In my hometown of Traverse City, Michigan, where Jews are few and far between, a local Chabad chapter recently held a prayer vigil for the victims of the October 7 massacre. The setting was a tranquil park off the shores of Lake Michigan. The conservative Christian mayor of Traverse City was one of the speakers. Tone-deaf to his audience, he read from the New Testament and began lecturing the local Jews about the need for peace, love for one's neighbor, and other teachings of Jesus. Polite applause followed, but I had to restrain myself from voicing my thoughts on the whole turning-the-other-cheek philosophy.
I'm right there with you, and I'm a Christian. I related to every single enragement you listed above, with my head forever nodding in agreement. I was at my nephew's wedding on October 7th, oblivious to what was happening, and when I found out the next day (and saw atrocities I can never unsee) I fell on my knees and wept. I hate war... who doesn't? But there's no way around this. Hamas MUST be destroyed. Israel has to fight against this evil; this truly is a "time for war." I don't know exactly what that mayor said, but it sounds like he clearly missed the mark on this one.
Well said. I wish these words did not need to be spoken and written, but they do
Mr. Lovy, You can't know how much I appreciate your strength and courage in writing this.
For all of Am Yisrael.
I needed to read this, it needed to be said in the articulate, compassionate way you have done so.
I don't know of a Jewish community in the town I live in Aotearoa/New Zealand, but your writing helps me feel connected to my people. Thank you
You're welcome, and thanks for reading. You are not alone.
I'm right there with you, and I'm a Christian. I related to every single enragement you listed above, with my head forever nodding in agreement. I was at my nephew's wedding on October 7th, oblivious to what was happening, and when I found out the next day (and saw atrocities I can never unsee) I fell on my knees and wept. I hate war... who doesn't? But there's no way around this. Hamas MUST be destroyed. Israel has to fight against this evil; this truly is a "time for war." I don't know exactly what that mayor said, but it sounds like he clearly missed the mark on this one.
Thank you, Myrtle!