My hand shakes as I write this message, the images of their funeral passing before my own teary eyes. The expressions of sympathy from our friends here in New England — from elected officials, the Jewish community, and even random people in the street — have been invaluable in soothing the pain, to the extent humanly possible.

I have resided in Israel now for more than 30 years; yet still, it is challenging to understand just how we Israelis succeed living in what I see as a paradox. The kidnapping and murder of three of our promising youth has made my introspection on this even more profound.

The paradox is this: On the one hand we are the start-up nation, a world innovation leader. Despite, or perhaps because of, our unique geopolitical circumstances, we have created solutions for almost anything our lives, and our continued existence, require — both military and civilian.

But we are also located in the Middle East, where we intend to remain. Time and again we are forced to overcome the challenges that are, unfortunately, an integral part of our region. These days especially, such challenges are dominated by the ascent of bloodthirsty people seeking to destroy anything in their path. It doesn’t matter if they attach the word “jihad” to their name; they are all the same.

Hamas is their cherished offspring, and it exists to attain only one goal: to destroy Israel. In order to do so, it must murder Israelis — like Naftali, Gilad and Eyal. But it will pay for these murders. Hamas and its kind cannot be allowed to gain the upper hand.

A reminder: We implored Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas not to form a joint government with Hamas. We cautioned him that such an alliance would quickly bring chaos, taking the political process with Israel down with his so-called unity government. He refused to listen; look what happened.

It’s time for Abbas to annul such an unholy alliance.

As expressions of solidarity stream in from all ends of the political spectrum, I find it truly remarkable just how robust the U.S.-Israel relationship continues to be, decades after Israel’s establishment.

We don’t always agree, but our passion for the security and self-betterment of our societies is a dynamic to be proud of and one we share with the United States itself. That’s part of what makes our two countries, and their friendship, unique.

Lest there be any doubts, the recent visit to the United States by outgoing President Shimon Peres certainly put them to rest. The impressive outpouring of affection went beyond the deserved admiration for the president himself. Indeed, the visit attested to the continuing strength of the decades-long U.S.-Israel relationship.

On a holiday weekend when you celebrate the independence of this great country and friend of Israel, the United States, please remember the bereaved families of Naftali, Gilad and Eyal in your thoughts and prayers.

We offer our best wishes to all Americans as you celebrate freedom; we know we have your support as we continue to act to secure our own.

Yehuda Yaakov is consul general of Israel to New England.