Community grieves in unity for crash victims

March 22 brought a tragedy of near unprecedented proportions to the region. It was with shock and sorrow that we learned of the deaths of 10 residents of Monroe Township who had been vacationing together when their tour bus crashed on a Chilean mountainside.

Their deaths represent a loss not only to their families, friends and loved ones, but to the community as a whole. And that was made abundantly clear in the days following the accident, as countless people joined together to mourn the victims - people who had made many friends during their time as residents of The Ponds adult community, people who commanded respect and admiration for leading vibrant, successful lives and for making the most of their retirement years.

It was touching to see the outpouring of support from so many people who may or may not have personally known the victims, from religious and civic organizations who took it upon themselves to guide the community through the grieving process, and from politicians near and far who recognized the loss by flying flags at half-staff and offering words of support. Dignitaries from Congress and the state Legislature, as well as Gov. Jon Corzine, took the time to attend services for the victims and to offer condolences.

While no words can heal the wounds created by last week's tragedy, the collective support and shared strength of so many loving, caring people can certainly help to ease the pain. And perhaps the community is made stronger by the events. Beyond the coming together that has taken place over the past week, there are already discussions taking place about bringing about positive change in honor of those we've lost.

A good example is at the Chabad House of Monroe, where Rabbi Yehuda Spritzer seeks to create a living memorial for the departed by creating a "good deed fund" in their honor and setting up a service called People Helping People. The idea is to have volunteers come forward who wish to provide any of a wide variety of services for people they don't yet know, from lending an ear to someone who is grieving to providing a ride to the doctor for an elderly person.

Despite the tremendous outpouring of help and well wishes, the sadness and loss that has been left in the wake of this horrific event will continue to resonate in this community for some time.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the loved ones of those who have perished. And it is our sincere hope that they be comforted in their grief.