In ancient Israel life revolved around seasonal harvest. Pilgrimage walks from all corners of the Land of Israel brought people together to observe religious rites. In the process their individual prayers/devotions became empowered.
In ancient Israel and in traditional Judaism there were and are many provisions for the release of captives. Through this our communities have always been empowered.
Our enemies know about our concern for captives and they have played upon this very central precept of Judaism. But in spite of their evil intent to terrify, they have not made us powerless.
Our Walk “Run for Their Lives” is when I join a communal response. The power of the group to do good is often overshadowed by the darkness of groups that are motivated by malice towards “ the other, the outsider.”
Objectively our numbers are small but our message: release all hostages now speaks volumes. Peacefully we gather and we “touch” the lives of our local community. That is powerful on a personal level. The power really starts to manifest when each community (nearly 180 around the world this past Sunday) posts our singular actions.
When I see the images of people around the world stepping out of their normal lives to honor the lives of the hostages I start to realize the power we each have to face the darkness of Hamas and those who seek our destruction.
Every week we part thanking one another and agreeing to meet again next week. We dread that “ next week” will require a next gathering, but we are prepared to be there if it is required. We would prefer to meet in celebration of the hostages’ return.
Like waves amplifying one another we send our message of support to the hostages and their families. I know they feel our energy. I know this energy reaches to the darkest caves where our captives are held by monsters with human faces.
We stand up for those who in spirit want to join us but can’t. Our action questions the choice made by those who claim to feel “overwhelmed” by the competing narratives and choose to just look away.
Does a stolen baby really compete with any other “narrative?”
It is not pretty to look directly at the evil that continues to be unfurled against my people.
I cannot begin to “unwrap” people’s motivations, blinders. And I’m talking about a lot of Jewish people!
I just do not have time.
What I do have time for is real communication, honest communication with anyone who doesn’t have the time to devote to this “issue.” I am happy to discuss anything.
When I see this video I hardly see any difference in our faces and the faces of the hostages. We are one. Hamas has made all of us hostages as they continue to use these hostages as human shields. We are staring down the evil that seeks our destruction.
Anyone have any questions?
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