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Brooklyn, NY – After three months in the hospital, Mrs. Gail (Gilah) Sassoon, who lost seven children in the fire that engulfed her home in March, was released on Friday and is recovering at her mother-in-law’s home in Brooklyn.
The family has never gone back to their old house since that tragic evening, according a report on Kol-Berama (http://bit.ly/1fYAQ13).
The day is a bittersweet one for the family, her husband, Gabriel, acknowledges. Gail is happy to be home, he said, and will continue her treatments on an outpatient basis. She still needs rehabilitation to learn how to improve her walking and the use of her hands.
Though it is difficult, Gabriel says he fights the instinct to wallow in a depression. “We are able to cry about them [the children] with love and then be happy, instead of crying about them and missing them and being depressed,” the bereaved father said. “So, I and my wife are trying to make our missing them for something better, to remember the love and the joy that we have. Through this, it’s possible to change the situation from something negative to something positive.”
Calling his wife, “very strong,” Gabriel said, “My wife has a lot of faith. I wonder at how she’s looking forward and looking to build up the future.” Mr. Sassoon said getting through all the Jewish holidays without the children is tough, but “we go on, there is no choice not to. Every day I force myself again to go through the rest of the day.”
Faith in God has helped the family to heal, he said. “It’s hard to explain, but when we reached that bridge, we walked through it. You never know what will happen but God helps at the moment. Thank God we have a proper perspective for the future, not looking back. Instead, remembering all the joy from our children – that strengthens us.”
So happy she is home but my heart just breaks for their losses. It is unfathomable. Their faith is truly remarkable and hope it will keep them in good stead for the rest of their lives. Does anyone know the status of the remaining child?
We could all learn from Gavriels emuna may Hashem give him the means and koach to rebuilt his life
“Seven of her eight children” would be more accurate. BH there’s a child that survived. Show that she still counts.
Owner of the house should be prosecuted for involuntary manslaughter
What’s with the one daughter that did survive? How is she doing?
Did you show your name? Why is what I said stupid? Because you disagree with it? Nobody takes responsibility for their actions. Someone needs to be held accountable in this case. It’s the law to have working smoke detectors and they didn’t; therefore they broke the law. Children are not expected to be responsible to ensuring smoke alarms are in place. That falls onto the homeowner/parents. This was an easily avoidable situation but due to the parents inexcusable behavior it turned into a deadly situation
The anger and frustration at the loss of life is real, and in some ways understandable, but we all must move forward and learn from this tragedy. WORKING SMOKE DETECTORS thru out the house and ABC RATED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS in every house and apartment. Additionally the MUST BE AN ESCAPE PLAN if fire were to break out. Each family member should know it and given responsibility to check to see that everyone gets out safely. The dangers of fire cannot be taken lightly and dismissed. Awareness and Prevention is where it all starts. Thank you!