A horrible thing happened in France this morning. An unspeakable act of violence was committed, leaving three children and a loving father dead. They were gunned down during drop off time at a Jewish school.
Hate. Hateful.
It’s unfathomable to me.
And yet it’s not.
My children currently attend a Jewish school. Not because I am particularly religious. Because of the sense of community there. This is a community that is open, accepting and believe it or not, diverse. I think there are more “mixed” families at this school than there are at any public school we’ve attended. Mixed race. Mixed religion. Mixed practice.
But no mixed messages when it comes to tolerance.
One of my favorite things about this school are the Friday “Kabbalat Shabbat” services. This is funny because I was the kid groaning in the back of the synagogue when I was dragged there. Boooring.
But the “service” at my kid’s school are full of stories and bongo drums and hand clapping and singing. My four year old has taken to belting out Hine Matov at the grocery store and the Chinese food takeaway. He doesn’t know what the words mean but I do.
“How lovely it is when we dwell with our brethren in unity.”
Lovely indeed.
I was thinking about today’s incident and how I never share the videos I’ve shot of my kids school or my son singing this song. Not because it is too personal or because I don’t like to share videos of my kids.
Because it’s too JEWISH. And being so Jewish in public, these days, feels a little scary. Doesn’t it? Today more than ever.
But fear never made hate go away. Which is precisely why I’m posting this video today. Right now.
Some of my fellow Jewish Mom Bloggers РJenny from the Blog & Morgan from The 818 shared a quote today from Martin Niem̦ller that bears repeating here:
“First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.”
How lovely it is when we dwell with our brethren in unity.
From my four year old to the world. My heart goes out the families at that small school in the South of France. I can’t make sense of such hatred. I can only stand up for the opposite.
Amazing post, Ciaran. As a mother of a son in Jewish Day School as well, it is horrifying to think how this could happen. Thank you for the reminder and for standing up to hate!! We cannot let them win.
I have no words anymore. Between the Republican nominees, the Tea party and incidences like this….hate, hate. That’s all there seems to be. They should light the murderer on fire and just watch him burn.
So well done, Ciaran. My heart aches over this news today. Peace to you and yours, and to our world that desperately needs it.
I don’t know what more to say – amazing post!!! Tolerance has gone by the wayside in the last few years. We need to speak out & turn this around! Thank you for this post!
Lovely post, Ciaran. I, too, am not as openly Jewish as I could (or should) be. But that’s from years of open discrimination at hateful acts as a kid. I often feel it would be easier to be more openly Jewish, but then I’m surprised at the anti-Semitic things people will say thinking I’m not ‘one of them’. We shouldn’t be afraid to be Jewish!
Fantastic post Ciaran.
I LOVE YOU EVEN MORE THAN I LOVED YOU BEFORE for posting this video and beautiful article. KOL HAKAVOD!
just gorgeous and profound. my boys also attend day school because of the community, and my heart was heavy with pain yesterday and today as I saw the police presence at our school.
Thanks for sharing and we DO need to stand up for one another.
Rachel
I really wish that you didn’t have to write this, but I’m so glad that you did.
I love that your son belts out his song where ever he is. Caitlyn does the same, in Korean and people stare, because they don’t expect that out of my little brunette. People still have a problem with “different” and “unexpected”, one day, there will be so much difference that “same” will be the odd man out.
I am not Jewish but I stand beside you in support because I am a human being and hate for anyone just because of their religion baffles my mind.
Well said Ciaran! Well said.
all of this is so overwhelming and I understand what you mean. often, very often I don’t share the jewish stuff mainly because I was taught you keep that in your home or at the temple. so online I feel the same.. sahring posts of the kids eating or dressing up is one thing.. but singing and embracing is another. I think i need to change that!!! xooxo
my dearest friend and cousin!
this video makes my heart smile and my eyes wet – I miss you all so much, and I am so happy for you that you found a place in which you feel that you belong.
As we talked about so many times – I was born and raised in Israel – I do not know the feeling of being a stranger or a minority. I wish all of us could find that feeling wherever we are…
It’s absolutely heartbreaking that hate has resulted in such tragedy….hate that is unwarranted….hate that stems from ignorance….And It’s tragic that you can’t share your religion because it’s “too Jewish” : ( Hugs Ciaran…
I just wish everyone would love one another. Life is too short!
It’s so unspeakable and disgusting that people would do this to children. It’s 2012 can’t people finally learn to embrace and love one another!
Fabulous post. There are just no words for something as horrible as this.