Published: 17 September 2024
Last updated: 17 September 2024
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.”
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.
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.
Comments3
Karen17 September at 06:22 pm
Thanks to Jessica and her friend for reminding us that we must be the ones defining ourselves and our values.
Beverley Dight17 September at 02:53 pm
The Jewish Council of Australia think it is valuable to focus on racism in general, as there is also Islamophobia and anti=Palestinian sentiment,
They have also pointed out when they protested in solidarity with Palestinians, they were attacked by pro-Israel protestors.
Also both American and Australian governments only focus on antisemitism. In America the government is quite brutal to Palestinian protestors.
I also receive newsletters from three Israeli peace and human rights organizations, as well as two organizations where Israelis and Palestinians work together for peace, equality, justice and inclusion. They are all demanding that the occupation and war end immediately. Peace Now has pointed out there is no military solution. Only a political solution will give a future to both Israelis and Palestinians. Above all, there must be Peace – NOW ! They all point out the Israeli Government is only interested in continuing the war, and is not concerned about returning the hostages alive to their families.
“Our government wants a perpetual war of
total destruction.” It is a menace to both Israelis and Palestinians, whose lives are
intertwined.
Best wishes,
Beverley
Illana Klevansky17 September at 08:45 am
What an interesting perspective from this author. Antisemitism in Australia has become brazenly overt since the October 7 massacre in Israel…and now Australian Jews are under siege. Bravo for silvering a sliver of positivity upon the negative shadows!