This morning in shul, my rabbi was an Israel cheerleader. He stood
before our congregation, on one of the only days where the majority of
our people sit within ear shot of our spiritual leaders' wisdom, and he
stood with Israel. And I loved it.
In a world filled with extremists beheading people for being different,
In a world filled with rockets raining down on Israelis,
In a world where synagogues are vandalized,
In a world where Israel children know bomb shelters too intimately,
In a world filled with people that equate Israel's right to exist with Nazism,
And in a world where Israel's right to exists becomes a reason for non-Jews to act like Nazis,
In a world where President Obama asks Israel to 'restrain' itself while living under rain of constant rockets,
And in the same world where President Obama bombs IS in Syria - killing militants and civilians without reproach.
My moral rabbi stood on the side of Christians, Jews, civility, and democracy.
My moral rabbi stood with Israel.
I
loved it. But I was also not surprised because my rabbi has always been
a staunch supporter of Israel. This past summer, while people shied
away from visiting Israel amid its crisis with Palestinians, my rabbi
picked up and traveled Israel's south, letting folks know that we stand
beside them as Hamas tried to push them into the sea, as their charter
states.
You see, my rabbi understands that we have a moral right
to stand up for our Jewish brothers and sisters around the world (not to
mention the Christians world-wide) that are under threat of attack from
extremists that wish to eliminate them. Hamas and IS would love nothing
more than a world free of everyone but Muslims. Some may tell you
otherwise, but the reality is that these extremists have you and I in
their sights - and we have a moral right to stand up for Israel, on the
forefront of the battle against these terrorists.
The nice thing
is that I know that my rabbi is courageous enough to engage our
community on this important issue, and to do it fairly. He is able to
criticize Israel because he loves her - and still be a cheerleader when
he knows it is right. He is empathetic towards the plight of civilian
Palestinians who seem to be caught in the cross-fire between the IDF and
Hamas, but he is also smart enough to understand that Hamas and IS
cannot exist unchecked. The lives of Kurds, the lives of Arabs, the
lives of Christians, and the lives of Jews depend on it.
The
role of a rabbi is to be a moral leader - and I am proud that my rabbi
possesses outstanding ethics and values. These morals help enable him to
help our community forge a love for Israel, a relationship that says -
We Got Your Back. But at the same time, he is intelligent enough to know
that all conflicts and debates have multiple sides and multiple
narratives - to ignore them is to be irresponsible.
To be a
rabbi is to be a moral leader for Jews. Moral leadership requires rabbis
to realize that they have great responsibility to send an important
message on the only days where they will see the majority of their
community. Moral leadership requires us to
move beyond cheerleading to understand and empathize with all sides in
the conflict, and to realize that as Jews, we need to stand strong with
our Israeli brothers and sisters as they pursue peace and wait for a
courageous partner to join them at the table - one that does not rain
rockets down on civilians and one that does not wish to push Israelis
into the sea.
**From me and mine, to you and yours: Shana Tova, a happy and healthy Jewish new year. May this be the year that we all find happiness and peace.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Protecting Our Kids From Monsters
How can we protect our kids from monsters - especially if we cannot recognize the monsters?
When I was a kid, life seemed so simple. With limited media and social media, it seemed that boogeymen and danger were always at a distance. I rarely remember hearing about all of the bad things in the world: the shootings, the sexual assaults, the child predators. I remember the extremes - and I probably had nightmares about John Wayne Gacy and his clown outfit. But now, and this is not an original thought, with media 24/7, it seems we are confronted daily with the 'ugliness' of the world.
In some ways, the informative media has probably made us way overprotective. I mean, this past week, my students were telling me how many of them have had cellphones since they were in 3rd grade - I got my first cellphone when I was almost 30. Why? So their parents can text them and keep track of them. We stayed out until dark; they are not allowed. We left doors unlocked; they do not. Blah, blah, blah... But I don't want to get into the cliched discussion about how life was simpler then and we survived without all of this overprotective safety stuff.
But the good thing, I always assumed, was that the media also helped us identify the monsters. Particularly in regards to our kids, we learn quickly about attempted abductions and places to avoid. We can search databases of sexual predators, and the news is filled with informative stories of predators causing dangers to our kids in various clubs and schools. This information, combined with my parental instincts, always helped me feel more comfortable making decisions for my kids.
But today I realized that the media and my instincts are faulty. Today I found out that a former colleague, a man I called a friend and greatly respected as an educator, was arrested for child pornography related issues and is facing a minimum sentence of 15 years in jail. I invited this man to my wedding (he wasn't able to make it), and he has a wife and children. How could I have been so wrong about him?
Look, teachers getting arrested for inappropriate behaviors is nothing new - we hear about them all of the time due to the vast media network. It is a black-eye on my profession, though I guess every profession has their bad eggs. But as a teacher, I have always looked at the mug shots of offenders and read about them - and thought, it is obvious they are monsters. Look at her - she looks like the kind of teacher that would sleep with a student. Look at him - he looks like the type of slime-ball that would pray on kids. Like most of you parents, I always judge any teen and/or adult I leave my kids with - and I usually felt I was pretty darn good at it.
I suppose that the allegations against this man could be a mistake. For his sake and for his family's sake, I really hope it is some misunderstanding. But the reality is that with computer records and footprints, the story is probably true. And that means that I have to come to terms with the fact that I got it really wrong this time. And if I got it wrong this time...that means it could happen again.
I am sick to my stomach with sadness. I am stunned. I spent most of today in some state of shock. I am so sad for this man's family, his kids, his former students. I'm disgusted at the possibility of this being true. And I am scared. Scared because how can I keep my kids safe if I lose the ability to recognize the monsters in the world? The answer is: I cannot. We cannot. The world is filled with a lot of good folks - but there are also a lot of monsters. And it seems that if they are in our schools - the one place all of our kids should feel safe - that just sucks. Sigh.
When I was a kid, life seemed so simple. With limited media and social media, it seemed that boogeymen and danger were always at a distance. I rarely remember hearing about all of the bad things in the world: the shootings, the sexual assaults, the child predators. I remember the extremes - and I probably had nightmares about John Wayne Gacy and his clown outfit. But now, and this is not an original thought, with media 24/7, it seems we are confronted daily with the 'ugliness' of the world.
In some ways, the informative media has probably made us way overprotective. I mean, this past week, my students were telling me how many of them have had cellphones since they were in 3rd grade - I got my first cellphone when I was almost 30. Why? So their parents can text them and keep track of them. We stayed out until dark; they are not allowed. We left doors unlocked; they do not. Blah, blah, blah... But I don't want to get into the cliched discussion about how life was simpler then and we survived without all of this overprotective safety stuff.
But the good thing, I always assumed, was that the media also helped us identify the monsters. Particularly in regards to our kids, we learn quickly about attempted abductions and places to avoid. We can search databases of sexual predators, and the news is filled with informative stories of predators causing dangers to our kids in various clubs and schools. This information, combined with my parental instincts, always helped me feel more comfortable making decisions for my kids.
But today I realized that the media and my instincts are faulty. Today I found out that a former colleague, a man I called a friend and greatly respected as an educator, was arrested for child pornography related issues and is facing a minimum sentence of 15 years in jail. I invited this man to my wedding (he wasn't able to make it), and he has a wife and children. How could I have been so wrong about him?
Look, teachers getting arrested for inappropriate behaviors is nothing new - we hear about them all of the time due to the vast media network. It is a black-eye on my profession, though I guess every profession has their bad eggs. But as a teacher, I have always looked at the mug shots of offenders and read about them - and thought, it is obvious they are monsters. Look at her - she looks like the kind of teacher that would sleep with a student. Look at him - he looks like the type of slime-ball that would pray on kids. Like most of you parents, I always judge any teen and/or adult I leave my kids with - and I usually felt I was pretty darn good at it.
I suppose that the allegations against this man could be a mistake. For his sake and for his family's sake, I really hope it is some misunderstanding. But the reality is that with computer records and footprints, the story is probably true. And that means that I have to come to terms with the fact that I got it really wrong this time. And if I got it wrong this time...that means it could happen again.
I am sick to my stomach with sadness. I am stunned. I spent most of today in some state of shock. I am so sad for this man's family, his kids, his former students. I'm disgusted at the possibility of this being true. And I am scared. Scared because how can I keep my kids safe if I lose the ability to recognize the monsters in the world? The answer is: I cannot. We cannot. The world is filled with a lot of good folks - but there are also a lot of monsters. And it seems that if they are in our schools - the one place all of our kids should feel safe - that just sucks. Sigh.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Endangered Species: Childhood Summer Experiences
This past week, my family and I were fortunate to spend 4 nights and 5 days in the Wisconsin Northwoods at my wife's childhood summer sleep-away camp with about 25 other families. This amazing family camp experience includes beach, boating, sports, zip lining, ropes courses, planned programming, 3-square meals a day, and a chance to unplug from technology for awhile. It is so much fun to have time to play father vs. son softball - of course the kids won; I think our family played about 3 hours of tennis; and you'll be shocked to know that Saturday night, there was an 8-way tie for first place in family Olympics - we shined on the strength of oldest's cross court soccer goals and youngest's bobbing for an Oreo cookie through whip cream. And that's just the stuff we did as a family! The other great thing about the family camp is that the camp provided a full staff in order to take the kids to kid programming multiple times each day, and even better - to provide coverage at night so the adults could socialize and play without the stress of babysitters and curfews for a few hours.
Wednesday night, we created art and drank Israeli wine. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Israeli wine?? Thursday, we drank local craft beer and sang Karaoke. It was probably the beer, but I have no idea how in the world I ended up singing Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Relax" in front of a room full of mostly strangers. My first Karaoke experience and I spontaneously sang harmony with a dude I just met, followed by me rocking a song about sex. So weird. And then Saturday night, my wife and I sat on the beach, under a beautifully clear, star-filled sky and talked about fleeting childhood summer experiences with a few other folks...ah yes, finally to the point of this post: you may or may not be aware of the changing world of education (depending on if you have any kids and/or their age) - but the childhood summers of our generations' past are truly endangered - and the consequences may be even worse than the loss of those experiences.
Think for a moment about how summer experiences have impacted your lives. I know that my life would be completely different without my summer overnight camp experiences and my summer travels to Eastern Europe and Israel. And though not everyone goes to summer camp or Israel, most kids do something during their summers - they work, they stretch the boundaries of their independence, they explore, they travel (solo or with family), and yes, sometimes they do seemingly nothing. But those experiences are formative - and they are in danger of going away if parents are unaware of the changing landscape of education.
I think the conversation began because the family camp ended today (Sunday) and my wife and I start our school year tomorrow. People were a bit shocked that we were beginning the year so early - and to find out that several schools in our area began their year as early as two weeks ago. The summer camp director emiritus is concerned that his camp, active for over 67 years, will become extinct. Some parents expressed concern that their children would not follow in their footsteps and experience their childhood camp. The question is - - Why?
We discussed three potential educational causes endangering childhood summers - which I'll simplify here. First of all, there is the stress of college. Have you seen what it costs to send a kid through four years of undergraduate college these days? Using the BIG10 as an example, the average out-of-state yearly tuition is approximately $28,000. By the time my kids are ready for college, I'd expect that number to double or triple. Gulp. Students and Parents are trying to figure out how to reduce college costs? The answer - Advanced Placement courses. In order to gain 'free' college credit in high school, teens are taking summer school to free up hours during the school year to take college credit courses. These classes not only take away valuable summer growth time, but they also over-program students during the year - severely cutting down on student free time to experience life. The advantage? Less college tuition, which is important; however, at a great cost.
The second endangering factor is high school athletics. Sports are so darned competitive these days that students are obsessed with extra practice and training. In addition, sports notoriety is so important for schools, that high school athletics have become serious time commitments - during the summer and during the year. I mean, I played varsity sports in high school, but summer sports camp and early practice were optional. These days, students absolutely cannot make sports teams if they do not participate in extra training and lengthy summer preparations (not to mention the disadvantage if you don't start travel clubs in elementary school). Kids are left with a choice - play the sport they love or take a step back and enjoy differentiated summer experiences. Most kids choose sports. Again, these limit the amount of free time the children have to experience life, to travel, to go to overnight summer camp, to work, etc.
The final and most significant factor that presents a danger to summer experiences is the changing school year schedule. Many of us grew up at a time when school started after or around Labor Day (the beginning of September). But as I said before, schools are starting earlier and earlier these days - with some starting almost a month earlier in the first week of August. Why? To accommodate high stakes testing and Advanced Placement courses. AP tests are in May. Schools that begin earlier get a leg up - with more days to prepare for the tests. This can help kids do well and gain college credit and eventually lower their overall tuition later in life, but it also shifts the whole yearly calendar. Other schools rationalize starting earlier to give their students a more collegiate experience - with first semester and finals ending before winter break. In order to do that, schools have to start earlier. In both cases, the variety of school starting times creates an uneven summer schedule - which in turn makes it difficult for camps and other programs to cater to all children. Eventually, many kids will not be able to attend summer experiences because of school schedules.
Some of you may think - what's the big deal? I want to save on college tuition and who cares about camp and when school starts. The hidden problem may be that the lack of diverse experiences is severely limiting students' ability to be literate and severely curtailing students' ability to critically think. So many times I hear folks lamenting the intelligence of today's kids - we laugh when talk shows make fun of the fact that they don't know who the Vice President is or on what coast California is located. We lament their lack of reading and communication skills. I see this a lot as a teacher and reading specialist. And frankly, there is a lot of research coming to light that points to students' lack of background knowledge, their lack of experiences, their lack of travel - which creates literacy and thinking problems. After all, if kids do not know about the world around them - socially and geographically, how can they master the more difficult aspects of communication, reading, and study.
It makes me sad that future generations of kids may not grow up to know summer camps, summer travels, and summer jobs as I did growing up. These experiences gave me friendships I cherish, knowledge beyond school walls, and a perspective I could not have gained had I stayed within the confines of my hometown and school my whole life. As a society, we should begin to question the direction administrators and government are taking our youth. How much should we value allowing our kids to be kids and experience life? Is it worth a year of college tuition to give them world wisdom and perspective? Is it worth a year a college tuition to allow kids time to go to camp, to travel, to gain job experience? If your answer is yes - then you should probably start paying attention to the direction your schools and the surrounding schools are moving with these initiatives. Many of Illinois' best schools are moving in these directions and the result could be the elimination of childhood summers as we know them.
And if your child is a struggling reader, consider how much experience and background knowledge they bring to their reading. They may struggle from a lack of prior knowledge, a lack of world knowledge, a lack of current events, etc. Consider giving them as much diversified reading and experience as possible. See if a more robust knowledge base can help improve their thinking and comprehension.
Wednesday night, we created art and drank Israeli wine. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Israeli wine?? Thursday, we drank local craft beer and sang Karaoke. It was probably the beer, but I have no idea how in the world I ended up singing Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Relax" in front of a room full of mostly strangers. My first Karaoke experience and I spontaneously sang harmony with a dude I just met, followed by me rocking a song about sex. So weird. And then Saturday night, my wife and I sat on the beach, under a beautifully clear, star-filled sky and talked about fleeting childhood summer experiences with a few other folks...ah yes, finally to the point of this post: you may or may not be aware of the changing world of education (depending on if you have any kids and/or their age) - but the childhood summers of our generations' past are truly endangered - and the consequences may be even worse than the loss of those experiences.
Think for a moment about how summer experiences have impacted your lives. I know that my life would be completely different without my summer overnight camp experiences and my summer travels to Eastern Europe and Israel. And though not everyone goes to summer camp or Israel, most kids do something during their summers - they work, they stretch the boundaries of their independence, they explore, they travel (solo or with family), and yes, sometimes they do seemingly nothing. But those experiences are formative - and they are in danger of going away if parents are unaware of the changing landscape of education.
I think the conversation began because the family camp ended today (Sunday) and my wife and I start our school year tomorrow. People were a bit shocked that we were beginning the year so early - and to find out that several schools in our area began their year as early as two weeks ago. The summer camp director emiritus is concerned that his camp, active for over 67 years, will become extinct. Some parents expressed concern that their children would not follow in their footsteps and experience their childhood camp. The question is - - Why?
We discussed three potential educational causes endangering childhood summers - which I'll simplify here. First of all, there is the stress of college. Have you seen what it costs to send a kid through four years of undergraduate college these days? Using the BIG10 as an example, the average out-of-state yearly tuition is approximately $28,000. By the time my kids are ready for college, I'd expect that number to double or triple. Gulp. Students and Parents are trying to figure out how to reduce college costs? The answer - Advanced Placement courses. In order to gain 'free' college credit in high school, teens are taking summer school to free up hours during the school year to take college credit courses. These classes not only take away valuable summer growth time, but they also over-program students during the year - severely cutting down on student free time to experience life. The advantage? Less college tuition, which is important; however, at a great cost.
The second endangering factor is high school athletics. Sports are so darned competitive these days that students are obsessed with extra practice and training. In addition, sports notoriety is so important for schools, that high school athletics have become serious time commitments - during the summer and during the year. I mean, I played varsity sports in high school, but summer sports camp and early practice were optional. These days, students absolutely cannot make sports teams if they do not participate in extra training and lengthy summer preparations (not to mention the disadvantage if you don't start travel clubs in elementary school). Kids are left with a choice - play the sport they love or take a step back and enjoy differentiated summer experiences. Most kids choose sports. Again, these limit the amount of free time the children have to experience life, to travel, to go to overnight summer camp, to work, etc.
The final and most significant factor that presents a danger to summer experiences is the changing school year schedule. Many of us grew up at a time when school started after or around Labor Day (the beginning of September). But as I said before, schools are starting earlier and earlier these days - with some starting almost a month earlier in the first week of August. Why? To accommodate high stakes testing and Advanced Placement courses. AP tests are in May. Schools that begin earlier get a leg up - with more days to prepare for the tests. This can help kids do well and gain college credit and eventually lower their overall tuition later in life, but it also shifts the whole yearly calendar. Other schools rationalize starting earlier to give their students a more collegiate experience - with first semester and finals ending before winter break. In order to do that, schools have to start earlier. In both cases, the variety of school starting times creates an uneven summer schedule - which in turn makes it difficult for camps and other programs to cater to all children. Eventually, many kids will not be able to attend summer experiences because of school schedules.
Some of you may think - what's the big deal? I want to save on college tuition and who cares about camp and when school starts. The hidden problem may be that the lack of diverse experiences is severely limiting students' ability to be literate and severely curtailing students' ability to critically think. So many times I hear folks lamenting the intelligence of today's kids - we laugh when talk shows make fun of the fact that they don't know who the Vice President is or on what coast California is located. We lament their lack of reading and communication skills. I see this a lot as a teacher and reading specialist. And frankly, there is a lot of research coming to light that points to students' lack of background knowledge, their lack of experiences, their lack of travel - which creates literacy and thinking problems. After all, if kids do not know about the world around them - socially and geographically, how can they master the more difficult aspects of communication, reading, and study.
It makes me sad that future generations of kids may not grow up to know summer camps, summer travels, and summer jobs as I did growing up. These experiences gave me friendships I cherish, knowledge beyond school walls, and a perspective I could not have gained had I stayed within the confines of my hometown and school my whole life. As a society, we should begin to question the direction administrators and government are taking our youth. How much should we value allowing our kids to be kids and experience life? Is it worth a year of college tuition to give them world wisdom and perspective? Is it worth a year a college tuition to allow kids time to go to camp, to travel, to gain job experience? If your answer is yes - then you should probably start paying attention to the direction your schools and the surrounding schools are moving with these initiatives. Many of Illinois' best schools are moving in these directions and the result could be the elimination of childhood summers as we know them.
And if your child is a struggling reader, consider how much experience and background knowledge they bring to their reading. They may struggle from a lack of prior knowledge, a lack of world knowledge, a lack of current events, etc. Consider giving them as much diversified reading and experience as possible. See if a more robust knowledge base can help improve their thinking and comprehension.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Strollin' Down Memory Lane
Nostalgia has a funny way of bringing out the Cheese. So set your "Cheesy Meter" on high and read on at your own risk :)
Ken Hicks wrote a song familiar to many folks:
"This is a song for all the good people
All the good people who touched up my life.
This is a song for all the good people
People I'm thankin' my stars for tonight."
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to take a stroll down my memory lane at the 2nd Annual Internapoli (my childhood travel soccer club) gathering where I was given the 30-year-old brochure and patch (shown at the left) by my old soccer coach.
Yes, he kept a bunch of mementos from the glory days of our boyhood travel soccer club - and amazed us all on Saturday with these treasures from our past. My coaches, Nick and Tony, had a good laugh at the fact that they 'stole' me from another soccer club, and the hell they took just to put me on the team (plus, no expensive transfer fee). Nick said to Tony, "We just had to have this kid!" And maybe that was a bigger treasure than the booklet and patch. I mean, to see these guys joke and laugh and compliment me after 30+ years. And I'm so thankful to them for touching my life and bringing me into the Internapoli family. The great times we had; the great friends I made (I'll get to them in a bit). Just thinking about Saturday - you couldn't wipe the smile off my face.
The fact is that for whatever reason, I am so blessed with so many good people that have touched my life in one way or another. So, this post is for all of the good people that have touched my life! The amazing thing is that they come from all walks of life - and I'm privileged to stroll down memory lane with them often because they are still part of my life. Where would I be without the amazing people that have been in my life for decades. I'm not going to name names for fear of forgetting individual folks (I mean, I am old), but you know who you are (probably the 5 folks that still read this blog are on that list). However, I can point to significant places and seeds that have flourished in my life.
1) I'm thankful for my beautiful Wife, Kids, and Family. (No, that's not sarcasm honey - as far as you know). Like many of you with your own families - you know we live the amazing moments over and over together.
2) I'm thankful for Work Colleagues. Over the years, you have helped me keep my sanity and provided much needed friendship and laughs - through the good times and the difficult times.
3) I'm so thankful for my camp and youth group friends. I mean, some of these folks I have known for 22-34 years. Two to three decades, a lifetime ago, and we still are privileged to be in touch in one way or another. Obviously Facebook is a huge help, but FB doesn't replace the memories, the lasting impacts that are made, the love that is felt even over the distances and time.
4) I'm so thankful for my Shorashim friends and family. I have Israeli and American friendships that have lasted decades and over oceans for more than two decades (some as long as 27 years). The things that we experienced together are unexplainable and unbelievable. Without my Shorashim friends and family, my life would be completely different in so many ways. I mean, how many people have multiple beds in another country, multiple doors in another country that would be open in a second in any time of need? I do.
5) I'm so thankful for my friends from the various schools I have attended and the places I have lived. Some of us started attending school together in 3rd grade in Buffalo Grove in the old neighborhood, in the 1970s - and some of are still in touch. The connections of life experiences run so deeply - our parents know each other and no matter the situation, we are family. I have been so moved and inspired by some of the folks from the 'olden' days. I have cried with them and their tragedies. I have been inspired by their stories of courage - inspired to run and keep in better shape.
6) And I'm so thankful for the fellas that I played soccer with Saturday, 30+ years after we shared the
fields as kids; 30+ years after we won tournaments together; 30+ years of damn good times. Some of these guys played with me through high school. We had a good laugh at some of those pictures like the black and white one to the right from 1984. The color photo is some of us from today. A little less hair, a little less stamina, but a lot of the same good people.
Saturday, we rolled out a ball and ran around like we were teens again. A lot of the communication still there. We were joined by our 2 coaches, who looked on with pride and hugged us like we were their sons, and we were joined by our coach's daughter - a little sister in so many ways to many of us. In truth, we were a big family back then - playing on the field and hanging out at coach's Italian restaurant. I pretty vividly remember watching Italy's 1982 World Cup victory with some of these fellas. And when I drive by the fields of our youth, I can picture us running around in our blue and white (and green & gold) uniforms.
I loved every minute of the time I spent with the guys on the right; we told stories (especially of Coach Habs) that reminded us of the many great times we shared together. As I sit here, I remember many more.
I hope the folks from all of the major areas of my life know how much they have impacted my life. Thank you, all of the good people in my life - I'm so thankful for all of you. I hope we get to stroll down memory lane for many, many more years. I have learned from so many of you. I have laughed with so many of you. I have depended on so many of you...
...And I have cried with so many of you. Because the fact of the matter is, the more you stroll down memory lane and reminisce about the good times - the more you feel the impact of what's been lost over the years as well. Today we felt that empty hole in the form of our old friend, Dom, who was taken from us way too early, during the year between last year's Internapoli reunion and this year's reunion. It breaks my heart that I missed last year and missed hugging him one last time, but I'm told he was his old self - cracking jokes, smiling, the life of the party. And today we played the game we love without him...but he was not far from our thoughts.
Dom taught me a lasting lesson this past year: at our age, we have to live in the present, but we also have to take every opportunity to stroll down memory lane with those that have impacted us over the years, with those that we have loved over the years, and with those that have just come into our lives that provide more lanes to stroll.
We hear it all of the time, but seize every moment of every day. Life is so precious and so fragile that we shouldn't waste our time away. Thanks to my Internapoli buddies for making Saturday a shining moment; thanks for making 30 years disappear like it was yesterday; thanks for coming from as far away as Minnesota and Florida and Wisconsin. And thanks to Dom for reminding us that we should do this again next year or as soon as possible. Today he wasn't on the field, but he was in our hearts.
Epilogue of Sorts:
Ironically, I've been writing this Carpe Diem of sorts over the past few days and the news of Robin Williams' suicide just hit. Though, Dominick's death was not suicide, both losses are reminders of the preciousness of life, and that we should live every day like it is special.
Additionally, it's a good reminder that depression is a terrible disease. If you suffer, please get help. As I've said above, my life is much richer with you in it; I don't want to bear the thought of it without you.
RIP Dominick Manzella & RIP Robin Williams
Ken Hicks wrote a song familiar to many folks:
"This is a song for all the good people
All the good people who touched up my life.
This is a song for all the good people
People I'm thankin' my stars for tonight."
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to take a stroll down my memory lane at the 2nd Annual Internapoli (my childhood travel soccer club) gathering where I was given the 30-year-old brochure and patch (shown at the left) by my old soccer coach.
Yes, he kept a bunch of mementos from the glory days of our boyhood travel soccer club - and amazed us all on Saturday with these treasures from our past. My coaches, Nick and Tony, had a good laugh at the fact that they 'stole' me from another soccer club, and the hell they took just to put me on the team (plus, no expensive transfer fee). Nick said to Tony, "We just had to have this kid!" And maybe that was a bigger treasure than the booklet and patch. I mean, to see these guys joke and laugh and compliment me after 30+ years. And I'm so thankful to them for touching my life and bringing me into the Internapoli family. The great times we had; the great friends I made (I'll get to them in a bit). Just thinking about Saturday - you couldn't wipe the smile off my face.The fact is that for whatever reason, I am so blessed with so many good people that have touched my life in one way or another. So, this post is for all of the good people that have touched my life! The amazing thing is that they come from all walks of life - and I'm privileged to stroll down memory lane with them often because they are still part of my life. Where would I be without the amazing people that have been in my life for decades. I'm not going to name names for fear of forgetting individual folks (I mean, I am old), but you know who you are (probably the 5 folks that still read this blog are on that list). However, I can point to significant places and seeds that have flourished in my life.
1) I'm thankful for my beautiful Wife, Kids, and Family. (No, that's not sarcasm honey - as far as you know). Like many of you with your own families - you know we live the amazing moments over and over together.
2) I'm thankful for Work Colleagues. Over the years, you have helped me keep my sanity and provided much needed friendship and laughs - through the good times and the difficult times.
3) I'm so thankful for my camp and youth group friends. I mean, some of these folks I have known for 22-34 years. Two to three decades, a lifetime ago, and we still are privileged to be in touch in one way or another. Obviously Facebook is a huge help, but FB doesn't replace the memories, the lasting impacts that are made, the love that is felt even over the distances and time.
4) I'm so thankful for my Shorashim friends and family. I have Israeli and American friendships that have lasted decades and over oceans for more than two decades (some as long as 27 years). The things that we experienced together are unexplainable and unbelievable. Without my Shorashim friends and family, my life would be completely different in so many ways. I mean, how many people have multiple beds in another country, multiple doors in another country that would be open in a second in any time of need? I do.
5) I'm so thankful for my friends from the various schools I have attended and the places I have lived. Some of us started attending school together in 3rd grade in Buffalo Grove in the old neighborhood, in the 1970s - and some of are still in touch. The connections of life experiences run so deeply - our parents know each other and no matter the situation, we are family. I have been so moved and inspired by some of the folks from the 'olden' days. I have cried with them and their tragedies. I have been inspired by their stories of courage - inspired to run and keep in better shape.
6) And I'm so thankful for the fellas that I played soccer with Saturday, 30+ years after we shared the
fields as kids; 30+ years after we won tournaments together; 30+ years of damn good times. Some of these guys played with me through high school. We had a good laugh at some of those pictures like the black and white one to the right from 1984. The color photo is some of us from today. A little less hair, a little less stamina, but a lot of the same good people. Saturday, we rolled out a ball and ran around like we were teens again. A lot of the communication still there. We were joined by our 2 coaches, who looked on with pride and hugged us like we were their sons, and we were joined by our coach's daughter - a little sister in so many ways to many of us. In truth, we were a big family back then - playing on the field and hanging out at coach's Italian restaurant. I pretty vividly remember watching Italy's 1982 World Cup victory with some of these fellas. And when I drive by the fields of our youth, I can picture us running around in our blue and white (and green & gold) uniforms.
I loved every minute of the time I spent with the guys on the right; we told stories (especially of Coach Habs) that reminded us of the many great times we shared together. As I sit here, I remember many more.
I hope the folks from all of the major areas of my life know how much they have impacted my life. Thank you, all of the good people in my life - I'm so thankful for all of you. I hope we get to stroll down memory lane for many, many more years. I have learned from so many of you. I have laughed with so many of you. I have depended on so many of you...
...And I have cried with so many of you. Because the fact of the matter is, the more you stroll down memory lane and reminisce about the good times - the more you feel the impact of what's been lost over the years as well. Today we felt that empty hole in the form of our old friend, Dom, who was taken from us way too early, during the year between last year's Internapoli reunion and this year's reunion. It breaks my heart that I missed last year and missed hugging him one last time, but I'm told he was his old self - cracking jokes, smiling, the life of the party. And today we played the game we love without him...but he was not far from our thoughts.
Dom taught me a lasting lesson this past year: at our age, we have to live in the present, but we also have to take every opportunity to stroll down memory lane with those that have impacted us over the years, with those that we have loved over the years, and with those that have just come into our lives that provide more lanes to stroll.
We hear it all of the time, but seize every moment of every day. Life is so precious and so fragile that we shouldn't waste our time away. Thanks to my Internapoli buddies for making Saturday a shining moment; thanks for making 30 years disappear like it was yesterday; thanks for coming from as far away as Minnesota and Florida and Wisconsin. And thanks to Dom for reminding us that we should do this again next year or as soon as possible. Today he wasn't on the field, but he was in our hearts.
Epilogue of Sorts:
Ironically, I've been writing this Carpe Diem of sorts over the past few days and the news of Robin Williams' suicide just hit. Though, Dominick's death was not suicide, both losses are reminders of the preciousness of life, and that we should live every day like it is special.
Additionally, it's a good reminder that depression is a terrible disease. If you suffer, please get help. As I've said above, my life is much richer with you in it; I don't want to bear the thought of it without you.
RIP Dominick Manzella & RIP Robin Williams
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Time to Disband the United Nations?
I hate the United Nations. There I said it. I mean, in theory, I should love the UN - being that I'm all about peace, love, happiness, and rock 'n roll - but I really dislike it. And my hate began in the strangest way - not when examining the imbalanced mistreatment of Israel throughout its history although it was noticable, but while watching the movie, Hotel Rwanda. Now I know that movies are not reality, and I realize that not everything in Hotel Rwanda is the absolute truth; however, if you listen and watch closely (and I have done so multiple times given that I used the movie in my classroom for several years), there are actual radio clips and statements from world media highlighting the shortcomings of the UN during the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
Recently, a friend of mine opined on Facebook that the UN should be disbanded, if not put on trial for its complicity with Hamas that's come to light during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. I credit him for inspiring me to retrace some of the major missteps of the UN since its creation after WWII in 1945. Replacing the League of Nations, the UN was created so the world would not repeat the pitfalls of WWII. The UN's "objectives include maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, fostering social and economic development, protecting the environment, and providing humanitarian aid in cases of famine, natural disaster, and armed conflict" (Wikipedia). The objectives are noble - and I'm sure that the UN has successfully met some of the objectives at times - but the UN has also failed miserably multiple times to adhere to its objectives. Here are some of ones that stick in my craw:
1) Inability To Stop Genocide: As I said above, my distaste began when I realize how the UN truly failed the people of the Rwandan genocide. Even though the UN was aware of the potential of Tutsi on Hutu violence in the early 90s, they failed to protect the Hutus and in many cases, stepped aside as the Tutsis carried out their slaughter of nearly 1 million Hutu people. If only it stopped there. Unfortunately, the UN has impotently failed the objective of maintaining peace, security, and armed conflict in many other situations including - Darfur, Sudan where upwards of 300,000 civilians have been killed by the Janjaweed in the early 2000s; in the early 90s, Serbs killed more than 7500 Bosnians and raped/pillaged their lands due to an ill-prepared UN force; and the list continues with failed UN missions to save people from the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia where 2.5 million people were killed in the late 70s, and in Sri Lanka where at the end of a 25+ year civil war, 6500 civilians were killed in a UN safe zone. I am fortunate to have learned about these situations from my students over the years who after reading about the Holocaust and watching Hotel Rwanda, performed their own research on genocides around the world in the 20th century.
2) Hypocrisy on Human Rights: Instead of protecting human rights worldwide, ironically, some of the worst violators of human rights end up in leadership roles for the UN Human Rights Council. Off the top of my head countries such as Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Turkey, Libya, Qatar, and China - among other countries with spotted history of abuses - have served or currently sit on the council. It seems like the UN focuses disproportionately on Israel's human rights alleged violations; meanwhile, countries around the world continue to persecute women, homosexuals, races, handicapped, and other groups in their midst with little reproach.
3) Disproportionate Focus on Israel: You knew I'd get here. So many things have come to light during the recent conflict in regards to the UN's inept ability to protect Israel and keep Israelis and Arabs safe from conflict. There are a ton of people with better resources and more in depth coverage of the disproportionate treatment of Israel by the UN over the years, so I will let you do your own research on the subject if you desire - after planting a few seeds (Like my friend Rick's blog, which you should be reading if you are interested in exploring the Arab-Israeli Conflict. He's been doing it a lot longer and a lot better than me!).
Anyhow, in brief, it is well documented at this point that the UNRWA has been used as a cover for hiding Hamas missiles. Not only have missiles been found at no fewer than 3 UNRWA schools in Gaza, but once discovered, those missiles somehow ended up back in the hands of terrorists. Also, 3 IDF soldiers were killed exploring a terror tunnel they discovered in what may have been a UNRWA health clinic. It was booby trapped and the explosion killed the soldiers. While the UN has rightly condemned the use of their resources for Hamas cover, the rebukes are few and far between. For as Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields and executes suspected collaborators with Israel, the UN disproportionately continues to admonish Israel for targeting civilians; the UN cites Hamas death statistics which list civilian casualties at 80% (while IDF sources place the number closer to 50%). And most disturbingly, the UN criticized Israel for NOT handing over their Iron Dome technology to terrorists. Think about that for a moment - the UN told Israel that the technology they developed to protect Israeli civilians should have been shared with an entity whose charter calls for the genocide of the Jews. I shit you not.
Look, this list could go on and on. But I think you get the picture - and the nuggets are there to help you start your own research if you choose. There are many reasons to hate the UN, and probably many reasons to lobby the United States to stop funding such a biased, ineffective body on US soil. As my friend suggested - maybe it's even time bring the UN to trial for complicity in the death of millions or at least disband the UN. At the very least, next time you hear UN body count statistics from Gaza or UN condemnations of Israel (or any other country), it should give you pause to wonder whether or not those words are truthful and just.
Recently, a friend of mine opined on Facebook that the UN should be disbanded, if not put on trial for its complicity with Hamas that's come to light during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. I credit him for inspiring me to retrace some of the major missteps of the UN since its creation after WWII in 1945. Replacing the League of Nations, the UN was created so the world would not repeat the pitfalls of WWII. The UN's "objectives include maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, fostering social and economic development, protecting the environment, and providing humanitarian aid in cases of famine, natural disaster, and armed conflict" (Wikipedia). The objectives are noble - and I'm sure that the UN has successfully met some of the objectives at times - but the UN has also failed miserably multiple times to adhere to its objectives. Here are some of ones that stick in my craw:
1) Inability To Stop Genocide: As I said above, my distaste began when I realize how the UN truly failed the people of the Rwandan genocide. Even though the UN was aware of the potential of Tutsi on Hutu violence in the early 90s, they failed to protect the Hutus and in many cases, stepped aside as the Tutsis carried out their slaughter of nearly 1 million Hutu people. If only it stopped there. Unfortunately, the UN has impotently failed the objective of maintaining peace, security, and armed conflict in many other situations including - Darfur, Sudan where upwards of 300,000 civilians have been killed by the Janjaweed in the early 2000s; in the early 90s, Serbs killed more than 7500 Bosnians and raped/pillaged their lands due to an ill-prepared UN force; and the list continues with failed UN missions to save people from the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia where 2.5 million people were killed in the late 70s, and in Sri Lanka where at the end of a 25+ year civil war, 6500 civilians were killed in a UN safe zone. I am fortunate to have learned about these situations from my students over the years who after reading about the Holocaust and watching Hotel Rwanda, performed their own research on genocides around the world in the 20th century.
2) Hypocrisy on Human Rights: Instead of protecting human rights worldwide, ironically, some of the worst violators of human rights end up in leadership roles for the UN Human Rights Council. Off the top of my head countries such as Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Turkey, Libya, Qatar, and China - among other countries with spotted history of abuses - have served or currently sit on the council. It seems like the UN focuses disproportionately on Israel's human rights alleged violations; meanwhile, countries around the world continue to persecute women, homosexuals, races, handicapped, and other groups in their midst with little reproach.
3) Disproportionate Focus on Israel: You knew I'd get here. So many things have come to light during the recent conflict in regards to the UN's inept ability to protect Israel and keep Israelis and Arabs safe from conflict. There are a ton of people with better resources and more in depth coverage of the disproportionate treatment of Israel by the UN over the years, so I will let you do your own research on the subject if you desire - after planting a few seeds (Like my friend Rick's blog, which you should be reading if you are interested in exploring the Arab-Israeli Conflict. He's been doing it a lot longer and a lot better than me!).
Anyhow, in brief, it is well documented at this point that the UNRWA has been used as a cover for hiding Hamas missiles. Not only have missiles been found at no fewer than 3 UNRWA schools in Gaza, but once discovered, those missiles somehow ended up back in the hands of terrorists. Also, 3 IDF soldiers were killed exploring a terror tunnel they discovered in what may have been a UNRWA health clinic. It was booby trapped and the explosion killed the soldiers. While the UN has rightly condemned the use of their resources for Hamas cover, the rebukes are few and far between. For as Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields and executes suspected collaborators with Israel, the UN disproportionately continues to admonish Israel for targeting civilians; the UN cites Hamas death statistics which list civilian casualties at 80% (while IDF sources place the number closer to 50%). And most disturbingly, the UN criticized Israel for NOT handing over their Iron Dome technology to terrorists. Think about that for a moment - the UN told Israel that the technology they developed to protect Israeli civilians should have been shared with an entity whose charter calls for the genocide of the Jews. I shit you not.
Look, this list could go on and on. But I think you get the picture - and the nuggets are there to help you start your own research if you choose. There are many reasons to hate the UN, and probably many reasons to lobby the United States to stop funding such a biased, ineffective body on US soil. As my friend suggested - maybe it's even time bring the UN to trial for complicity in the death of millions or at least disband the UN. At the very least, next time you hear UN body count statistics from Gaza or UN condemnations of Israel (or any other country), it should give you pause to wonder whether or not those words are truthful and just.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Moshe the Beadle and Vladek Spiegelman Part II
Since I wrote the first part of this post (if you missed it, find it here), antisemitism continues to rear its face around the world. Adding to the list of countries reporting antisemitism - Italy and England - among others. And so I continue to dream and I continue to anticipate Moshe the Beadle's arrival and his warnings of an increasingly dangerous world for Jews...
But, people say, "Don't worry! You live in the USA; you're not in any danger." They are probably right, alas part of me wonders. The folks in Germany and Europe thought that they were okay as well. And what with John Kerry and the White House taking offense at Israel's criticism of Kerry's weak attempt at a ceasefire - leaning heavily on Hamas' demands, I wonder. And as I see President Obama demanding Israel unilaterally ceasefire - he EXPECTS Israel to listen - meanwhile the White House bristles at the "damaging" leak of the private conversation, I wonder. Can it happen here?
As I wrote in part I, there are times I ignore Moshe's warnings, and there are times I take my family and flee to Israel. But often times as well, my dreams turn to protecting my family, I start to dream about places we could hide - if another Holocaust were to happen. I dream about people that would be willing to risk their lives, their family's lives to save mine (and don't worry, I harbor no conscious ill will towards those that I have circled and/or crossed off my dream list of possibilities). After all, Anne Frank's family had the secret annex and folks to provide for them - there must be someone out there for me, right?
But ultimately, I realize that when push comes to shove at times like the Holocaust, survival becomes an "every man for himself" situation. And so I imagine myself as strong as Vladek Spiegelman. Who you ask? Vladek Spiegelman is a Polish Holocaust survivor whose story is told by his author son, Art, in the graphic novel MAUS. As I said, I highly recommend reading both Maus I and Maus II. Vladek's survival, like many survivors, depended on intelligence, preparation, and honestly, a lot of luck.
Like Vladek, I am an analytic planner. And so, like Vladek did back in WWII, as the tide of antisemitism rises in the world around us, my dreams have me planning meticulously. Trust me, I dream about the architectural blue-prints of my house - and wonder where I can build a hiding place like this one detailed in MAUS I:
Here, Vladek hides in a fake compartment built into an attic. Hmmmm...I have an attic. Could I build a secret entrance through a light fixture so that if someone looked up through the 'normal' square opening to the attic, they might not think twice about the false wall I build? Unfortunately, our attic does not have a solid floor between the joists and the old wood would likely squeak and give us away, so I'm not sure it's an ideal place to build a hideout.
Maybe a better idea is to build a hiding place in our basement crawlspace such as this one Vladek hides in during Maus I:
I wonder where I can hide a false entrance above my crawl space. I don't have a coal bin as Vladek did; however, I find this bunker genius.
Believe me, I have pondered every corner and crevice of my house. There's no room in the main basement; we don't have a shed in the backyard in which to take refuge. But there is a fake 'attic' above the garage that is not attached to the main house attic. In fact, I think I could build a false wall that logically lines up with the house line, hiding the fact that it goes deeper beneath the master bedroom. I know I was surprised when I first saw how deep the garage attic stretched into the house. Yes, that will have to do. Like Vladek would do, I will now go take some measurements and head off to Lowe's to purchase some drywall and other supplies.
So even though I know it won't happen here...please, please - if you see Moshe the Beadle rambling along your streets, please let me know. I need to know the right time to stock my hiding spot with food and water - and when we should seek refuge up there.
But, people say, "Don't worry! You live in the USA; you're not in any danger." They are probably right, alas part of me wonders. The folks in Germany and Europe thought that they were okay as well. And what with John Kerry and the White House taking offense at Israel's criticism of Kerry's weak attempt at a ceasefire - leaning heavily on Hamas' demands, I wonder. And as I see President Obama demanding Israel unilaterally ceasefire - he EXPECTS Israel to listen - meanwhile the White House bristles at the "damaging" leak of the private conversation, I wonder. Can it happen here?
As I wrote in part I, there are times I ignore Moshe's warnings, and there are times I take my family and flee to Israel. But often times as well, my dreams turn to protecting my family, I start to dream about places we could hide - if another Holocaust were to happen. I dream about people that would be willing to risk their lives, their family's lives to save mine (and don't worry, I harbor no conscious ill will towards those that I have circled and/or crossed off my dream list of possibilities). After all, Anne Frank's family had the secret annex and folks to provide for them - there must be someone out there for me, right?
But ultimately, I realize that when push comes to shove at times like the Holocaust, survival becomes an "every man for himself" situation. And so I imagine myself as strong as Vladek Spiegelman. Who you ask? Vladek Spiegelman is a Polish Holocaust survivor whose story is told by his author son, Art, in the graphic novel MAUS. As I said, I highly recommend reading both Maus I and Maus II. Vladek's survival, like many survivors, depended on intelligence, preparation, and honestly, a lot of luck.
Like Vladek, I am an analytic planner. And so, like Vladek did back in WWII, as the tide of antisemitism rises in the world around us, my dreams have me planning meticulously. Trust me, I dream about the architectural blue-prints of my house - and wonder where I can build a hiding place like this one detailed in MAUS I:
Maybe a better idea is to build a hiding place in our basement crawlspace such as this one Vladek hides in during Maus I:
Believe me, I have pondered every corner and crevice of my house. There's no room in the main basement; we don't have a shed in the backyard in which to take refuge. But there is a fake 'attic' above the garage that is not attached to the main house attic. In fact, I think I could build a false wall that logically lines up with the house line, hiding the fact that it goes deeper beneath the master bedroom. I know I was surprised when I first saw how deep the garage attic stretched into the house. Yes, that will have to do. Like Vladek would do, I will now go take some measurements and head off to Lowe's to purchase some drywall and other supplies.
So even though I know it won't happen here...please, please - if you see Moshe the Beadle rambling along your streets, please let me know. I need to know the right time to stock my hiding spot with food and water - and when we should seek refuge up there.
Monday, July 28, 2014
In My Eyes: Chicago Stands with Israel - A Community-Wide Rally 7.28.14
Now, that was a rally. No offense to last week's rally put on by StandWithUs, but when the JUF decides to put on an event - they do it well. I still don't fully understand what happened or what precipitated having two rallies put on by two different organizations - and to be sure, for the duration of the conflict, maybe we should be doing this every week - but today's rally just felt right and for the most part, I only have positive things to say about it. First I'll give an overview of what went on and then I'll offer some parting observations at the end of this post.
That being said, starting off the rally with a less than enthusiastic, long-winded speaker, was probably not the best idea. I get what he was saying and I get that the gentleman was talking about a recent solidarity trip, but maybe it would be more effective to stick to one or two talking points in favor of more enthusiasm. Walking away from the rally, this was the only criticism I had. Later, a friend told me that towards the back of the crowd, the sound was not as loud and the counter-protestors seemed louder. That is unfortunate as well.
From there though, I only have positive things to say. The production itself was so precise and professional. The JUF always does a great job at having flags, signs, and publicity. The publicity brought out more people than last week's rally. I know that several north suburban congregations sent fairly sizable contingencies to the rally. The JUF seemed to really draw on getting local organizations to come out to stand with Israel. My mother's congregation sent a bus delegation, and I was happy to see our sons' day school represented as well.
Additionally, JUF seems to really bring out the 'big hitters' in Chicago. Always a big Israel supporter, Senator Mark Kirk took the stage for some brief thoughts. Since his stroke, Senator Kirk is visibly changed and seems to keep a lower profile. But there he was, being helped to the stage, to simply say that Israel is our friend, Israel has the right to defend itself, and he stands behind Israel. I have met Senator Kirk - and before the stroke, he was a vivacious and engaging gentleman. It was hard to see him struggle today, but at the same time - it was meaningful and inspirational. I was also inspired by the strength of JUF's Dr. Steven Nasatir who emphatically implored the crowd to stay informed, to be an Israel advocate, and to educate others. Another outstanding speaker was Rev. Roosevelt Watkins III. It is great that the Jewish community has such friends in the African-American community - and like Pastor Chris Harris last week, Rev. Watkins spoke of his support for Israel and the need to heal the violence in Israel as we have to do in the Chicago South/West sides.
The rally ended powerfully with 2 young people reading the names of the Israeli IDF and civilian casualties. The reading of the names was followed by the singing of the traditional “El Maleh Rachamim.” It was very moving and only a minute or two later, we learned of the newest 5 Israeli casualties - a somber reminder of the steep price Israel is paying to gain peace from terror. Appropriately, after this 'memorial,' the rally ended with thoughts from Consul General Roey Gilad and then the singing of the US National Anthem and HaTikvah. HaTikvah is always emotional for me - in times of conflict and peace. Today was no exception. And it was nice to spot Pastor Chris Harris vociferously singing along - and realize that his singing last week was not just a "show."
A few parting thoughts:
1. There is something about standing in an Israel solidarity crowd and knowing so many people. Though I wish this show of solidarity was for positive reasons, it is still so comforting to be amongst friends. Those I saw today (and those I didn't), I love that we share a love for Israel.
2. Today we did not stick around to see if anything occurred after the rally. I had to get back north for work and my son wasn't feeling well and had to be picked up from camp. If anyone saw anything interesting and would like to chime in - please feel free to add interesting observations in the comments.
3. CPD did a great job with security. At no time did I feel any danger or threat. There were rooftop 'spotters,' gates for entrances, and the counter protestors were held at a distance. An announced request by CPD to disperse quickly and peacefully seemed a more reasonable request than last weeks singling out of one side while the other stood around.
4. A friend told me that a CPD officer commented - "you guys always have American flags...those guys never do." I am glad that they noticed. I noticed this last week as well. Additionally, both pro-Israel rallies have made a point to stress the concern for Israelis, IDF soldiers, AND Palestinian civilians. Multiple times today it was mentioned that we have no issue with Palestinians - only terrorists like Hamas. I hope this message, along with the appreciation of supporting America and Israel, continues to permeate future events.
5. To build off of point #4, I am so tired of the negativity put forth by the pro-Hamasniks. While our leaders talk of peace and our signs read of hope - in addition to placing the blame on Hamas, their chants and signs contain swastikas and hate towards all Jews and all of Israel. It's gross.
6. Yes, Yes, Yes to singing during the rally. I would add that we need to come up with some slogans to chant.
*IF you've read this far...I know that I owe a part II for the "Moshe the Beadle and Vladek Spiegelman" post from yesterday. I will get to that, but in the meantime, here's a link to yesterday's post in case you missed it: Part I.
That being said, starting off the rally with a less than enthusiastic, long-winded speaker, was probably not the best idea. I get what he was saying and I get that the gentleman was talking about a recent solidarity trip, but maybe it would be more effective to stick to one or two talking points in favor of more enthusiasm. Walking away from the rally, this was the only criticism I had. Later, a friend told me that towards the back of the crowd, the sound was not as loud and the counter-protestors seemed louder. That is unfortunate as well.
From there though, I only have positive things to say. The production itself was so precise and professional. The JUF always does a great job at having flags, signs, and publicity. The publicity brought out more people than last week's rally. I know that several north suburban congregations sent fairly sizable contingencies to the rally. The JUF seemed to really draw on getting local organizations to come out to stand with Israel. My mother's congregation sent a bus delegation, and I was happy to see our sons' day school represented as well.
Additionally, JUF seems to really bring out the 'big hitters' in Chicago. Always a big Israel supporter, Senator Mark Kirk took the stage for some brief thoughts. Since his stroke, Senator Kirk is visibly changed and seems to keep a lower profile. But there he was, being helped to the stage, to simply say that Israel is our friend, Israel has the right to defend itself, and he stands behind Israel. I have met Senator Kirk - and before the stroke, he was a vivacious and engaging gentleman. It was hard to see him struggle today, but at the same time - it was meaningful and inspirational. I was also inspired by the strength of JUF's Dr. Steven Nasatir who emphatically implored the crowd to stay informed, to be an Israel advocate, and to educate others. Another outstanding speaker was Rev. Roosevelt Watkins III. It is great that the Jewish community has such friends in the African-American community - and like Pastor Chris Harris last week, Rev. Watkins spoke of his support for Israel and the need to heal the violence in Israel as we have to do in the Chicago South/West sides.
The rally ended powerfully with 2 young people reading the names of the Israeli IDF and civilian casualties. The reading of the names was followed by the singing of the traditional “El Maleh Rachamim.” It was very moving and only a minute or two later, we learned of the newest 5 Israeli casualties - a somber reminder of the steep price Israel is paying to gain peace from terror. Appropriately, after this 'memorial,' the rally ended with thoughts from Consul General Roey Gilad and then the singing of the US National Anthem and HaTikvah. HaTikvah is always emotional for me - in times of conflict and peace. Today was no exception. And it was nice to spot Pastor Chris Harris vociferously singing along - and realize that his singing last week was not just a "show."
A few parting thoughts:
1. There is something about standing in an Israel solidarity crowd and knowing so many people. Though I wish this show of solidarity was for positive reasons, it is still so comforting to be amongst friends. Those I saw today (and those I didn't), I love that we share a love for Israel.
2. Today we did not stick around to see if anything occurred after the rally. I had to get back north for work and my son wasn't feeling well and had to be picked up from camp. If anyone saw anything interesting and would like to chime in - please feel free to add interesting observations in the comments.
3. CPD did a great job with security. At no time did I feel any danger or threat. There were rooftop 'spotters,' gates for entrances, and the counter protestors were held at a distance. An announced request by CPD to disperse quickly and peacefully seemed a more reasonable request than last weeks singling out of one side while the other stood around.
4. A friend told me that a CPD officer commented - "you guys always have American flags...those guys never do." I am glad that they noticed. I noticed this last week as well. Additionally, both pro-Israel rallies have made a point to stress the concern for Israelis, IDF soldiers, AND Palestinian civilians. Multiple times today it was mentioned that we have no issue with Palestinians - only terrorists like Hamas. I hope this message, along with the appreciation of supporting America and Israel, continues to permeate future events.
5. To build off of point #4, I am so tired of the negativity put forth by the pro-Hamasniks. While our leaders talk of peace and our signs read of hope - in addition to placing the blame on Hamas, their chants and signs contain swastikas and hate towards all Jews and all of Israel. It's gross.
6. Yes, Yes, Yes to singing during the rally. I would add that we need to come up with some slogans to chant.
*IF you've read this far...I know that I owe a part II for the "Moshe the Beadle and Vladek Spiegelman" post from yesterday. I will get to that, but in the meantime, here's a link to yesterday's post in case you missed it: Part I.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Moshe the Beadle and Vladek Spiegelman Part I
Pssst...Come closer. I've got a secret to share. Ready? Sometimes, I dream in literature. Not surprised? Fine, I suppose it wouldn't be unexpected for a literature professional to dream about literature. And to be clear, I don't always dream about literature, but it does happen. Often, the dreams are about exciting young adult literature like battling the maze in The Maze Runner by James Dashner or getting thrown into the game world of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Other times, the dreams can be directly related to the books I'm teaching, like gripping the railing as the jury reads Tom Robinson's verdict in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird or slogging through the Vietnam jungle of Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried.
But lately, my dreams have been about Moshe the Beadle and Vladek Spiegelman. I guess this is a good time to plug the reading. If you have not read Elie Wiesel's Night, I would call it a must read. At about 110 pages, it remains one of the strongest Holocaust testimonies around. In Night, you will meet Moshe. The other character, Vladek, is from the Pulitzer Prize winning graphic novel MAUS by Art Spiegelman - less about the Holocaust and more about a father-son relationship and the post-traumatic effects of the Holocaust on survivors and their families. The former novella, I used to teach, and the latter I have taught the past ten years. Both are worthwhile, but Night is a must.
Without giving away too many spoilers as it happens early in Night, Moshe the Beadle - an impoverished, Kabbalistic, spiritual Jew - is deported from Sighet, Hungary with all other foreign Jews in 1942. After a few days, rumors circulate that the Jews are fine and settling into Galicia. Sometime later, Moshe reemerges in Sighet to warn the Jews of the Nazi crimes against Jews that he witnessed in Poland and to ask them to prepare. No one believes him, and even in the face of more stories of attacks on Jewish shops and synagogues as close as Budapest, the Jews in Sighet say, "Hitler won't be able to do [them] any harm." Ultimately, the Jews of Sighet are overcome by the Nazis in the Spring of 1944 because they did not heed the warnings of Moshe the "madman" (Wiesel 3-7).
So here I sit, over the past few weeks, reading report after report of worldwide anti-Semitic behavior towards Jews. It seems that Israel's defense of her citizens against Hamas terrorists has given license for the world to uncover a boiling undercurrent of antisemitism. Unfortunately, one might expect this type of behavior from countries such as Iran or France or Turkey, where antisemitism is the norm. But the violence accompanying the hurtful speech has come at a bit of a surprise - particularly in France. But antisemitism is also boiling over in other countries such as Belgium, Germany, New Zealand, and Canada. And recently, I was confronted with the hiring of an anti-Semite at my beloved alma mater - University of Illinois. And I wonder, when will Moshe the Beadle appear at my doorstep urging us Jews to flee our homes to the only true safety we know - Israel.
Okay, so maybe I am just a little paranoid (some of you are thinking, "a LITTLE?"). Of course, the media does sensationalize things. Logic dictates that though these events are seemingly increasing, and at times the world seems like it is revisiting Kristallnacht in Europe 1938, there is little for Jews to worry about, especially in the United States. Plus, as one friend told me, we are not in any danger because unlike in WWII, we have Israel. And even though a recent Anti-Defamation League survey found that 26% of those polled (approximately 4 billion adults) harbor deep anti-Semitic views, they won't be able to do us any harm. Right? RIGHT?
Yet, I still dream about Moshe the Beadle appearing at my doorstep - and my responses vary (yes, more than one time have I had this dream). Sometimes, we pack up the family and head to Israel. Sometimes, I ignore that "madman" Moshe. And other times, I think about Vladek Spiegelman.
*And since my wife just asked me, "Are you still writing that? Isn't it better to have 2 shorter posts than one long post?" - I will write about Vladek's entrance into my dreams at a later time.
Until then, if you see Moshe - - - Please let me know.
But lately, my dreams have been about Moshe the Beadle and Vladek Spiegelman. I guess this is a good time to plug the reading. If you have not read Elie Wiesel's Night, I would call it a must read. At about 110 pages, it remains one of the strongest Holocaust testimonies around. In Night, you will meet Moshe. The other character, Vladek, is from the Pulitzer Prize winning graphic novel MAUS by Art Spiegelman - less about the Holocaust and more about a father-son relationship and the post-traumatic effects of the Holocaust on survivors and their families. The former novella, I used to teach, and the latter I have taught the past ten years. Both are worthwhile, but Night is a must.
Without giving away too many spoilers as it happens early in Night, Moshe the Beadle - an impoverished, Kabbalistic, spiritual Jew - is deported from Sighet, Hungary with all other foreign Jews in 1942. After a few days, rumors circulate that the Jews are fine and settling into Galicia. Sometime later, Moshe reemerges in Sighet to warn the Jews of the Nazi crimes against Jews that he witnessed in Poland and to ask them to prepare. No one believes him, and even in the face of more stories of attacks on Jewish shops and synagogues as close as Budapest, the Jews in Sighet say, "Hitler won't be able to do [them] any harm." Ultimately, the Jews of Sighet are overcome by the Nazis in the Spring of 1944 because they did not heed the warnings of Moshe the "madman" (Wiesel 3-7).
So here I sit, over the past few weeks, reading report after report of worldwide anti-Semitic behavior towards Jews. It seems that Israel's defense of her citizens against Hamas terrorists has given license for the world to uncover a boiling undercurrent of antisemitism. Unfortunately, one might expect this type of behavior from countries such as Iran or France or Turkey, where antisemitism is the norm. But the violence accompanying the hurtful speech has come at a bit of a surprise - particularly in France. But antisemitism is also boiling over in other countries such as Belgium, Germany, New Zealand, and Canada. And recently, I was confronted with the hiring of an anti-Semite at my beloved alma mater - University of Illinois. And I wonder, when will Moshe the Beadle appear at my doorstep urging us Jews to flee our homes to the only true safety we know - Israel.
Okay, so maybe I am just a little paranoid (some of you are thinking, "a LITTLE?"). Of course, the media does sensationalize things. Logic dictates that though these events are seemingly increasing, and at times the world seems like it is revisiting Kristallnacht in Europe 1938, there is little for Jews to worry about, especially in the United States. Plus, as one friend told me, we are not in any danger because unlike in WWII, we have Israel. And even though a recent Anti-Defamation League survey found that 26% of those polled (approximately 4 billion adults) harbor deep anti-Semitic views, they won't be able to do us any harm. Right? RIGHT?
Yet, I still dream about Moshe the Beadle appearing at my doorstep - and my responses vary (yes, more than one time have I had this dream). Sometimes, we pack up the family and head to Israel. Sometimes, I ignore that "madman" Moshe. And other times, I think about Vladek Spiegelman.
*And since my wife just asked me, "Are you still writing that? Isn't it better to have 2 shorter posts than one long post?" - I will write about Vladek's entrance into my dreams at a later time.
Until then, if you see Moshe - - - Please let me know.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Community Pissing Match?
Initially, this blogging stuff has created a fresh flow of ideas and opportunities to opine about thing I encounter in life - particularly regarding Israel right now. Now my issue will be trying to figure out which topic to explore first, which one is most relevant, which one is most important...which one will be irrelevant by tomorrow? Today I have two topics on the tip of my Crazy Fingers, and thus have a pissing match going on in my head to see which one comes out in my adopted stream of conscious format that I am insistent on keeping - another pissing match I hope to avoid: my OCD English teacher pull to stay focused on topic, to edit, to be concise, etc.
But, I digress. Those pissing matches are not what is sticking in my craw at the moment. The one that is frustrating me though is the apparent pissing match between Jewish organizations in the Chicagoland area that are trying to support Israel. Last week, as I wrote about, there was the rally for peace and against terrorism on Tuesday 7/22/14. That rally was sponsored by StandWithUs and the Israel House, among others. I found it strange that JUF was under-represented since normally the Federation is a major sponsor of Chicago community events. Then today I receive a notification for a JUF sponsored rally this coming Monday.
My first frustration is that as a teacher with a fairly flexible summer, there are two Israel rallies that fall on the two days that I have curricular meetings for work. What are the freakin' odds? Planned weeks and weeks ago, these meetings, which are important to me, happen to coincide with my chances to stand with Israel and to show my support to my Jewish homeland, my friends, and their families. Last Tuesday, I emailed my team leaders and decided that I would be missing our meeting. Israel is too important to me, of course. No doubt, since most of my colleagues are friends who have known me for years, they understood. Now, here I sit and face the same dilemma for Monday. Monday's work is with a different team - an initiative that we just started last year and has been so professionally and personally rewarding. The decision is a bit harder...but enough about me and my internal pissing match.
Back to the Chicago Jewish Community pissing match (now that I just sent an email to my Monday morning meeting team asking if we can change the day). I guess my point is: why are we not working together in this time of need instead of dividing the community? If others like me, but have summer work obligations, already made an effort to come out last Tuesday for the rally - can they take off more work time to come to another rally? So I ask again, why aren't we working together as a community to put our best foot forward, to bring out huge numbers, and to show our great support?
I actually overheard three women discussing this last Tuesday, but I dismissed their idea as silly. They said that the Federation did not join in on last week's rally because the decision was made too hastily and the Federation requires a certain amount of time to mobilize their efforts. Since StandWithUs wanted to move so quickly with the support rally, the JUF would not be supporting the effort. Now, this was overheard and it may not be true, but in retrospect, it makes sense given the call for another rally made today by JUF. Instead of compromising, the JUF has to do it their way and StandWithUs had to do it their way.
I get so tired of the silly competitiveness between Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, and Orthodox Judaism. As a people, we certainly do not subscribe to the concept of "United we stand, divided we fall" often enough. And here we had the opportunity to stand together to support the one thing that most of us agree upon - our love for a strong and prosperous Israel...and we failed in favor of some kind of power struggle or pissing match. So instead of having thousands of supporters in an impressive show of Chicago support (after all, I believe Chicagoland's Jewish Community numbers somewhere around 300,000), we ended up with a paltry 1500 folks last Tuesday, and probably a few thousand more on Monday morning. Last Tuesday we were shouted out by a larger counter-rally of pro-Hamasniks. That possibility exists again for the upcoming rally on Monday...unless we decide to stop the pissing match, all come together, spread the word, and stand side-by-side to support Israel's right to defend themselves and to squash terror - for Israel's sake, and for innocent Palestinian civilians' sake.
See you there?
But, I digress. Those pissing matches are not what is sticking in my craw at the moment. The one that is frustrating me though is the apparent pissing match between Jewish organizations in the Chicagoland area that are trying to support Israel. Last week, as I wrote about, there was the rally for peace and against terrorism on Tuesday 7/22/14. That rally was sponsored by StandWithUs and the Israel House, among others. I found it strange that JUF was under-represented since normally the Federation is a major sponsor of Chicago community events. Then today I receive a notification for a JUF sponsored rally this coming Monday.
My first frustration is that as a teacher with a fairly flexible summer, there are two Israel rallies that fall on the two days that I have curricular meetings for work. What are the freakin' odds? Planned weeks and weeks ago, these meetings, which are important to me, happen to coincide with my chances to stand with Israel and to show my support to my Jewish homeland, my friends, and their families. Last Tuesday, I emailed my team leaders and decided that I would be missing our meeting. Israel is too important to me, of course. No doubt, since most of my colleagues are friends who have known me for years, they understood. Now, here I sit and face the same dilemma for Monday. Monday's work is with a different team - an initiative that we just started last year and has been so professionally and personally rewarding. The decision is a bit harder...but enough about me and my internal pissing match.
Back to the Chicago Jewish Community pissing match (now that I just sent an email to my Monday morning meeting team asking if we can change the day). I guess my point is: why are we not working together in this time of need instead of dividing the community? If others like me, but have summer work obligations, already made an effort to come out last Tuesday for the rally - can they take off more work time to come to another rally? So I ask again, why aren't we working together as a community to put our best foot forward, to bring out huge numbers, and to show our great support?
I actually overheard three women discussing this last Tuesday, but I dismissed their idea as silly. They said that the Federation did not join in on last week's rally because the decision was made too hastily and the Federation requires a certain amount of time to mobilize their efforts. Since StandWithUs wanted to move so quickly with the support rally, the JUF would not be supporting the effort. Now, this was overheard and it may not be true, but in retrospect, it makes sense given the call for another rally made today by JUF. Instead of compromising, the JUF has to do it their way and StandWithUs had to do it their way.
I get so tired of the silly competitiveness between Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, and Orthodox Judaism. As a people, we certainly do not subscribe to the concept of "United we stand, divided we fall" often enough. And here we had the opportunity to stand together to support the one thing that most of us agree upon - our love for a strong and prosperous Israel...and we failed in favor of some kind of power struggle or pissing match. So instead of having thousands of supporters in an impressive show of Chicago support (after all, I believe Chicagoland's Jewish Community numbers somewhere around 300,000), we ended up with a paltry 1500 folks last Tuesday, and probably a few thousand more on Monday morning. Last Tuesday we were shouted out by a larger counter-rally of pro-Hamasniks. That possibility exists again for the upcoming rally on Monday...unless we decide to stop the pissing match, all come together, spread the word, and stand side-by-side to support Israel's right to defend themselves and to squash terror - for Israel's sake, and for innocent Palestinian civilians' sake.
See you there?
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
In My Eyes: "Say Yes to Peace, No to Terror" Rally - Chicago 7.22.2014
Ok, so I was supposed to work today...on TWO curricular teams, but I knew that I would not have been able to concentrate on work while turning my back on the opportunity to stand with Israel at today's rally down in Chicago, sponsored by StandWithUs and The Israel House. So don't tell anyone that I was playing hookey - - - kidding. I was honest with my colleagues and they are well aware of my passion for Israel. They were supportive, as always.
I am not sure if there is some kind of blog rule in terms of length or content. Part of me feels like I could/should write a separate blog on about five items that stood out to me today. Ultimately, I decided to keep my firsthand observations in one place...
After the kids were off to camp, the wife and I hitched a ride on the train and began our trek to the city. This was not our first time at a rally to support Israel - and we knew quite well that there would be a vocal counter protest. But I'll be honest, I cannot get used to seeing adults dressing as terrorists (with scarves covering their faces), seeing adults carrying bundles made out to be dead children, seeing adults holding signs equating Israel to Nazis with swastikas (I guarantee that none of them have ever stood at Auschwitz, at Majdanek, at Treblinka, at Terezin; nor have they ever stared through the ashes of a Nazi crematorium), and seeing adults almost trying to goad others into a street fight. But all of that was present today.
Several of my friends had expressed their reservations about us attending the rally. Of course, it is always something to be aware of when emotions are so raw, but this is how we roll. We've both been in Israel during trying times - I was there right before the 1st Intifada and drove past burning tires and demonstrations, I was there in the mid-90s when buses were blowing up in the streets, and I have been there during tense times in the north. Standing with Israel in Chicago is easy compared to what my Israeli friends and their families are going through - so it was obvious for us to go. At no point during the day, did I feel threatened or in danger - at least from the Hamas supporters. The Chicago Police Dept. did a fine job of keeping the two groups separate for the most part (more on this later) - and all bags were searched on the way into the closed off rally area.
As I have been involved in the Jewish Community for as long as I can remember, it is inevitable that I run into folks from all walks of my life. Today, I saw a former temple educator who had a profound affect on my life - and who I had the privilege of accompanying back to her Polish home for the first time since the Holocaust. I saw colleagues from the Jewish world and Taglit. And I saw several students from our high school. Most touching though, was my encounter with the father of a former student who left just yesterday for Israel - a young man that is starting his Hebrew classes so that he can join the IDF later this fall. I had to hug this man, this father that is making a huge sacrifice - letting go and supporting his son as he pursues his passion to serve and protect Israel and Jews worldwide.
Probably the most inspirational portion of the rally came from a non-Jewish Israel supporter - Pastor Chris Harris enthusiastically espousing his support of Israel. Invoking images of MLK and the many Jews that marched with him to Selma, Alabama, Pastor Harris told the crowd it was as important to stand with Israel against terror, as it is to stand with folks in the city of Chicago that are plagued by gang and gun violence on a daily basis. And he is right - we need to stand up and find a way to do away with the senseless violence that goes on in our backyard daily. Pastor Harris culminated his rousing oration by singing HaTikvah. I've linked the video on my Facebook feed...I swear, one day I'll get good enough to embed links in my blogs too :) Thank you, Pastor Harris.
The flip side to Pastor Harris though is that the rest of the rally was generally unenthusiastic. Chicago's Jewish leaders have to realize that their audience is not there to hear talking points - we already know them for the most part. Instead, people want to be inspired, people want to sing, people want to chant, and people want to support Israel. We tried to start up renditions of "Am Yisrael Chai," but we were overshadowed by speakers. The exception to this was the words of Israel Consul General, Roey Gilad, who I enjoy listening to as he expressed the feelings of support felt by Israelis from the diaspora in the U.S. and around the world. Hopefully, future rallies will be more enthusiastic and less about political grandstanding.
After the rally, which lasted all of 30 minutes, the wife and I hung out around some Israelis that were singing Israeli tunes and holding a sign honoring the brave Golani Brigade - the unit that has seemed to have suffered the most losses thus far in this conflict. While I know many soldiers in various units, some of the most inspirational Israelis that I have met through my work with Shorashim and Taglit are members of the Golani Brigades. I was happy to see folks honor this brigade that has been at the forefront of many wars in Israel's decorated history.
The biggest 'issue' of the day occurred as the rally dispersed. The pro-Israel crowd gathered on the corner across from the pro-Hamas folks on the other side of the street. I call them the pro-Hamas folks because by rallying against Israel, they also fail to support the real victims of this mess - the innocent Palestinians held hostage in Gaza, not by Israel, but by Hamas. For those unaware, Israel left Gaza in 2005. It was a painful scene as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had to physically remove some of the Jewish settlers that had made their home in Gaza. At the time, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made the difficult decision to leave Gaza in hopes that the Palestinians there could establish their own enclave - a potential Palestinian controlled territory that would become the model for a future Palestinian state. Israel left greenhouses and other structures in place that could have been used by the Palestinians for economic dividends. Instead, the Palestinian folks elected Hamas to lead them in democratic elections in 2007. The potential for a terrorist state on Israel's doorsteps forced Israel to take protective measures leading to the isolation of Gaza from land and sea. Not even the current government in Egypt allows free passage from Gaza to Egypt for fear of terrorism. And while Israel has gradually let in building materials, electricity, and other humanitarian goods to Gaza - Hamas has turned around and used these resources to build an extensive tunnel network below Gaza and into Israel with the aim to kidnap and maim innocent Israeli citizens. So instead of being pro-Palestinian and helping eradicate Hamas, these protestors are supporting Gaza and in turn Hamas, thus the label pro-Hamas protestors.
At first, the Chicago Police Dept. (CPD) attempted to peacefully disperse the crowd by drowning out the pro-Hamas chants with their police sirens. When that did not work, the CPD made the choice of vocally kicking out the pro-Peace, pro-Israel supporters without doing the same across the street. Of course when faced with this disparity, many pro-Israel supporters stood their ground only to be threatened and harassed by several members of the CPD. For my part, I politely asked one officer why they were choosing to focus on the pro-Israel crowd and his response was that if we left, they would have no one to yell at. I did not agree, but I reasonable began to move along as requested. Along the way, I saw a few police in the face of some Israel supporters. They were threatening arrest, so I intervened and asked the pro-Israel supporters to disperse as conflict served no purpose but to sully our image. Immediately, a black policeman got in my face and screamed, "you fuckers won't even come down to the south side. 86 fuckin people were shot there...but you don't care." I respectfully responded by saying that I was just trying to help out and I moved along.
I'll admit, the confrontation made me angry and so while walking away I did some shouting at the police that continued to harass the pro-Israel crowd while leaving the other side alone. I also did some shouting at the pro-Hamasniks that were cowardly wearing masks and kafiyahs (Scarves) over their faces as if they were terrorists themselves, or simply just ashamed to be supporting terrorists. Needless to say, the positive thoughts I had about the safe crowd control were squashed by the tragically one-sided behavior by the CPD.
Apparently, I was caught on camera by several news outlets (Trib and ABC to my knowledge) that have broadcast my angry image on tv. I am proud to have been a part of the 1500 estimated Israel supporters, but I am a bit upset that my anger was caught so prominently. Don't get me wrong - I am not ashamed to stand up for Israel. But anger does not really serve much purpose. If you saw it, on ABC I was arguing with the cop about focusing on the pro-Israel crowd and not the other side. In any case, it was a tragic ending to a day where I was proud to stand with my Israeli friends and families in their time of need.
If you have lasted this long...thanks for reading. May G-d bless the USA, bless Israel, and bring home our brave IDF soldiers safely home soon.
I am not sure if there is some kind of blog rule in terms of length or content. Part of me feels like I could/should write a separate blog on about five items that stood out to me today. Ultimately, I decided to keep my firsthand observations in one place...
After the kids were off to camp, the wife and I hitched a ride on the train and began our trek to the city. This was not our first time at a rally to support Israel - and we knew quite well that there would be a vocal counter protest. But I'll be honest, I cannot get used to seeing adults dressing as terrorists (with scarves covering their faces), seeing adults carrying bundles made out to be dead children, seeing adults holding signs equating Israel to Nazis with swastikas (I guarantee that none of them have ever stood at Auschwitz, at Majdanek, at Treblinka, at Terezin; nor have they ever stared through the ashes of a Nazi crematorium), and seeing adults almost trying to goad others into a street fight. But all of that was present today.
Several of my friends had expressed their reservations about us attending the rally. Of course, it is always something to be aware of when emotions are so raw, but this is how we roll. We've both been in Israel during trying times - I was there right before the 1st Intifada and drove past burning tires and demonstrations, I was there in the mid-90s when buses were blowing up in the streets, and I have been there during tense times in the north. Standing with Israel in Chicago is easy compared to what my Israeli friends and their families are going through - so it was obvious for us to go. At no point during the day, did I feel threatened or in danger - at least from the Hamas supporters. The Chicago Police Dept. did a fine job of keeping the two groups separate for the most part (more on this later) - and all bags were searched on the way into the closed off rally area.
As I have been involved in the Jewish Community for as long as I can remember, it is inevitable that I run into folks from all walks of my life. Today, I saw a former temple educator who had a profound affect on my life - and who I had the privilege of accompanying back to her Polish home for the first time since the Holocaust. I saw colleagues from the Jewish world and Taglit. And I saw several students from our high school. Most touching though, was my encounter with the father of a former student who left just yesterday for Israel - a young man that is starting his Hebrew classes so that he can join the IDF later this fall. I had to hug this man, this father that is making a huge sacrifice - letting go and supporting his son as he pursues his passion to serve and protect Israel and Jews worldwide.
Probably the most inspirational portion of the rally came from a non-Jewish Israel supporter - Pastor Chris Harris enthusiastically espousing his support of Israel. Invoking images of MLK and the many Jews that marched with him to Selma, Alabama, Pastor Harris told the crowd it was as important to stand with Israel against terror, as it is to stand with folks in the city of Chicago that are plagued by gang and gun violence on a daily basis. And he is right - we need to stand up and find a way to do away with the senseless violence that goes on in our backyard daily. Pastor Harris culminated his rousing oration by singing HaTikvah. I've linked the video on my Facebook feed...I swear, one day I'll get good enough to embed links in my blogs too :) Thank you, Pastor Harris.
The flip side to Pastor Harris though is that the rest of the rally was generally unenthusiastic. Chicago's Jewish leaders have to realize that their audience is not there to hear talking points - we already know them for the most part. Instead, people want to be inspired, people want to sing, people want to chant, and people want to support Israel. We tried to start up renditions of "Am Yisrael Chai," but we were overshadowed by speakers. The exception to this was the words of Israel Consul General, Roey Gilad, who I enjoy listening to as he expressed the feelings of support felt by Israelis from the diaspora in the U.S. and around the world. Hopefully, future rallies will be more enthusiastic and less about political grandstanding.
After the rally, which lasted all of 30 minutes, the wife and I hung out around some Israelis that were singing Israeli tunes and holding a sign honoring the brave Golani Brigade - the unit that has seemed to have suffered the most losses thus far in this conflict. While I know many soldiers in various units, some of the most inspirational Israelis that I have met through my work with Shorashim and Taglit are members of the Golani Brigades. I was happy to see folks honor this brigade that has been at the forefront of many wars in Israel's decorated history.
The biggest 'issue' of the day occurred as the rally dispersed. The pro-Israel crowd gathered on the corner across from the pro-Hamas folks on the other side of the street. I call them the pro-Hamas folks because by rallying against Israel, they also fail to support the real victims of this mess - the innocent Palestinians held hostage in Gaza, not by Israel, but by Hamas. For those unaware, Israel left Gaza in 2005. It was a painful scene as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had to physically remove some of the Jewish settlers that had made their home in Gaza. At the time, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made the difficult decision to leave Gaza in hopes that the Palestinians there could establish their own enclave - a potential Palestinian controlled territory that would become the model for a future Palestinian state. Israel left greenhouses and other structures in place that could have been used by the Palestinians for economic dividends. Instead, the Palestinian folks elected Hamas to lead them in democratic elections in 2007. The potential for a terrorist state on Israel's doorsteps forced Israel to take protective measures leading to the isolation of Gaza from land and sea. Not even the current government in Egypt allows free passage from Gaza to Egypt for fear of terrorism. And while Israel has gradually let in building materials, electricity, and other humanitarian goods to Gaza - Hamas has turned around and used these resources to build an extensive tunnel network below Gaza and into Israel with the aim to kidnap and maim innocent Israeli citizens. So instead of being pro-Palestinian and helping eradicate Hamas, these protestors are supporting Gaza and in turn Hamas, thus the label pro-Hamas protestors.
At first, the Chicago Police Dept. (CPD) attempted to peacefully disperse the crowd by drowning out the pro-Hamas chants with their police sirens. When that did not work, the CPD made the choice of vocally kicking out the pro-Peace, pro-Israel supporters without doing the same across the street. Of course when faced with this disparity, many pro-Israel supporters stood their ground only to be threatened and harassed by several members of the CPD. For my part, I politely asked one officer why they were choosing to focus on the pro-Israel crowd and his response was that if we left, they would have no one to yell at. I did not agree, but I reasonable began to move along as requested. Along the way, I saw a few police in the face of some Israel supporters. They were threatening arrest, so I intervened and asked the pro-Israel supporters to disperse as conflict served no purpose but to sully our image. Immediately, a black policeman got in my face and screamed, "you fuckers won't even come down to the south side. 86 fuckin people were shot there...but you don't care." I respectfully responded by saying that I was just trying to help out and I moved along.
I'll admit, the confrontation made me angry and so while walking away I did some shouting at the police that continued to harass the pro-Israel crowd while leaving the other side alone. I also did some shouting at the pro-Hamasniks that were cowardly wearing masks and kafiyahs (Scarves) over their faces as if they were terrorists themselves, or simply just ashamed to be supporting terrorists. Needless to say, the positive thoughts I had about the safe crowd control were squashed by the tragically one-sided behavior by the CPD.
Apparently, I was caught on camera by several news outlets (Trib and ABC to my knowledge) that have broadcast my angry image on tv. I am proud to have been a part of the 1500 estimated Israel supporters, but I am a bit upset that my anger was caught so prominently. Don't get me wrong - I am not ashamed to stand up for Israel. But anger does not really serve much purpose. If you saw it, on ABC I was arguing with the cop about focusing on the pro-Israel crowd and not the other side. In any case, it was a tragic ending to a day where I was proud to stand with my Israeli friends and families in their time of need.
If you have lasted this long...thanks for reading. May G-d bless the USA, bless Israel, and bring home our brave IDF soldiers safely home soon.
Divin' Into the Blogosphere
And just like that, it begins...
Not sure how this will go and I make no promises about post frequency. All I know is this: for as long as I can remember, I've been a writer. Don't get me wrong; I'm no professional writer. However, I've always used writing as therapy, as fun, and as escape. At times, I've written poetry - often depressing; other times, I've written music - often badly; and yet other times, I've written mini-stories. Heck, I even have the seeds of a novel tucked away. The point is, I've always enjoyed it. At this point, I hope you do too.
Honestly, I'm not sure where this blog will go. I do know that after this post, I will begin work on my 2nd - a review of the rally for peace and against terror in Chicago today. Beyond that, my blogging may explore various topics such as Israel/American Jewry, the state of Education today, and even explorations of sports/athletics. I make no promises...other than this blogging adventure will contain at least two entries.
Though I am an English professional, I do not plan on over-editing my writing. I'm a big fan of emotion and stream of conscious. Each post will essentially be an invitation to discussion, a chance for learning, an opportunity to explore. All I ask that is that if you are interested, explore and learn with me. If something appeals to you, I hope we can discuss it in a civil manner. If something does not appeal to you, I invite you to close the post.
My guess is that the initial direction of my blogs will be Israel-centric, given the current conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. From there, who knows...
I want to thank those that have reached out to me in the past few weeks to tell me that they have appreciated my writing on Facebook, that they have been inspired by my messages, and that they have learned about the current situation in Israel through my eyes. I also realize that a whole bunch of folks have already blocked me or shut me out because they're tired of hearing my views. It is a free country. In any case, for those that have made the effort to compliment me - your energy is the impetus and the seeds for what follows. And finally, a big shout out to my friend, Jimmy John, whose amazing blogging continually amazes me. Thank YOU all for inspiring me.
In any case, if you're game, I hope you come on along and enjoy the ride!
Not sure how this will go and I make no promises about post frequency. All I know is this: for as long as I can remember, I've been a writer. Don't get me wrong; I'm no professional writer. However, I've always used writing as therapy, as fun, and as escape. At times, I've written poetry - often depressing; other times, I've written music - often badly; and yet other times, I've written mini-stories. Heck, I even have the seeds of a novel tucked away. The point is, I've always enjoyed it. At this point, I hope you do too.
Honestly, I'm not sure where this blog will go. I do know that after this post, I will begin work on my 2nd - a review of the rally for peace and against terror in Chicago today. Beyond that, my blogging may explore various topics such as Israel/American Jewry, the state of Education today, and even explorations of sports/athletics. I make no promises...other than this blogging adventure will contain at least two entries.
Though I am an English professional, I do not plan on over-editing my writing. I'm a big fan of emotion and stream of conscious. Each post will essentially be an invitation to discussion, a chance for learning, an opportunity to explore. All I ask that is that if you are interested, explore and learn with me. If something appeals to you, I hope we can discuss it in a civil manner. If something does not appeal to you, I invite you to close the post.
My guess is that the initial direction of my blogs will be Israel-centric, given the current conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. From there, who knows...
I want to thank those that have reached out to me in the past few weeks to tell me that they have appreciated my writing on Facebook, that they have been inspired by my messages, and that they have learned about the current situation in Israel through my eyes. I also realize that a whole bunch of folks have already blocked me or shut me out because they're tired of hearing my views. It is a free country. In any case, for those that have made the effort to compliment me - your energy is the impetus and the seeds for what follows. And finally, a big shout out to my friend, Jimmy John, whose amazing blogging continually amazes me. Thank YOU all for inspiring me.
In any case, if you're game, I hope you come on along and enjoy the ride!
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