There’s an old Jewish song that says that the world is a very narrow bridge and that the important thing is not to be afraid. It’s a great song, but I disagree.
Following the attacks on Jewish gathering places in Michigan, in Amsterdam, in Toronto and on Bondi Beach, fear is a perfectly reasonable reaction. Listening to vicious Jew-hating reactionaries online and reading the comments (do not do this) emphasizes that fear is reasonable and justified.
But what does fear make us do? That is what is important. Does it make us hide and skip community events to protect ourselves and our loved ones,? Sure, that can be a acceptable response. Does it make us “dafka” wear our Stars of David and our Jewishness out loud? Also, fine. Does it make us speak out about White Christian Supremacy creating an anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, anti-woman, anti-Black, anti-immigrant movement that endangers all of us? Yes.
We each get to decide how we respond to the reasonable fear of being Jewish in public. For me, it’s an easy choice – I have little to lose (except maybe physical safety) by being out and loud – I’m old and my kids are grown; nobody is depending on me and I’ve already done my life’s work (mostly). It might be a harder decision for you.
I’d like to know how you’re feeling and what your reaction is.