For me, the common denominator between being Jewish and American at this difficult time is fear: Fear as a Jew, a woman, a liberal, a journalist, a teacher, a mother, a friend, a citizen of America, a country that now faces the distinct possibility of horrific violence for any one of those identities, and others. The truth is I wouldn't want to be Black, Muslim, immigrant, poor, or seriously ill right now. I don't even like being in large venues these days.
That's a terrible way to feel about one's country or religious affiliation, whether or not you have one. It's a time when our individual and family histories, our ethnic backgrounds, our values, choices, sexual identities, race, and political views should not be threatened by anyone, whether in Congress, courtrooms, campaigns, or conversations.
The 1950s were not a Pollyana time. Racism, antisemitism, McCarthyism, misogyny, and other social justice issues loomed large. We had reasons to be afraid then too. But in the 21st century, the knowledge that we seem to be edging toward an abyss no matter how we identify is startling and terrifying. I think most of us sense, in some way and at some level, the anxiety that I am experiencing personally.
My hope is that we recognize, and actively defeat, the forces that threaten us in very real ways, in time for our progeny to live secure in the knowledge that we - today's responsible adults - defied the evils that seem to surround us now.
That future belongs to all of us. Fear should find no space in our hearts, now or never.
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