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This past week I had the privilege of attending the Achinoam Nini concert at the Skirball Center. Achinoam, was born in America to Israeli parents. She grew up in Brooklyn and at the age of 15 decided to move on her own to Israel. She is a renowned artist who has sung all over the world, including the Vatican (8 times). Her lyrics are in Hebrew and English. She often takes Israeli poetry and sets it to music. Achinoam is married and has 3 children. GOOGLE her.
I also had the privilege of attending a talk at the 92nd StY, by journalist, author, and creator of the very popular sitcom "Arab Labor", Sayed Kashua. Sayed is an Israeli-Palestinian. He decided to leave Israel with his wife and 3 children and is currently teaching at the University of Illinois. The decision to leave was very difficult and very painful. He doesn't know when or if he will return. His new book, "NATIVE", is a collection of his columns from Haaretz newspaper. GOOGLE him.
Achinoam and Sayed were raised under completely different circumstances. Achinoam grew up in the world of American access and privilege. When she moved to Israel, she experienced the same access and privilege afforded to all Jews. Sayed grew up in a world where equality was not a given, where human rights weren't something one could just assume. Sayed was the only Arab in his school. He was constantly bullied by Jews and Arabs who didn't support the decision to attend a Jewish school.
Both expressed frustration, anger and heartbreak towards the current crisis* in Israel. Worried that things will continue to get worse. Both talked about the importance of inclusion. They promoted opening our eyes to learn about the other, to accept the other and to embrace the other.
I can't think of a more important teaching as we move into Shabbat. Let us all take a moment to really recognize the other. Let us all do something, one thing to engage the other with kindness and respect.
Shabbat shalom,
Laurie
*Americans often use the word "situation" but that seems too mild.
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