To the editor:
I have been struggling with the ugly feelings I have been having, justifiable thought they may be, since the monstrous murders occurred in Israel a few short days ago. In my life, I have stood up and spoken out for peace in the world for as long as I can remember, but today, I cannot find the place in my head or my heart to counsel for peace; only rage remains, only fury remains, and despair, and, yes, fear. Especially fear. . . fear in writing this, fear in sharing this.
I do not like who I am right now or how this feels, this response to the Hamas murderous monsters. Do not speak of the past treatment of Palestinians to me. That is irrelevant today! That is cold, but today it is old and has become irrelevant. Do not caution me about the way that such rage can become a personal wound inside me. This is who I am today. I envision a day when these feelings will fade and I will remember who I have been for most of life. But NOT TODAY!!!
Ellen Levy-Lanciano, who spoke at a vigil for Israel in Pittsfield yesterday, and whose words so reached my heart, said, “We are reminded of the Holocaust where mothers saw their children murdered and children saw their parents and grandparents slaughtered one by one. We say ‘never again.’ I say I can’t find hope anywhere in my heart and I hate that my hope is buried somewhere where I cannot reach it. I say enough! And I also say thank you to those who still care, who still give, who can still love.”
Never again! I am Jewish proud and Jewish strong, and my heart is with Israel, an Israel that can and must be a shining hope for the Jewish people of the world. I stand with Israel at this moment, as it struggles with the excruciating decisions it must make to prevent this holocaust from ever happening again.
And for the people in America, my country of beautiful potential, who demand the extermination of Jews like me, you are not welcome in our democracy. Your vision is clouded by a dangerous bigotry that demands that no one but you and those like you are valid Americans. Your fears, based on toxic disinformation, blind you to the amazing possibilities of our country. I am American to my core, fourth generation on one side and fifth generation on the other, and I am in love with what America has promised and has the potential to achieve. You, who speak of extermination, your twisted inhumanity is not welcome here or anywhere.
Linda Kaye-Moses
Pittsfield
