Don’t Let Apathy Win

/ howardshapiro

post_standtog_vigil_1220x838This is not a criticism; this is not judgmental. This is me just saying the truth that is in my heart.

So many of us are posting Facebook pictures of different stripes and colors that all share a similar message – we are proud Jews; we are one with the Jewish people; we stand against anti-Semitism; we grieve with the martyrs of Tree of Life Synagogue; we thank the First Responders and honor them for their bravery. We change our cover pictures. We put up Stars of David that say how proud we are and sad we are and how much we need to vote. (And that includes me.)

And it is all-good.

I mean that.

But it is not enough. Tonight I am attending an Interfaith Vigil at Temple Beth Am in Jupiter. If that is too far from your house or place of work our Jewish Federation and community is offering another one at Temple Shaarey Shalom in Boynton Beach. They both take place at the same time: Tuesday, October 30th from 6:00 – 7:00 PM.

I am going because I believe we need to be together. I am going because I believe we need to be in a Synagogue even if we don’t believe. I am going because I believe I need to stand with my non-Jewish neighbors and say with my body and my presence:

There is no place for hatred in this America.

There is no place for racism.

There is no place for homophobia.

There is no place for xenophobia.

Muslims are welcome here. Jews are welcome here. Christians are welcome here. “This land is OUR land…”

And I could go on. Facebook and Instagram posts are good. But they don’t take the place of face-to-face, shoulder-to-shoulder, hand-to-hand meetings.

All this: Find the right place for you and go. Meet me at Beth Am tonight.

Don’t let the haters define our country. Don’t let apathy win. We know what happens when good people stand idly by and believe it can’t happen here.

History teaches. Are we listening?

 

 

13 thoughts on “Don’t Let Apathy Win”

  1. You speak the truth. I have not heard history speaking so loudly since the ’60’s. Although I think the real comparison may be with the ’30’s. I was not around then. As with any conversation, what we say/do in response will depend on how closely we listen. I am troubled by a recent poll of likely voters in states like Arizona who were asked whether they approved of Democratic party policies. A substantial minority did. But when asked if the Democratic party represents people who share their values, a huge majority said that it did not. I know that is true from my rural background and I am not sure how to overcome it.

    Like

    Reply

    • Since writing that comment I saw a FaceBook post from one of my high school classmates who is reliably pro-gun and anti-Soros (who he believes is a Nazi). He said that murder is not political. An interesting response. I’ve seen this happen after other shootings that kick up cognitive dissonance in people that have a hard time squaring what their eyes see with what the propaganda tells them to believe. His problem may be an opportunity. This has kicked up some cognitive dissonance in the Evangelical community because many of them have moved from anti-Semitic to Pro-Israel. It’s a wedge that might be employed by someone savvy.

      Like

      Reply

  4. Hi Uncle Howie, I always look forward to your posts and your words of wisdom.  The 4 of us attended a vigil at our temple last night and you’re right, it helped being with our community. 

    There was a poem shared that really struck a cord with me.  I’m not sure if our Rabbi wrote it or someone else.  I’m attaching it here so you can read it, too. Sending much love down South.  xoxAlison

    Like

    Reply

  5. I will be with you in spirit as we gather in CT. It heartens me that across our nation, people are indeed standing shoulder to shoulder, refusing to allow evil the last word. You are so right – it is time for a call to action and time for all of us to get involved.

    Like

    Reply

  6. Wish we could be with you tonight, but we are still in NJ. We will be with you in spirit.
    The situation is rapidly getting worse. The typical “thought and prayers” falls far short of being helpful.
    We need a more active opposition. Vote, write to newspapers and blogs, talk to friends and neighbors. Find quality candidates to run for office. Help them with ideas, policies, winning arguments.
    This will not improve if we simply wring our hands, assume we can do nothing, and wait for others to help.

    Mel

    .

    Like

    Reply

  8. I’m glad it did not! I LOVED Minister Kevin Young’s words.

    Thank you for helping to rally others.

    XOXO Suzette

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

    Reply

  9. I was at Temple Beth Am this evening and loved all the messages of brotherhood, and the feeling of shared humanity. The themes of love and unity in words and music really resonated. I’m sorry I didn’t see you among the thousand or so who were there, but I’m glad I went.

    Like

    Reply

  10. Thank you! I was at an interfaith community gathering last night at Sutton Place Synagogue in NYC and it was good to be together with so many others. Most of all, I am looking forward to attending services in my own congregation on Friday night and, especially, on Saturday morning, when I’ll be glad to hug my minyan buddies and, as we do every week, worship, study, and share a part of our Shabbat together.

    Like

    Reply

  12. You are sosososo right!!!!!!! And I am devastated as I find out that people I know dont understand this. Love you – and love reading your eloquent messages . hope all is well with you. How are you feeling? Are you still taking treatments? Sharon M

    >

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Mark Cancel reply