Hannah Senesh Quotes

There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world even though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind.

To die, so young to die. No, no, not I, I love the warm sunny skies, light, song, shining eyes, I want no war, no battle cry, No, no, not I.

Blessed is the match, consumed in kindling flame. Blessed is the flame that burns in the heart's secret places. Blessed is the heart that knows, for honors sake, to stop its beating. Blessed is the match, consumed in kindling flame.

I could have been 23 next July I gambled on what mattered most, the dice were cast. I lost.

My God, my God May there be no end To the sea, to the sand, The splash of the water, The glow of the sky, The prayer of man

In my life's chain of events nothing was accidental. Everything happened according to an inner need.

In the mountains one involuntarily hears the query: "Where shall I send you?" And the answer, "Send me to serve the beautiful and good!

There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind. —Hannah Senesh, poet, playwright, and paratrooper (1921–1944)

Hora to an Exiled Girl A hora, roaring, tempestuous, blazes around me With the mystery of rhythm, gladdening and forging, It tugs at my body and heart The foot marches, the back quivers, the song is ignited, a searing chorus Dance and song, a wordless prayer, Hail to the future, hail to creation But then a figure flutters before my eyes My arm has escaped my friends’ embrace My heart spurns the tempestuous singing, Far and near it consumes me whole Blue eyes Such a bewildered glance A sad silence and a stubborn mouth The stillness grows in me I remain standing Alone, in a crowd of a hundred, her and I (Translation by Elie Leshem)

In my life’s chain of events nothing was accidental. Everything happened according to an inner need. —HANNAH SENESH