NO, REALLY. REALLY? REALLY!!!

 Really, my readers. You have now found yourselves entering into the midst of a conversation concerning the world, in particular re Israel and the United States. The initial starter of this discourse was a question of "So what do you think is going on around this world?" The one-word answer is censored, a four-asterisk word. The more polite answer would be that the world is not only going to hell in a handbasket but is already there and very uncertain as to the possibility and probability of exit from there.

 So, what is going on in this world? It is a most illogical, thoughtless, senseless, useless period of rhetoric which serves mainly to further inflame the world rather than turn down the heat. It bodes no good for anyone, and in particular the Jews. Always, dammit to the Jews. This person could not understand why my angst, from whence it came, and why it cannot be returned to said place of origin?  Would that I could. I have tried, to the best of my ability, apparently not enough, to help this person understand why the growth of existential fear among Jews, at least those who are paying attention, those who are not living in the dream world of woulda', coulda', should'a. Because it is not. It is far, far away and no amount of wishing can change the reality and reassure Jews living all around this globe that they are indeed safe from bodily harm and attacks. Safe from attacks against their property, their businesses, and most of all, their families.

  But how is one to do that? My conversational partner's take on it was a bit naive, a Lala Dreamland. A total disregard of the reality which faces us. Imagine that a member of Kibbutz Be'eri taking a little stroll over the nearby border to invite a Gazan or two or three to her house for tea and coffee and cakes and discuss the situation. Oh, sorry, as that did happen and for thanks for health aid, for friendship, jobs, these idealists were killed, slaughtered, kidnapped during a rather imitative old-fashioned pogrom, straight out of Europe. 

This abominable situation began millennia ago when Isaac went one way and Esau went another, choosing their lifestyles, their focuses and never   the twain shall meet. Replicated with increasing violence and frequency, and always an opportune excuse or time on hand. Yes, shock and surprise, as it took place in Israel, our own land, but not really, as we know, etched in our DNA, that in every generation there is one whose greatest desire is to wipe the Jewish people out of existence. Why? Who the hell knows, or cares, for there is no logic to or for an illogical item and to try to do so is yes, insulting and counterproductive. Wrong is wrong and Evil is Evil. Hate knows no logic, no boundaries, only a fever within, disabling, which   leaves them with an ache soothed only by the blood of Jews.

 Hence, is it that difficult to understand why our Jewish legislators in DC, are stating that they now walk in fear for they are open and public targets, as are their families as attested by the hate mail, the vandalism ongoing. When open toxic acts of Anti Semitism have increased over the past year in high triple digit percentages, yes, there is no superhero coming to save the Jewish people. There is one option. Us, we, the Jewish nation, the state of Israel, must work together, stand together, mesh together and be alert and proactive. Shut it down, especially in its worst aspects. Stomp on it. But even then, stomping must be measured, for if not we will receive a smack on the other side of our heads.

 And why is that? That's another part of reality.  People claim to be fighting Anti Semitism and rant and rave about how people can be, should be, "tarred and feathered" for disagreeing with laws proposing to limit the teaching of Anti Semitism in schools, to hold administration and teachers responsible, liable for huge fines and loss of position. It sounds great. It really does. However, as far as I am concerned, this is a shill. This is the barker at the Carnival calling for money over and over again and surely win a toy. Sure, pay ten times its cost and finally, you win and lose at the same time. The same with these laws which will have consequences unimaginable, and we must write them very, very carefully, lest we get burned in the not so healing flames.    

 Following the thread of these laws we find suppression. Suppression that ends violence and talk encouraging of it, is a good thing. However, if unwatched and ill-prepared, it can lead to another suppression - of free speech. Result? Increased resentment of the Jews. loss of surety of society. Loss of economic confidence. Accused of Anti Semitism and then whatever offends the government, the President and his shills. Slowly but surely, this mammoth law, perhaps even written with good intentions, will be twisted and perverted to enhance the power grabber. Result? An oppressive, suppressive government ruled by dictators whose response to dissent is tar and feather, exile, jail, even unto death would not be off the table.  How to do this? Sorry. Way, way, way above my pay grade but certainly, if we tap into the right people and the right brains and the right souls, we can accomplish this. The question? Do we actually want to?

 And here we come to the next problem with my discourse partner frustrated. Why worry when the president of the United States supports Israel and is so vocally outspoken against anti-Semitism. Try this on for size. Trump tells Netanyahu to end this war (he has told him this). I wish, we all wish, but is this the time and place and in public? And if Bibi says no? What then? A typical tantrum and sulking and a desertion of Israel? Been there, done that, on both sides. What then? What then for all Jews round the world? 

Glib speakers can come up with glib answers, glib cures that do not work, for the depths and intensity of JewHatred is not erased easily. Its adherents cling to it, refusing to let it go. At best, they hide it, waiting for a propitious time for emergence. Then a reality we had wished never to exist again. Fears ingrained in our DNA emerge, blaring into our ears, into our souls and fear into our hearts. How can this happen? What happened to Never Again? To our allies and friends? What is to be for my children, my people, my land? Is there any place of safety and refuge?

 The answer to those questions is, unfortunately, mostly drenched with the negative and the hopeless.  History has taught us so, but history has also proven our resilience and the eternal attention and aid from our Superhero, the Lord Above. Yes, it can become worse before it becomes better, but if we do what must be done, if we are proactive, firm, with determination and awareness we can perhaps change that revolving viciousness, and for all, not only for the Jews, but for all targets of Hate.  No good for anyone and in fact, detrimental to all - even, especially. the Haters.      

That my conversational partner and all my readers -is to think about it. Think of its truth. Think of your place in this mess for no one escapes its taint and filth. No one. None.      

 Do you still have doubts, my friend? Have you followed all threads through to possible endings?   Yes, really there is much to worry about. There is much to fear, at times, far more than there is not to fear.

What will happen? At a minimum our lives shaped by our yesterdays will change, will diminish our todays, and will allow the evil to leech and ooze into the possibilities of tomorrows. 

A relentless stream of hate. 

 But we are the creators of our own destiny. We must accept that truth and do what we must - for the best world we can imagine. Or not. 

There it is. 

Here it is.

 Really.