A silver lining for these troubled times

The other day I woke up to a six-minute voice message from my friend in Los Angeles which began, “Dear Jessica Bowker, this is my verbal letter to you. I just wonder if I’m about to step over a line, but I’m pretty sure our friendship can take it.”

My pulse quickened as I wondered what lay beneath this ominous preamble. But as my friend continued and I absorbed his words, the tension in my body dissipated. His message was in response to recent posts I’d shared on social media about antisemitic incidents in Australia, including attacks on Jewish high school students. The gist of it was, if you look for examples of hatred you’ll find them, it will drain your energy, and you’ll amplify hate at a time when more love is needed.

I replayed my friend’s message three times and ruminated on his words all day: “You were born into the world a beautiful human being of Jewish ancestry. And if you keep focusing on finding examples of people hating you or hating Judaism or being antisemitic, it’s not healing or solving the problem. It’s giving all those people more energy that they’re right.”

Recently I wrote about my phone addiction since October 7 and my drive for knowledge amid the exploding antisemitism on our shores. I’ve also reflected on the unexpected silver linings that have emerged because of it, particularly how my friendship circle has expanded and become stronger.

Ironically, if not for October 7 I wouldn’t have developed the close relationship I now have with a Palestinian Muslim mother from my son’s school. Nor would I have linked up with a Christian Arab Australian author in Perth and a Jewish Australian Israeli author and peace educator in Jerusalem. These meaningful connections have served as a counterweight, keeping me afloat during the darkest hours. Along with discovering a visionary community of Israeli and Palestinian peace builders, they fill me with hope.