As of this writing we are approaching the holiest of the Jewish Holidays, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
This is the time for Jews to ask for forgiveness and relent for their sins of the previous year in hopes of a better year. On this holiday we blow the shofar (ram’s horn) and one purpose of that is to awaken souls that have grown complacent.
Additionally, as of this writing we are at the 700-day mark of hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas. By the time The Vegas Voice reaches you, we would have passed the 2nd observance of two years since the deadly and sinister attack of children, women, elderly and the general civilian population in Israel.
There is a connection between these events. I have been trying to garner support for RUN FOR THEIR LIVES as we attempt to peacefully remind everyone that hostages are perishing in the tunnels. Sadly, my success rate in this endeavor is quite low.
Using Facebook, Next Door and personal emails I have not met with great success. Local Channel 8 News covered our event one Sunday and this magazine has not ceased in supporting this cause. Yet, while there are a few dear folks that are regulars and I am proud to walk shoulder to shoulder with each of them.
However, too many Jews in Las Vegas remain silent. My requests for support go mostly unanswered, whether a local synagogue or a Havurah Club in my community.
I am unmoved by the unsolicited excuses about how great they think this cause is, but they can’t walk because of some ailment that does not seem to restrict their ability to take a very long walk from their stateroom to the dining hall on a cruise.
Better to be honest with themselves and admit that they just can’t be bothered.
Now, in the spirit of the Jewish High Holy Days, in the spirit of repentance and asking God to inscribe me in the Book of Life for 5786, I ask my fellow Jews for forgiveness. Granted, they do not even know how sad they have made me, or how frustrated I am with their lack of enthusiasm.
I know that I must forgive them for any hope of a healthy and happy New Year. I especially pray for the hostages, those still in captivity; those released; those murdered; their families and for the entire State of Israel.
I am embarrassed at how ambivalent Jews can be when it comes to their own. The same Jews that will pray for the children of Gaza and vociferously support social justice and marginalized groups and march for civil rights.
Now is the time for us all to awaken from our slumber and shed the cloak of complacency towards our brethren in Israel. Let this be a time of new beginnings and join us at RUN FOR THEIR LIVES or at a bare minimum, complete and send back our “Support Petition.” We will continue until every hostage is released, please email me if you can join us.
