When Will We Open Our Eyes and Stand Up as Jews

When I was asked to write an article on the Muslim Activism and anti-Semitism that I had encountered in the USA, specifically that with dangerous tone, I knew that it was an article that needed to be written. After a few days, I became reticent to address this topic. True to form Hashem provided me with a conversation that highlighted the necessity for me, however in order to do the topic justice, I decided to make a slight amendment thus including experiences from South Africa as well.

As I mentioned in a farewell speech prior to making Aliyah from South Africa, we are living in times where Hashem is crying out to us to hear Him. We are being tested left, right and center, from flash floods to hurricanes, tornadoes to terrorist attacks, crime of all forms and sizes. You name it, it is happening and the message throughout is strong, important and a united one. Yes, we can even affect nature through our prayers and our actions. However this is a topic for another article. For now, let us take a look at what is occurring amongst and between our fellow man, and this includes every single one of us.

Recently we were witness to the terrorist attacks of the Twin Towers in USA on 11/9/2001. How could this happen? Many Americans were shocked at the act against democracy. We have to open our eyes to what is happening world over. We have to open our ears to the message therein and then to take action. We can no longer afford to hide behind the false belief that First World Countries will protect us or that any place is exempt from anti-Semitic actions.

Let me help to open your eyes through a series of examples. I have lived and worked in South Africa, UK and USA and experienced anti-Semitism at its most basal form. My first experience that was contained a threat to my personal to my personal security occurred when I was working in a hospital in South Africa. I was requested to evaluate a patient with a view to whether he was eligible for a disability grant. When he was found to be fit to work, the patient threatened me, my life and that of my family. He had connections within a certain political group. Seeing my name on my hospital identity card, the threats intensified. With a very Jewish surname, this was a very real risk. The Medical Superintendent took me off the case for my own security. Precautions for my family were also discussed.

Dramatic action? No. About a year later, there was an incident in South Africa where following a march of Muslims in the center of town; the home of a known Jewish family was set alight. Lest you think that you are exempt of such attacks in USA, let me describe a few incidents that occurred in USA. Around the same time as the fire of this Jewish home, I was working in a public school in USA. Once I had recovered from the shock of the poor conditions in this “First World Country” school, I set about to fulfill my oath to provide the best possible service to those students I was servicing. This necessitated program development, organization of the department and setting a high standard for service delivery. Why go to so much trouble? Quite simply because as a Jew I am bound to uphold any oath that I take, failure to do so is akin to using Hashem’s name in vain. We Jews also have a moral obligation to uphold. I could not sit back and watch while human rights were blatantly being violated.

Immediately after beginning to do what I could to assist the students, I met with resistance. I was harassed by colleagues for being hard working. Taken aback I pushed on only to discover that some students were angry at receiving quality treatment, for it made them wonder why they had missed out in the previous years. With limited emotional expression, their response was physical and three different students hit me in the face on three occasions.

Regularly my life was at risk for working in an area where gangsters are abundant. Being a white South African and Jewish to boot, put me at risk. The solution offered was to keep a low profile and to leave work immediately the school bell rang, so that I would catch the train or bus while there were many people around.

The highlight of my experience occurred when I began to implement and recommend various programs together with equipment required. I was regularly warned to keep my Jewish identity a secret. Not so easy with a surname like mine. Finally I was warned that should I continue the development, my life would be at risk. At first I ignored this but the threat was issued again. Astonished at this response I sought out the one teacher who was really helpful who just happened to be Jewish as well. He explained that many teachers were involved in gangs and did not like the program development or the fact that I am Jewish. It was thought that some gangs had Muslim association or at least influence. The message was clear, if I valued my life; I would discontinue what I was doing.

As a Jew with a strong moral obligation, I could not turn my back on the situation. I resolved to make Aliyah as my stand that improving conditions is necessary and that my first responsibility is to Klal Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. Before I did so, I took certain steps to ensure that justice would be met for the students.

My journey to make Aliyah took me back to South Africa, where once again Anti-Semitism reared its ugly head. This occurred in many forms, one being a few shops that accepted my artwork but shelved it at the back of the shop, as they did not like my name. This action prevented my work from being seen by the public with a loss of potential sales and income.

After a few weeks of applying work rehabilitation skills to help a beggar, I put an end to the relationship when he demanded an unreasonable amount of money. His response was a string of verbal anti-Semitic abuse, which included a threat to me and to my car. My car was stolen a few weeks later and the detective in charge of the case noted that the beggar was involved in a Muslim Activist Group. I was forced to move in a hurry with a real potential to leave the country for my own safety.

I could continue with more examples, but I feel the message is clear. Anti-Semitism is rife and the only response we can make is to stand up and be noted and counted as the Jews that we are. This means being united as a people. It means being a “Light unto the Nations” as to how to treat our fellow man, even and despite when our lives are threatened. It means fighting for our Country of Eretz Yisrael. It means being aware at all times of the dangers and threat that are occurring and to have the courage o four convictions to stand up and say ” WE ARE JEWS”. G-d gave us a specific way to live and we need to live this lifestyle with Bitachon that He will guide and protect us through difficult time. He has given the promise that fulfilling our mission will result in the final Redemption, which is the only way to bring World Peace. We can no longer bury our heads in the sand. We do not want a repeat of 11 September nor can we afford the loss of a single life or drop of blood. The time is NOW. The message is clear. Be the real Jew that you are, walk hand in hand with your fellow Jew and in the ways of Hashem.