I don't blame the Jews or Netanyahu for the rising anti-Semitism. Ppl celebrated Oct 7 before Israel retaliated. We don't cause the world to hate us and we never did.
I don't see it that way. I share your sadness over dead children of any group, and I wish there were a version of this world in which every Palestinian child were still alive. And like you, I also kept my child home from her Jewish school today, and you are an incredible writer who has poignantly expressed the sadness and emotion of this day. Neither of us will convince the other on this chat, nor is today the day to do it. But respectfully, it isn't Netanyahu's military efforts to crush militant jihadism and return innocent hostages that harms us all. Far more innocent people have been killed by jihadists all over the globe with no one in London or New York batting an eye, let alone marching to celebrate it. The anti-Semitism we are seeing long predated Netanyahu, it will continue long after he is gone, and neither he nor any Jew is to blame for it. I share your both-sidesism of sadness about innocent children lost - every life is equally valuable. But I have no both-sidesism about the people fighting to create a jihadist global caliphate, and those fighting to prevent one.
About a year ago I commented on one of your posts saying that your words were some of the only that made sense in the world. Since then, I've disagreed on some of your views, as in, I wish you expressed as much anger towards Hamas as you do towards Netanyahu (not that I align with his tactics either.) I do appreciate that there is respectful dialogue in these comments, even in the nuance.
The parts about sending your kids to school, not being able to bear the protests, and the loneliness being insane still are some of the only that make sense right now.
Dear Bess, This day/year holding my grandbabies I have felt much of what you described. As our blessings and miseries merge it is comforting to feel a more grounded and less alone thanks to your words. 🙏 BubbieC
I assume we have Bess's permission to re-post this elsewhere, as many times and in as many places as we can?
If not, please let me know. Word won't reach Netanyahu or extremists on all sides anyway, but it could reach humanity everywhere else. More people should absorb this moment from a mother's perspective.
“We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other's children."
Jimmy Carter, Nobel Acceptance Speech
What a beautiful, nuanced, empathetic piece. Thank you for your wisdom and your compassion.
“ The loneliness was insane.” Relate deeply to this especially. ❤️
Yes to every single word. Thank you for your words, and for choosing to use your voice even when it costs you, this year. It's meant so much to me!
I don't blame the Jews or Netanyahu for the rising anti-Semitism. Ppl celebrated Oct 7 before Israel retaliated. We don't cause the world to hate us and we never did.
Nor do I. I think Netanyahu is actively fueling a groundswell of opposition that hurts us all.
I don't see it that way. I share your sadness over dead children of any group, and I wish there were a version of this world in which every Palestinian child were still alive. And like you, I also kept my child home from her Jewish school today, and you are an incredible writer who has poignantly expressed the sadness and emotion of this day. Neither of us will convince the other on this chat, nor is today the day to do it. But respectfully, it isn't Netanyahu's military efforts to crush militant jihadism and return innocent hostages that harms us all. Far more innocent people have been killed by jihadists all over the globe with no one in London or New York batting an eye, let alone marching to celebrate it. The anti-Semitism we are seeing long predated Netanyahu, it will continue long after he is gone, and neither he nor any Jew is to blame for it. I share your both-sidesism of sadness about innocent children lost - every life is equally valuable. But I have no both-sidesism about the people fighting to create a jihadist global caliphate, and those fighting to prevent one.
Thank you for putting this into words. I feel it deeply.
I will always remember you asking - if our children were upstairs in that hospital, would you still want to bomb the tunnels?
I am sad for the world, for the shadows on all innocent cheeks, and for your terrible moments of loneliness.
Thank you for this, Bess.
About a year ago I commented on one of your posts saying that your words were some of the only that made sense in the world. Since then, I've disagreed on some of your views, as in, I wish you expressed as much anger towards Hamas as you do towards Netanyahu (not that I align with his tactics either.) I do appreciate that there is respectful dialogue in these comments, even in the nuance.
The parts about sending your kids to school, not being able to bear the protests, and the loneliness being insane still are some of the only that make sense right now.
Thank you.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you. You can put into words what I feel in my heart. ❤️
Thank you, Bess. Holding you and your family in the light today.
Dear Bess, This day/year holding my grandbabies I have felt much of what you described. As our blessings and miseries merge it is comforting to feel a more grounded and less alone thanks to your words. 🙏 BubbieC
I assume we have Bess's permission to re-post this elsewhere, as many times and in as many places as we can?
If not, please let me know. Word won't reach Netanyahu or extremists on all sides anyway, but it could reach humanity everywhere else. More people should absorb this moment from a mother's perspective.
Your writing touches my heart and breaks it. Thank you.
♥️
I’m grateful to you Bess for the way you say it and the way you help me cry.
thank you, Bess. you write exactly how it has felt to be a jewish mother in the past year. i feel safer when my children are next to me too.