I was saddened by the horrific events in Pittsburgh this weekend. It seems the nuts are coming out of the woodwork, but it's no surprise. The ramped up rhetoric of the past decade is a siren call to the mentally ill; those who would shoot up a church or synagogue, those who would gun down a man playing softball, or massacre a club full of gays having a good time, or badly beat a neighbor out mowing his yard.
It will get worse before it gets better.
I read that the synagogue in question has declared our President persona non grata until he denounces white nationalism. That's not helping, and is only pitting one group of Americans against another yet again.
I don't hang out on FB or twitter much, but I did peek in and noticed a strange silence. My Jewish friends were understandably upset, and my far-left friends and family were virtue-signalling themselves into a sickening self-satisfied dither. But most folks were very quiet. They're horrified by the carnage, and know in their hearts there is more to come.
White nationalists, or more properly American nationalists, are a hard-working, law-abiding bunch that like peace and order. All the shrieking and ridiculousness being crammed down their throats 24/7 isn't sitting well. People that ten years ago would be running to your door with a casserole and a hug during times of tragedy are instead warily peeking out their door to assess friend or foe. It's very sad. Our national motto is E Pluribus Unum, but we have become E Unum Pluribus.
I pray for the victims and their families, and I pray for our beautiful country. May God hold us in His protective hand and heal our broken hearts. Amen.
We are in shock in Israel at the gruesome massacre in Pittsburgh. Although we have sadly gotten used to antisemitic attacks occurring around the world, this one was bigger and so much less expected. Who would have thought that such a thing could happen in America? France? Sure! Britain? Wouldn't surprise me. Anywhere in Europe really. And of course in Israel, but we're always on a war footing so we ready. And armed of course.
ReplyDeleteBut this? It was so shocking in the suddenness, the unexpectedness and the cruelty. Not to mention the utter insanity.
My heart goes out to the victims and their families.
It seems to us over here in Israel that America has gone mad. Trump derangement syndrome has gone into overdrive. And it is shameful that the community itself in Pittsburgh told Trump not to visit. I cannot believe my eyes when I read that!
ReplyDeleteThe murderer himself said he hated Trump and didn't vote for him! I can't get my head round your politics any more. Obama ruined it all for generations.
Our MEDIA has ruined it for generations. Obama is just a doofus.
DeleteI read that it was not the synagogue but some leftist Jewish group that told Trump to stay away.
ReplyDeleteI read a Teeet yesterday that said something like this:
“The bomber supported Trump so Trump’s rhetoric is responsible.
The shooter hated Trump so Trump’s rhetoric is responsible.”
A couple of weeks ago I got into an exchange with someone on Twitter who said that the things Maxine Waters says don’t mean anything because she is not important and nobody listens to her.
But Trump is responsible for Oringinal Sin.
For what it's worth, the Rabbi says he would be honored to meet Trump.
ReplyDeleteThat's great. I take it back what I said about the community.
DeleteBut whoever said that about Trump, no matter from which community, should be ashamed of themselves. The hatred and polarization must be stopped but I honestly can't think how this can be achieved. The genie is out of the bottle and can't be stuffed back in again.
I'm glad to hear that Fay. I was having trouble understanding why the congregants wouldn't want the President there.
DeleteDo Tweets embed here?
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/LegInsurrection/status/1056543967125430272
OK, no they do not.
DeleteHere is the Tweet from Legal Insurrection in response to the vile Rebekka Vilkomerson from Jewish Voice for Peace (which is neither Jewish nor for peace) who demanded that Israeli minister for Diaspora Affairs Naftali Bennett should stay away from Pittsburgh:
"Leader of group that honored terrorist Rasmea Odeh, turns Jewish holidays into anti-Israel events, and claims Jewish groups and Israel responsible for police shootings of blacks, doesn't want Israeli Minister to be with Jewish community. Maybe she should stay away instead."
Quotes from Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of The Tree of Life synagogue:
ReplyDelete“I don’t really foist blame upon any person. Hate does not know religion, race, creed, political party. It’s not a political issue in any way, shape, or form. Hate does not know any of those things,”
“The President of the United States is always welcome. I am a citizen, he is my president,” Myers quickly responded. “He is always welcome.”
Our hearts are with you and your congregation sir.
And this tweet from NBC news:
ReplyDeleteLeader of Islamic Center of Pittsburgh announces Muslim community has raised more than $70,000 for synagogue attack victims and their families.
"We just want to know what you need ... If it's people outside your next service protecting you, let us know. We'll be there."
THIS is what America is all about! We're alive and well and struggling to beat back the media narrative of 24/7 hate.
I mentioned that Islamic leader in my blog post about the victims just now. You can watch a video of him on my blog or here:
DeleteIslamic leader offers support to Jewish community
He sounds so emotional and sincere, and he mentions that this is in gratitude for the support that the Jewish community gave to them at the time.
Maybe there are Muslims who are tired of seeing violence committed in their name. We can only hope.
ReplyDelete