All of this violence has made me reflect about the safety that all Jews face, here in Israel and in the diaspora. In the United States, members of AEPi are dealing with violence, even from other members of the Greek community. Students for Justice in Palestine on college campuses are threatening and sometimes attacking Jewish students. Jews in Europe are also facing antisemitic protests, especially in France, Germany, and Belgium. Even in New York, a Jewish man was beaten at a Brooklyn train station.
Growing up, I was always surrounded by a strongly established Jewish community. All of the non-Jews in the area were accepting of us and attended at least a dozen bar/bat mitzvahs back in the day. I had many non-Jewish friends and felt comfortable talking about my religion. I felt comfortable going to shul and being an active member of a Jewish youth group. We always talked about antisemitism and how to combat it, but I was thankful for never really needing to use those skills.
Now, 21 years of age, I have to question how safe the world is for Jews. I have to push aside naive thoughts about being able to go anywhere and do anything. As a Jewish woman, there are going to be places where simply living will put my life at risk. So what does this mean for the future? Will there ever be a place for Jews to live without the fear of persecution?
Everyone hopes for peace; myself personally hoping for a two state solution. This won't ever be possible with the cycle of violence that has been on going for decades. The Jewish people want to be able to put their weapons down and join the Palestinians at the negotiations table. We want blood to stop being shed on both sides. However, it is said that if the Palestinians put down their weapons, there will be peace. If the Jews put down their weapons, there will be no Israel. While I don't want to appear bias due to my own religion, this statement is true. The vast majority of Palestinians and Muslims are peaceful people. Islam preaches peace and those who use their religion for validation for violence are misinterpreting the Koran. They are making life difficult for not only the Jews who live in fear, but millions of other Muslims who are also becoming victims of violence. People across the global have become Islamophobic and mistreat peaceful people. How can we possibly come to the end of this cycle?
These questions are questions that have haunted people from the beginning of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict decades ago. I know I won't be able to solve these ago old questions, but I hope that my generation can come together to create lasting peace. I am tired of living my life in fear simply because I am a proud Jew.