I think it’s all in the tone, which doesn’t come across well in print unless you’re Jewish & have experienced such an experience. “Are YOU JEWISH!” Like, when did you stop BEATING your wife!
Except of course, for all the people who did get over their irrational fears and hatreds. I implore you to read about Daryl Davis and his work with KKK members. It’s incredibly moving and eye opening.
My own grandparents faced racism and intolerance with understanding and kindness. They didn’t take age as an excuse to no longer deal with those who hated them. Their example inspired me. As I said, you have the choice to respond to the bad behaviour of others as you wish.
Envy and resentment are things most of us are uncomfortable talking about, they're almost never posited as poss causes of any dispute, but have to be recognized as one of the factors involved in unkillable Jew hate. The Germans were deeply jealous of Jews, as are some blacks of the Farrakhan type, and Arabs must be both deeply envious and humiliated by Jewish achievement and success. Jews turned a desert swamp into a rich modern country in decades while Arabs werent able to do much more than goat herd there. Jews are the smartest, richest, most accomplished tribe in the world--it makes sense that various bitter losers hate them.
I would file this one under another chapter of the failure of "diversity is our strength" as a thesis for running society. Some cultures are simply different and inexorably at odds. That's why borders exist and they should be defended.
Excellent post ! Every once in awhile someone finds out I’m not Jewish even though I’m a very vocal ally. They seem relieved. I am disgusted. If you don’t stand with my Jewish family I have nothing to say to you. So glad this blog is bringing forth important stories!
I remember when I read the Ayaan hirsi Ali book about her childhood I found out how Jews are considered by many people some of which have never met a Jew. Basically the Jew is the root of evil in the world.
Maybe he thought Jews are bad and evil people until he met you. I hope this experience has helped him understand the lies and bad propaganda about the Jews.
when I was a kid, reading my Bible by the hour, I read those beautiful words from God to the people of Israel, His wonderful loving promises, & I wished I were jewish so those promises would be for me too.
To be Jewish is to be honored. Cherish that. Cherish God; Cherish each other.
I cannot understand why anyone holds a grudge against another just because they are of a different race or religion. I do not hold any ill will for anyone, Except of course my ex daughter in law!
I grew up in a very Wasp neighborhood. No Black, no Jewish, no Hispanic, no Muslim, just us Christian peoples.
My mother however, God rest her soul, was of the belief that humans are all related way way down the line. She would instill in me a belief that we all bleed red and regardless of our skin color or religious beliefs we are all brothers and sisters in this world of humankind. To this day I believe that my brothers and sisters are everywhere. Some are fighting each other, some believe they are better or more godlike than others. I wish for peace in my family. We must never lose faith that eventually our family will all sit at the same dinner table.
It’s always difficult to break down historic hatreds. Contrary to some people here, I think it’s a good thing when people who clearly have deep seated issues overcome them to be professional as the man in this account did. While there is no obligation to take it any further, it’s a shame that they couldn’t hash it out over a coffee. Expecting perfection from others from the start just doesn’t wash.
I think it’s all in the tone, which doesn’t come across well in print unless you’re Jewish & have experienced such an experience. “Are YOU JEWISH!” Like, when did you stop BEATING your wife!
>One cannot get past such irrationality.
Except of course, for all the people who did get over their irrational fears and hatreds. I implore you to read about Daryl Davis and his work with KKK members. It’s incredibly moving and eye opening.
That’s a pity but it’s your choice
My own grandparents faced racism and intolerance with understanding and kindness. They didn’t take age as an excuse to no longer deal with those who hated them. Their example inspired me. As I said, you have the choice to respond to the bad behaviour of others as you wish.
Envy and resentment are things most of us are uncomfortable talking about, they're almost never posited as poss causes of any dispute, but have to be recognized as one of the factors involved in unkillable Jew hate. The Germans were deeply jealous of Jews, as are some blacks of the Farrakhan type, and Arabs must be both deeply envious and humiliated by Jewish achievement and success. Jews turned a desert swamp into a rich modern country in decades while Arabs werent able to do much more than goat herd there. Jews are the smartest, richest, most accomplished tribe in the world--it makes sense that various bitter losers hate them.
Great post. Thank you so much for recommending me!
I would file this one under another chapter of the failure of "diversity is our strength" as a thesis for running society. Some cultures are simply different and inexorably at odds. That's why borders exist and they should be defended.
Excellent post ! Every once in awhile someone finds out I’m not Jewish even though I’m a very vocal ally. They seem relieved. I am disgusted. If you don’t stand with my Jewish family I have nothing to say to you. So glad this blog is bringing forth important stories!
I remember when I read the Ayaan hirsi Ali book about her childhood I found out how Jews are considered by many people some of which have never met a Jew. Basically the Jew is the root of evil in the world.
He was told Jews were the devil and you appeared human so he freaked out.
Maybe he thought Jews are bad and evil people until he met you. I hope this experience has helped him understand the lies and bad propaganda about the Jews.
His behavior afterwards doesn’t show that.
I’m surprised he was surprised to encounter a Jew in Brooklyn.
Please publish more of her work because I won't remember to go find her on Medium.
Will try! I think this is her 2nd piece on Substack for the JPF.
when I was a kid, reading my Bible by the hour, I read those beautiful words from God to the people of Israel, His wonderful loving promises, & I wished I were jewish so those promises would be for me too.
To be Jewish is to be honored. Cherish that. Cherish God; Cherish each other.
It’s funny, but ai had the same problem in high school, only it was the Catholics who were surprised I was Jewish.
I cannot understand why anyone holds a grudge against another just because they are of a different race or religion. I do not hold any ill will for anyone, Except of course my ex daughter in law!
I grew up in a very Wasp neighborhood. No Black, no Jewish, no Hispanic, no Muslim, just us Christian peoples.
My mother however, God rest her soul, was of the belief that humans are all related way way down the line. She would instill in me a belief that we all bleed red and regardless of our skin color or religious beliefs we are all brothers and sisters in this world of humankind. To this day I believe that my brothers and sisters are everywhere. Some are fighting each other, some believe they are better or more godlike than others. I wish for peace in my family. We must never lose faith that eventually our family will all sit at the same dinner table.
Appreciate you always, Reuben 💙💙💙
It’s always difficult to break down historic hatreds. Contrary to some people here, I think it’s a good thing when people who clearly have deep seated issues overcome them to be professional as the man in this account did. While there is no obligation to take it any further, it’s a shame that they couldn’t hash it out over a coffee. Expecting perfection from others from the start just doesn’t wash.