Unnecessary Insults: I Stand for Peace

Favorite Quotes

“If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult.”

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

"...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you; we are in charge of our attitudes."

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.”

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

I Stand for Peace

A couple of years ago, I sat quietly with open admiration as the man I adored lit candles and did Hebrew recitations. It was my first time celebrating Hanukkah. It was my first intimate exposure with Jewish culture.

But it was not about me nor should it have been.

I was an invited guest into a celebration steeped with history, culture, and family. I felt honored to be an observer. Truly, I loved him a little more for allowing me to bear witness.

I remember the conversation about its origin. It was over a plate of kugel. Another first.

There were other conversations too. They gave the smallest snippet into his experiences. I know this sarcastic, intelligent, simple, fascinating, beautiful human experienced varying degrees of antisemitism throughout life.

I have thought of him and Jewish people all over the world since the extreme, violent Hamas attacks. I hold this community in my heart as the bloodshed continues.

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I am sure if I (or any of us) spent time with Palestinian people, I'd have beautiful stories to share. I am sure I would have appreciation and reverence for their culture too. I am keenly aware that my (or any of our) lack of exposure to a people and culture does not diminish their humanity and value.

I mourn with and hold Palestinians too. As the complete siege of Gaza continues, my heart breaks for the devastation and destruction they are experiencing. Palestinian people, like Israelis and all of us, are worthy of freedom, safety, and protection.

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I am with the world in being horrified and heartsick about the war in Israel and Gaza.

Israeli and Palestinian lives matter, and they are being ravished. Their suffering must bring out our humanity. The world does not need any more polarization.