I’m a journalist so I won’t bury the lead: I no longer feel confident that America will always be a safe place for Jews, and more specifically, a safe place for my young Jewish children.
I’m not a Jewish mom but I’m a mom and my heart aches for you. I know that nothing is more frightening than having to worry for your children’s safety. Please know that there are so many good people who support American Jews and the state of Israel. We aren’t shouting on subways or ripping down posters but we ARE here. 💙🤍
Jill, I am in literal tears upon reading this very raw, real article by someone I have come to admire, as well as respect for the work you do in putting facts, and goodness out into the world.
As a mom, my heart is so troubled that you are legitimately worried for the well-being of your family, and Jewish friends in light of this marked rise of antisemitic acts, and ideology.
I think about the quote from the podcast you did with Emanuel Acho, and Noa Tishby, Uncomfortable Conversations With A Jew, “Resilience is in your DNA” but I can only imagine that you are tired of having to be.
I am here, and will support, as well as speak up, whenever I can. As a woman of faith, I hsve absolutely loved learning about your Jewish traditions. Rosh Hashanah eating apples with honey, symbolic of hope for a sweet new year. Fasting for Yom Kippur for atonement which is something my religion teaches, and love finding similarities.
Every human has a story, and the Jewish people have a beautiful, richly diverse, and sadly persecuted heritage which is woven into the fabric of America to make all of us better, to teach us all.
I pray that love, and light, and goodness win. That we are that shining city on the hill.
You mentioned toward the end how you hope that your daughter will be able to continue the traditions that you are sharing with her now, and how you’re teaching your kids to be proud of who they are, and that is the key.
I’ve always thought how hope is not a strategy, but really understand how hope is a call to action (this certainly isn’t my original thought, the late Rabbi Sacks spoke a lot about this).
What you are doing, through sharing what is important with your children, and in how you carry yourself professionally and make sure that what you present through your work reflects the truth of what is happening and what is influencing it.
This is the action that will help bring the hope we all seek, into reality!
These sentiments absolutely resonate and I echo them as well. I saw a similar "footnote" in the Siddur yesterday during services - a little essay about the difference between hope and optimism and how hope requires action. That really spoke to me and I agree with your point here re: the actions that help to inspire and buoy the hope, that also will make positive and small changes to both stand up to antisemitism and to give us pride in our identity.
I’ve often wondered about how deep your thoughts and feelings were about this every time I hear you on the podcast mention how much antisemitism you see and hear. I can hear in your voice your fear, imagining you thinking of your children and their future. Thanks for sharing such a poignant story, Jill.
I don’t get it. People are people. I support all my Jewish friends cuz they are friends and PEOPLE! Wth. Curious where would you feel safer? I’m sadden that you don’t feel safe especially for your kids. So wrong especially in the US.
I really resonate with this whole article and your feelings and experiences, but this point especially isn't something I've seen verbalized a lot -- "When I meet new people I find myself subconsciously slipping into the conversation that I’m Jewish. By their reaction, I find out right away if I want this person in my orbit."
I find myself doing that too, for another reason as well - I now wear a Star of David necklace because I want people to me and realize that they know a Jewish person - there are so many people who haven't met anyone who is Jewish or who have preconceived notions/stereotypes. I think about it a lot like when I wore the uniform in the Navy, or wore my Greek letter pin - how I act and speak is a way of reflecting the values of the "organization" (or in this case, the religion) and I want the person I'm interaction with (whether I know them or not) to see what Jewish values look like in action and in word and in deed.
Thank you for writing this. I think I’ve shared with you previously how someone in my profession wants to remove Zionists. It’s become acceptable to spew anti-Jewish hate by changing the word Jew to Zionists.
What you wrote about growing up in the 90’s when Jewish hate felt like our history not our present really hit for me. What a different feeling now wondering how people might respond when you tell them you are Jewish….
Thank you for writing this & sharing your perspective. This is so important for people who are just now trying to learn about the history/politics of the region (Israel/Gaza). I am so sorry that you & your friends and family have to hold this fear. So many people stand with you & your right to freely practice your faith.
I’m not Jewish, but Jill, I thank you for this very raw & vulnerable insight. As a mother my heart aches for you. Sending you love, support and many prayers for peace in your heart and in this world.
I always assumed you would consider conservative evangelicals (in the pre-trump sense of the word) as being far right. A large percentage of them have been pro-israel since before the events of 1948. Perhaps I don't know what "far right" means.
I’m not a Jewish mom but I’m a mom and my heart aches for you. I know that nothing is more frightening than having to worry for your children’s safety. Please know that there are so many good people who support American Jews and the state of Israel. We aren’t shouting on subways or ripping down posters but we ARE here. 💙🤍
I’m so disappointed in the world right now and sorry you have to feel like this, brilliant article, love from Ireland
Well said. Eye opening. Thank you for having the insight and courage to speak up.
Jill, I am in literal tears upon reading this very raw, real article by someone I have come to admire, as well as respect for the work you do in putting facts, and goodness out into the world.
As a mom, my heart is so troubled that you are legitimately worried for the well-being of your family, and Jewish friends in light of this marked rise of antisemitic acts, and ideology.
I think about the quote from the podcast you did with Emanuel Acho, and Noa Tishby, Uncomfortable Conversations With A Jew, “Resilience is in your DNA” but I can only imagine that you are tired of having to be.
I am here, and will support, as well as speak up, whenever I can. As a woman of faith, I hsve absolutely loved learning about your Jewish traditions. Rosh Hashanah eating apples with honey, symbolic of hope for a sweet new year. Fasting for Yom Kippur for atonement which is something my religion teaches, and love finding similarities.
Every human has a story, and the Jewish people have a beautiful, richly diverse, and sadly persecuted heritage which is woven into the fabric of America to make all of us better, to teach us all.
I pray that love, and light, and goodness win. That we are that shining city on the hill.
Sending all my love,
Shelley Smith aka Mamashells
You mentioned toward the end how you hope that your daughter will be able to continue the traditions that you are sharing with her now, and how you’re teaching your kids to be proud of who they are, and that is the key.
I’ve always thought how hope is not a strategy, but really understand how hope is a call to action (this certainly isn’t my original thought, the late Rabbi Sacks spoke a lot about this).
What you are doing, through sharing what is important with your children, and in how you carry yourself professionally and make sure that what you present through your work reflects the truth of what is happening and what is influencing it.
This is the action that will help bring the hope we all seek, into reality!
These sentiments absolutely resonate and I echo them as well. I saw a similar "footnote" in the Siddur yesterday during services - a little essay about the difference between hope and optimism and how hope requires action. That really spoke to me and I agree with your point here re: the actions that help to inspire and buoy the hope, that also will make positive and small changes to both stand up to antisemitism and to give us pride in our identity.
I’ve often wondered about how deep your thoughts and feelings were about this every time I hear you on the podcast mention how much antisemitism you see and hear. I can hear in your voice your fear, imagining you thinking of your children and their future. Thanks for sharing such a poignant story, Jill.
I don’t get it. People are people. I support all my Jewish friends cuz they are friends and PEOPLE! Wth. Curious where would you feel safer? I’m sadden that you don’t feel safe especially for your kids. So wrong especially in the US.
I really resonate with this whole article and your feelings and experiences, but this point especially isn't something I've seen verbalized a lot -- "When I meet new people I find myself subconsciously slipping into the conversation that I’m Jewish. By their reaction, I find out right away if I want this person in my orbit."
I find myself doing that too, for another reason as well - I now wear a Star of David necklace because I want people to me and realize that they know a Jewish person - there are so many people who haven't met anyone who is Jewish or who have preconceived notions/stereotypes. I think about it a lot like when I wore the uniform in the Navy, or wore my Greek letter pin - how I act and speak is a way of reflecting the values of the "organization" (or in this case, the religion) and I want the person I'm interaction with (whether I know them or not) to see what Jewish values look like in action and in word and in deed.
All of this. Thank you for writing it ❤️
Thank you for writing this. I think I’ve shared with you previously how someone in my profession wants to remove Zionists. It’s become acceptable to spew anti-Jewish hate by changing the word Jew to Zionists.
What you wrote about growing up in the 90’s when Jewish hate felt like our history not our present really hit for me. What a different feeling now wondering how people might respond when you tell them you are Jewish….
There is a hope and a future.
“Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Thank you for writing this & sharing your perspective. This is so important for people who are just now trying to learn about the history/politics of the region (Israel/Gaza). I am so sorry that you & your friends and family have to hold this fear. So many people stand with you & your right to freely practice your faith.
I’m not Jewish, but Jill, I thank you for this very raw & vulnerable insight. As a mother my heart aches for you. Sending you love, support and many prayers for peace in your heart and in this world.
I always assumed you would consider conservative evangelicals (in the pre-trump sense of the word) as being far right. A large percentage of them have been pro-israel since before the events of 1948. Perhaps I don't know what "far right" means.
Excellent and well written article…it’s just so sad and horrific that it even needs to be written. Thank you for speaking for all of us.