For the Jewish community, the latter part of the 20s seems bleakly reminiscent of the history we’ve learned but never really lived.
North American Jews seemed to be on a roll for the past half-century. We were, at least in hindsight, blissfully high spirited, and relatively secure. Granted, our community has never been entirely free from the wrath of those bred to view us as the puppet masters of their every discontent. For we, though always outnumbered and repeatedly targeted for destruction, invariably manage to arise and ascend as if eternally destined not just to survive, but to overcome.
Jewish culture and Jewish humour
When this reality permeates the rest of society, it is manifested in one of two ways:
Those with a strong moral upbringing who are intelligent, independent thinkers recognize the admirable qualities: Jewish family values, Jewish humour, education, and the unshakable sense of Jewish identity that unites us beyond geographical boundaries. Those who see recognize these as positive values inherent to the survival and advancement of civilization. Life lived for all of its glory, to be celebrated at every turn, even amidst the knowledge of our eventual, inescapable demise.
Alas, we share a world with many others. The sad, the unfortunate, the ignorant, and the angry. Many of those have been raised and taught, even conditioned to believe that their lives will never have value. Not as long as those who believe differently, magically and inexplicably control their collective destiny. They cannot truly enjoy their lives, their families, and their successes because all they see is others celebrating what they perceive as victory, just for being alive.
So, on June 16th, Israel was once again engaged in a war that they never truly win but dare not ever lose. Yet, in Montreal, an event was scheduled to promote my book, Memoirs of a Good Jewish Boy. Planners and sponsors were already making excuses for low expectations and all of the reasons everyone would have for not showing up. Multiple groups had been stranded in Israel as their families at home optimistically waited for news their return, and the state of the nation whose existence is the very heartbeat of every Jewish community.
But as always, our people came through. Many reuniting in person for the first time in decades, but all united in laughter, love, and support for each other and for our country.
Like the words of Hatikvah…
“Our hope is not yet lost. The hope of two-thousand years. To be a free nation in our land. Eretz Zion, Yerushalayim!”
I was humbled by those who came, whether to show support or be entertained. I’d like to say you make me proud, but it would be more accurate to say “We make each other proud”.
Bless you all.
