Solidarity

I was speaking with a friend last night. 


She is not Jewish. 


Our relationship began as co-workers some 10 months ago when I started my new job, but over time, it has blossomed into a cherished friendship.


We talk about everything and support each other in our individual challenges and encourage one another’s personal growth.


I know that many of you reading this have been struggling of late to maintain some of your relationships with your non-Jewish friends, often feeling unsupported by their silence. It hurts.


But one thing to remember here is that no matter what, we need to keep talking, keep sharing our pain and keep educating the world because although they may not completely understand everything, many of them ARE listening. 


Nearing the end of my conversation last night with my friend, it turned to the unsanctioned, anti-Israel walk-outs scheduled to take place this afternoon at many High Schools across the Greater Toronto Area during 4th period classes. Her daughter’s school included.


My friend lives in an area of the city which is quite populated with people of Muslim faith; which they are not, but many of her daughter’s friends are. 


And although her friends may not be in support of the war, or representative of the purely evil Hamas terrorist group, they too are suffering in their own pain for the innocent Palestinian civilians and may believe that by walking out today with their peers they are showing their solidarity for them.


My friend’s daughter chose to stay home from school today after a very open and honest dialog with her mom; my cherished friend. 


She is 15 and has compassion for her friends but she is also extremely empathetic to the suffering that the Jewish people, both in Israel and around the world are going through right now and could not bring herself to go against her friends or the people of Israel. 


Had she gone to school today and walked out due to peer pressure from her friends or instead decided to take a stand for Israel by staying seated, there would be no winning for her. Being 15 is not easy and choosing to stay home from school today could not have been an easy decision either. I admire her strength and courage. To me she is not staying silent by any means. I heard her message loud and clear.


People ARE listening. 


#walkout #pureevil #Israel #proudtobejewish #highschool #peerpressure #strength #courage #keeptalking #peoplearelistening #mentalhealth #checkonyourfriends #peace #amyisraelchai #solidarity #standwithisrael #staysafeeveryone