Scared

One of my best friend’s texted me this picture last night. When I opened it up, my heart sank and all I could think was “OMG! Where is this? Why are young men saluting “Heil Hitler”? What is going on in our world today?”

Is that what you saw when you look at this picture?

Truly, what you see is probably directly related to your religion, background and life experiences.

It’s kind of like one of those Social Media posts where everyone sees a different color and it becomes a whole discussion about how people see the same thing very differently.

EXCEPT… this is terrifying to me. This is the reality we, as a minority, are facing everyday right now.

Yesterday, I asked another friend if she knew about the little red headed babies in Israel. She did not know much about this story.

Her answer, in no way, is a criticism of her intelligence or who she is. Her answer, is based on the current situation in our country.

My social media is FLOODED with the story of the Bibas Family and how this sweet, innocent family was murdered in Gaza. The entire family was kidnapped by Palestinians civilians. NOT EVEN HAMAS!

Civilians KILLED this family as if it were sport.

Families with young children CHEERED as the bodies of these tiny, beautiful babies were handed over to authorities in a hostage trade off.

And here, in the United States, if you are not in the Jewish Community, you might know nothing about this tragedy.

I am scared.

I am watching as our leaders speak hate and promote and encourage the marginalization of those that are differnt.

I have worked in the same school district for 33 years. I am one of very few Jews that teach there.

The majority of my work friends are not Jewish and they do not know much about the Jewish faith.

It never mattered to me that most people at work know I’m Jewish but don’t know much about my faith.

Until now.
I am NOT afraid that my work family will hurt me.

I AM afraid that people in my immediate circle don’t know or understand what is going on in this world right now.

If you aren’t Jewish, an immigrant, disabled, transgender, gay or a different color, you might have no clue how frightened these populations are right now.

This isn’t about politics.

It’s about basic humanity and decency.

If you don’t know about The Bibas Family, please look it up.

If you haven’t seen what happened on a bridge in Cincinnati a few weeks ago, look it up.

If you weren’t offended by Elon Musk’s salute during one of his rallies, look up what that salute means to so many of us.

The United States is supposed to be the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Right now, it is NOT even close to being that for marginalized populations.

If you are lucky to not fall into, or love anyone in one of those populations, it is your to JOB educate yourself on the reality of what is going on right now.

Imagine living a life where you wonder if it came down to it, who would hide you in their home if needed?

THAT is how we feel right now.

Also…. that picture on the top. Completely innocent. My bestie was just sending it to me because I should have known some of the young men in the picture.

Not a Nazi picture at all…..

NOW do you get it?