Anti-Semitism

I’m fortunate enough to live in a country with freedom of religion. I can worship whoever or whatever however I choose. I’m thankful my daily life isn’t in any danger. I live in a time when you would think racism or prejudice would be abolished. I mean, after all, it’s 2018. We’re done with that nonsense now, right?

Sigh…if only…

Just last week, a Parisian Jew, Mireille Knoll was murdered. She was a Holocaust survivor. She was stabbed 11 times & her home set on fire. There was nothing left but her charred remains.

Why? Because she’s a Jew. That’s all.

Even rereading this story makes me cry. These are MY PEOPLE who have done nothing wrong. She already miraculously survived through one genocide. She deserved to live out her life in peace with her children & grandchildren.

Even in my little bubble in this world, I still experience anti-Semitism. And honestly, I don’t get it. How does my personal belief affect your problems? I’m not firebombing orphanages or something ridiculous like that. I live my quiet life & treat others with respect. How have I offended you?

Then again, you can’t rationalize hate.

• I’ve been called a “Jewish bitch” on more than one occasion.
• I’ve had family members roll their eyes, scoff at & downplay my beliefs, & be completely disinterested & annoyed when I bring Jewish culture to a get-together.
• At the same time, I’ve been told I’m not a “real Jew” nor am I “Jewish enough.”
• Last year for Purim I was at the local Jewish Community Center when someone pulled the fire alarm so everyone had to evacuate & we couldn’t celebrate.
• Last December, I choreographed two Hanukkah-themed dances for my studio’s show. There were some parents who were annoyed & asked, “Who’s Jewish?” & “Why are we doing this?”
• I was part of a dance & we were supposed to click our heels together like the Nazis. I refused. The choreographer thought I was being difficult. I thought she was being insensitive & cold (especially since I’m not the only Jew).

My experiences have all been minor but it all stems from the same hate. People fear what they don’t understand. And instead of working to understand someone else’s culture, they reject it, mock it, & want to kill it. They want to keep their blinders on & focus on what they know. Ignorance isn’t bliss. Ignorance is killing my people, like Madame Knoll.

Please, for her sake, share love. Not hate.

And because I need to laugh…