelming.
Since Boaz’s death and Sandy Hook exactly ten years ago today, I have devoted much of my time and energy trying to address the issue of gun violence prevention and suicide prevention. Today, more than ever, after the Nov 13 shooting at the University of Virginia, Nov 19th Colorado Springs shooting at an LGBT nightclub, a Walmart in Chesapeke Virginia on Nov 22 at a Walmart, Uvalde, Buffalo, Boulder, Orlando, Parkland, Las Vegas, Aurora, Waffle House, San Bernardino, Odessa, Poway Synagogue, Sutherland Springs, Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg, Tulsa, and shootings that are taking place on a daily basis in Philadelphia, and on and on. The daily cases of firearm homicides, suicides, not to mention accidental firearm injuries and deaths, gun violence has taken center stage in my mind. My personal loss and the ongoing reality of thousands of deaths and injuries per year to suicide and gun related violence must be addressed. This is why we are gathered here together tonight to do what we can to cry out for change. The loss of life from gun related deaths in the United States is staggering to consider, over 45,000 just last year. Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed with guns. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in America and the rate of youth suicide is increasing. Every month, an average of 70 women in the US are shot and killed by an inmate partner, and many more are shot and wounded. 4.6 million children in the US live in homes with guns that are both loaded and unlocked. Minority communities and neighborhoods are reeling from the frequency of gun violence. Our inner cities are often like war zones. Last year there were 562 homicides in our city. The vast majority – 506 people – were lost to gun violence. We are on a similar pace this year.
My step-brother’s death, combined with the tragedy of Sandy Hook, other mass shootings, suicides and my own clients descriptions of severe grief over the loss of loved ones from gun violence and suicide threw me over an emotional tipping point. I need to do something to try to cope with my own personal and collective loss and bring others together to talk about what we can do to make a difference regarding gun violence and gun safety.
I have come to learn about local, state and national organizations that are working hard every day to address gun violence on a number of levels. This includes organizations like CeaseFirePa. and Soul Shot, Mom’s Demand Action, Heeding God’s Call and many other organizations all working daily to address the issue of gun violence and suicide. I want to highlight just a few.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a great brochure that is a collaboration with the National Shooting Sports Foundation entitled Firearms and Suicide Prevention. It is available here and on-line. It highlights the importance of suicide risk factors, warning signs, and gun safety, including using gun locks and other means of safe storage. The brochure can be placed in gun shops and ranges and taken to gun shows. Many of the tables here have free gun locks for you to take today.
The Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force has sent literature including individual and group support in our county for loss survivors. This Task Force provides free suicide prevention training for teens and adults called Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR). QPR has been provided by the Montco Task Force to school districts, scouts, churches and synagogues and also more recently to 150 people in gun shops and gun ranges through an organization called Hold My Guns. Over the past ten years, I have learned the importance of collaborating with the firearm owning community regarding issues of mental health awareness, suicide prevention training and gun safety. This cannot be overstated. Anyone interested in having a QPR trainor present this suicide prevention program QPR can take a flier or contact the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force. The Veterans Administration has sent information on gun safety as well. We know that Veterans are at higher risk of suicide than the general population.
Mom’s Demand Action has the great program Be Smart. The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths, suicide, and injuries.
I also want to raise the Safe2Say Something Program that we have in Pennsylvania. It was introduced in January of 2019 and is an app available to all students, teachers and parents. Safe2Say Something PA is an anonymous PA school safety reporting system that accepts tips from students, parents, educators, and/or concerned community members on matters ranging from violence, suicide, guns, drugs, and threatening behavior to bullying, cyberbullying and other acts of victimization that impact students K-12 across the entire state of Pennsylvania. The Safe2Say Something PA app created by the parents who lost children at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Sandy Hook Promise. Safe2Say something allows you to submit secure & anonymous safety concerns (“tips”) to a 24/7 Crisis Center. The Crisis Center triages and then forwards the tip to the appropriate school official and, when needed, to local law enforcement (through 911 dispatch). The purpose of the reporting system is to provide intervention and assistance for individuals at-risk of hurting themselves or others through violence or other potentially harmful actions.
The Soul Shot Art Exhibition, which is coming to Beth Am at the end of the month, is a project that links fine artists with families or friends of victims of gun violence. The artists meet with the victims' loved ones to learn about the lives they lived. The goal is to present diverse works that in some way relay graphically, or through narrative, the essence of the person being portrayed. I am proud that one of our Or Hadash congregants, Wendy Eliot Vandevier, a local fine artist has a portrait in this years Soul Shot exhibition.
The Soul Shot mission is to bring attention to and memorialize the lives lost and tragically altered due to gun violence. Portraits have the unique ability to call out the souls and profoundly affect those who see them.
Souls Shot hopes that this project will continue to bring some joy and peace to the families and friends of victims and, by bringing attention to the scourge of gun violence in this way, be a call to action to all who see them.
Heeding Gods Call is an important faith based organization. Heeding God’s Call has created and developed a uniquely grassroots and faith based approach to gun violence prevention.
Finally, I am so pleased that Or Hadash has joined our newly formed coalition of synagogues. This event tonight is a reflection of our efforts to reach out to our community partners and legislators. Our coalition is in the midst of creating a mission statement and is continuing to develop important relationships to learn about effective gun violence prevention programs in our cities that we can endorse. This is especially important in light of new federal and state funding that is being directed towards these kinds of programs designed to keep our streets, schools and communities safer.
We are all here tonight, on this 10th Anniversary of Sandy Hook, to remember the victims, to honor their memory and to lend our voices throughout our community to end gun violence and to promote safety in our communities. It is heartening to know that there have been so many other events taking place throughout Pa. and our country and that our community voices are rising together today with those throughout our country. Our voices cry out that we need to make changes and that we will not stop this important work of raising awareness, educating, communicating, collaborating, sharing and doing everything we can to bring hope that the scourge of gun violence will continue to be addressed in meaningful ways. Our leaders and legislators will continue to hear from us through rallys and events like tonight, letter writing campaigns, fundraising and voting for those who will endorse the needed changes in our laws regarding gun violence and suicide prevention. until effective changes take place
I can think of no better way to remember my step-brother Boaz and the innocent vicitms of Sandy Hook, then to join with you tonight and to continue this important work.
Thank You
My name is Dan Schwarz and I am honored but also saddened to speak with you today to share my story. I am a psychologist in private practice in Jenkintown and a long-time resident of Ambler. I am a member of congregation Or Hadash and the committee chair of the Or Hadash Gun Violence Prevention and Suicide Prevention Task Force. We have collaborated with Congregation Beth Am and CeaseFire Pa. to participate in this important 10th anniversary commemoration of the Sandy Hook Tragedy. I want to thank Elisa Abeloff and CeaseFirePa. for inviting me to speak tonight.
On the morning of December, 8, 2012, my telephone rang and my father, who lives in Israel, informed me of the tragic news that his wife's 56 year old son, Boaz, had ended his life with a firearm in his home in Houston, Texas. My father and his wife, Leah, were devastated that Boaz would choose to do such a thing. They knew that he was having problems at work and in his relationship with his girlfriend. Leah was inconsolable and they were both in shock and completely grief stricken. The psychological aftermath of this tragedy and loss of life from gun violence are all too common in our country, with gun deaths by suicide accounting for more than 24,000 deaths per year and homicides totaling more than 19,000. Deaths from gun violence impacts predominantly on those left behind to struggle with feelings of guilt, trauma and so many unanswered questions. My father and Leah continue to struggle with Boaz’s untimely death. Then, less then one week later, on December 14, 2012, the tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, CT. plunged the country into a collective feeling of confusion, loss and grief. The unthinkable tragedy of Newtown has now been brought up again with the loss of children’s and teacher’s lives nearly ten years after Newtown in Uvalde, Texas. After numerous mass shootings and now hundreds of thousands of suicides, more than half from firearms, we are continuing to be confronted as a society and country with the ongoing scourge of gun violence, death, injury and suffering. It can often feel overwhelming.
Since Boaz’s death and Sandy Hook exactly ten years ago today, I have devoted much of my time and energy trying to address the issue of gun violence prevention and suicide prevention. Today, more than ever, after the Nov 13 shooting at the University of Virginia, Nov 19th Colorado Springs shooting at an LGBT nightclub, a Walmart in Chesapeke Virginia on Nov 22 at a Walmart, Uvalde, Buffalo, Boulder, Orlando, Parkland, Las Vegas, Aurora, Waffle House, San Bernardino, Odessa, Poway Synagogue, Sutherland Springs, Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg, Tulsa, and shootings that are taking place on a daily basis in Philadelphia, and on and on. The daily cases of firearm homicides, suicides, not to mention accidental firearm injuries and deaths, gun violence has taken center stage in my mind. My personal loss and the ongoing reality of thousands of deaths and injuries per year to suicide and gun related violence must be addressed. This is why we are gathered here together tonight to do what we can to cry out for change. The loss of life from gun related deaths in the United States is staggering to consider, over 45,000 just last year. Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed with guns. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in America and the rate of youth suicide is increasing. Every month, an average of 70 women in the US are shot and killed by an inmate partner, and many more are shot and wounded. 4.6 million children in the US live in homes with guns that are both loaded and unlocked. Minority communities and neighborhoods are reeling from the frequency of gun violence. Our inner cities are often like war zones. Last year there were 562 homicides in our city. The vast majority – 506 people – were lost to gun violence. We are on a similar pace this year.
My step-brother’s death, combined with the tragedy of Sandy Hook, other mass shootings, suicides and my own clients descriptions of severe grief over the loss of loved ones from gun violence and suicide threw me over an emotional tipping point. I need to do something to try to cope with my own personal and collective loss and bring others together to talk about what we can do to make a difference regarding gun violence and gun safety.
I have come to learn about local, state and national organizations that are working hard every day to address gun violence on a number of levels. This includes organizations like CeaseFirePa. and Soul Shot, Mom’s Demand Action, Heeding God’s Call and many other organizations all working daily to address the issue of gun violence and suicide. I want to highlight just a few.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a great brochure that is a collaboration with the National Shooting Sports Foundation entitled Firearms and Suicide Prevention. It is available here and on-line. It highlights the importance of suicide risk factors, warning signs, and gun safety, including using gun locks and other means of safe storage. The brochure can be placed in gun shops and ranges and taken to gun shows. Many of the tables here have free gun locks for you to take today.
The Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force has sent literature including individual and group support in our county for loss survivors. This Task Force provides free suicide prevention training for teens and adults called Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR). QPR has been provided by the Montco Task Force to school districts, scouts, churches and synagogues and also more recently to 150 people in gun shops and gun ranges through an organization called Hold My Guns. Over the past ten years, I have learned the importance of collaborating with the firearm owning community regarding issues of mental health awareness, suicide prevention training and gun safety. This cannot be overstated. Anyone interested in having a QPR trainor present this suicide prevention program QPR can take a flier or contact the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force. The Veterans Administration has sent information on gun safety as well. We know that Veterans are at higher risk of suicide than the general population.
Mom’s Demand Action has the great program Be Smart. The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths, suicide, and injuries.
I also want to raise the Safe2Say Something Program that we have in Pennsylvania. It was introduced in January of 2019 and is an app available to all students, teachers and parents. Safe2Say Something PA is an anonymous PA school safety reporting system that accepts tips from students, parents, educators, and/or concerned community members on matters ranging from violence, suicide, guns, drugs, and threatening behavior to bullying, cyberbullying and other acts of victimization that impact students K-12 across the entire state of Pennsylvania. The Safe2Say Something PA app created by the parents who lost children at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Sandy Hook Promise. Safe2Say something allows you to submit secure & anonymous safety concerns (“tips”) to a 24/7 Crisis Center. The Crisis Center triages and then forwards the tip to the appropriate school official and, when needed, to local law enforcement (through 911 dispatch). The purpose of the reporting system is to provide intervention and assistance for individuals at-risk of hurting themselves or others through violence or other potentially harmful actions.
The Soul Shot Art Exhibition, which is coming to Beth Am at the end of the month, is a project that links fine artists with families or friends of victims of gun violence. The artists meet with the victims' loved ones to learn about the lives they lived. The goal is to present diverse works that in some way relay graphically, or through narrative, the essence of the person being portrayed. I am proud that one of our Or Hadash congregants, Wendy Eliot Vandevier, a local fine artist has a portrait in this years Soul Shot exhibition.
The Soul Shot mission is to bring attention to and memorialize the lives lost and tragically altered due to gun violence. Portraits have the unique ability to call out the souls and profoundly affect those who see them.
Souls Shot hopes that this project will continue to bring some joy and peace to the families and friends of victims and, by bringing attention to the scourge of gun violence in this way, be a call to action to all who see them.
Heeding Gods Call is an important faith based organization. Heeding God’s Call has created and developed a uniquely grassroots and faith based approach to gun violence prevention.
Finally, I am so pleased that Or Hadash has joined our newly formed coalition of synagogues. This event tonight is a reflection of our efforts to reach out to our community partners and legislators. Our coalition is in the midst of creating a mission statement and is continuing to develop important relationships to learn about effective gun violence prevention programs in our cities that we can endorse. This is especially important in light of new federal and state funding that is being directed towards these kinds of programs designed to keep our streets, schools and communities safer.
We are all here tonight, on this 10th Anniversary of Sandy Hook, to remember the victims, to honor their memory and to lend our voices throughout our community to end gun violence and to promote safety in our communities. It is heartening to know that there have been so many other events taking place throughout Pa. and our country and that our community voices are rising together today with those throughout our country. Our voices cry out that we need to make changes and that we will not stop this important work of raising awareness, educating, communicating, collaborating, sharing and doing everything we can to bring hope that the scourge of gun violence will continue to be addressed in meaningful ways. Our leaders and legislators will continue to hear from us through rallys and events like tonight, letter writing campaigns, fundraising and voting for those who will endorse the needed changes in our laws regarding gun violence and suicide prevention. until effective changes take place
I can think of no better way to remember my step-brother Boaz and the innocent vicitms of Sandy Hook, then to join with you tonight and to continue this important work.
Thank You
Gallery
Processing...
This may take up to an hour.
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Error:
click to contact support.
Leah and Boaz = Unbreakable Bond
michael & leah on a cruise
IMG_4878
IMG_4879
P1070069
Leah and Michael Neve Zedek
Boaz's first visit to Israel after 20 years.
The last cruise with Boaz in May, 2012
The last cruise with Boaz in May, 2012
Recent stories
Leah and Boaz - Unbreakable Bond
March 2
Dear friends and family,
This is an Art Project in Houston to honor memory of Boaz and incredible bond between Leah and Boaz, mother and her son. If you have a photo or video to contribute to the project or would like to stop by and exchange stories/memories, please signal.
This is an Art Project in Houston to honor memory of Boaz and incredible bond between Leah and Boaz, mother and her son. If you have a photo or video to contribute to the project or would like to stop by and exchange stories/memories, please signal.
Boaz Keyslay Forever missed
March 2
by leah schwarz
March 2nd 2024 by Leah Schwarz
My Dearest Son,
It is Saturday morning, sun is shining, flowers are blooming
with magnificent colors all around, every day when I water the garden, my thoughts and feelings are with you. It could be a beautiful day to celebrate
your 68th birthday.
Time does not heal, time tells me Boaz is not here to celebrate,
you can not share with your son all the stories of realities,
and there are so many.
It is still so sad for me to believe that for12 years now I am writing to commemorate with our stories the memories we shared.
But I thank for every one of them.
Your loving Mum
My Dearest Son,
It is Saturday morning, sun is shining, flowers are blooming
with magnificent colors all around, every day when I water the garden, my thoughts and feelings are with you. It could be a beautiful day to celebrate
your 68th birthday.
Time does not heal, time tells me Boaz is not here to celebrate,
you can not share with your son all the stories of realities,
and there are so many.
It is still so sad for me to believe that for12 years now I am writing to commemorate with our stories the memories we shared.
But I thank for every one of them.
Your loving Mum
March 1, 2023
by leah schwarz
My dearest son,
On your Birthday today, March 2nd, how I want to celebrate that day with you.
For 10 years I have written stories about feelings, emotions and wonderful memories
we had together, and how different our life could be. The past week memory of your childhood overwhelmed me. what a baby you were, so easy to love, and as a boy, and grown up, I have no words to describe. always there to help, always liked to surprise
you were my good friend, and I need you so.
Rest in peace my son.
Your Loving Mum
On your Birthday today, March 2nd, how I want to celebrate that day with you.
For 10 years I have written stories about feelings, emotions and wonderful memories
we had together, and how different our life could be. The past week memory of your childhood overwhelmed me. what a baby you were, so easy to love, and as a boy, and grown up, I have no words to describe. always there to help, always liked to surprise
you were my good friend, and I need you so.
Rest in peace my son.
Your Loving Mum