As a pretty new member to DDF, and as a name most of you probably don't recognize, this may not mean much to most of you. However, I am a big fan of DDF and despite my post count, I am on here A LOT and have been for a long time, just reading and learning the ropes. So although you may not consider me a part of the DDF family, from my end, I personally feel like I am.
I can't describe the feelings I had when I read Dan's post here about Jewda. As a new member, I've never interacted with Jewda (although I have seen his posts), and I've never met him or even knew who he was. That having been said, the feelings of the loss of a brother, of Acheinu Bnei Yisrael, who has had such a strong impact here, and certainly to those who knew him personally as well, are overwhelming. Despite my feelings, I found myself wondering, "why am I choked up and crying over a person I don't know, and hardly knew existed?"
The answer, my friends, is the Achdus that I feel goes on here. When so many people get together to run and contribute to a Pidyon Shvuim Fund for a member in need, THAT'S Achdus. When people have various different questions as to how to go about dealing with a issue they got themselves into while playing "the miles game," and people rush to help him, THAT'S Achdus.
When an anonymous respected member passes away, and there are such strong feelings for the young widow, and for the newborn child who will never know him, THAT's Achdus.
What a special place to be. DDF is not just where one can go to see the latest deal, but rather a place to go to be with family. And I hope to be together with this family for a long time.
Dan, you wrote beautifully on the main site today. May it, as well as the Mishnayos and everything else that comes out of this, be an Illuy for his neshama.
Baruch Dayan HaEmes.