Yes, I definitely recognize those uncomfortable feelings you’ve described so well. When volunteering in Israel last March, I specifically chose to NOT visit the sites of the October 7th massacres as I feared feeling like a gawker being entertained by tragedy.
I feel differently now and your article pressed me to parse out which events I attend and why.
1. To Bear Witness:
Last weekend I attended the film “We Will Dance Again” at the Hamilton Film Festival. The entire audience sat in horror as we listened to stories of the survivors and BORE WITNESS to the incomprehensible terror and suffering endured by the victims as filmed by the murderers and documented by rescuers who arrived, albeit too late. At the end of the film, not a single person clapped, as was appropriate. We were NOT there to be entertained. Our collective attitude became apparent after the film ended while standing in line in the ladies washroom. A young woman was crying inconsolably. A friend of hers was murdered at the Nova Music Festival. “Now I see the horrors she saw before she died” the young woman sobbed.
2. To Learn, to Support and to be Inspired by Courageous Jewish and Allied Leaders
A few weeks ago I had the immense privilege to hear Natasha Hausdorff, the young British barrister who, along with Douglas Murray, spoke so brilliantly at the Monk Debate last year. We were awed by Natasha’s ability to refute false claims of genocide, apartheid, colonialism and racism against Israel, using her knowledge of international law combined with her poise and verbal acumen. Natasha was asked how she maintains the courage and strength to stand up for Israel in the face of ceaseless hostility, threats and outrageously lying opponents. Her response? She is energized by us, her supporters, as we come to listen to what she says and to show our appreciation for what she does.
Our non-Jewish allies need and deserve our support, especially if they are or were Muslim as they face even greater personal danger. I listen to their voices and try to attend their events. Next week I look forward to listening to Rowan Osman , the Syrian-Lebanese founder of ‘Arabs Ask’ who overcame antisemitic indoctrination to become a peace activist. Last year I attended a memorial for an outspoken young Iranian singer who was tortured and murdered in Iran. A Muslim woman sitting beside me confided that she does not tell her husband when she attends such events as he fears for her safety - in Canada!
3. To Show Support for Israel and Pride in My Jewish Heritage
Every time I participate in the weekly Rally for Israel and the Hostages Sunday afternoons at Bathurst and Sheppard in Toronto, I feel energized by the positivity and joy that surrounds me. We laugh at the pathetic lies and slurs hurled at us from the small group of Hamas supporters across the street. We wave our Canadian, Israeli, IDF and pre-1989 Iranian flags, dance to upbeat Israeli music, listen to guest speakers who come to demonstrate their support, pray for the lives of the hostages and the IDF heroes who defend Israel and proudly sing ‘Oh Canada’ and ‘Ha Tikvah’.
Adam, I do not eat popcorn at these events, but I don’t blame you. Conditioning is a powerful reflex. But popcorn eating could turn such events into entertainment rather than active engagement, so I don’t recommend it!
Hi Adam,
Yes, I definitely recognize those uncomfortable feelings you’ve described so well. When volunteering in Israel last March, I specifically chose to NOT visit the sites of the October 7th massacres as I feared feeling like a gawker being entertained by tragedy.
I feel differently now and your article pressed me to parse out which events I attend and why.
1. To Bear Witness:
Last weekend I attended the film “We Will Dance Again” at the Hamilton Film Festival. The entire audience sat in horror as we listened to stories of the survivors and BORE WITNESS to the incomprehensible terror and suffering endured by the victims as filmed by the murderers and documented by rescuers who arrived, albeit too late. At the end of the film, not a single person clapped, as was appropriate. We were NOT there to be entertained. Our collective attitude became apparent after the film ended while standing in line in the ladies washroom. A young woman was crying inconsolably. A friend of hers was murdered at the Nova Music Festival. “Now I see the horrors she saw before she died” the young woman sobbed.
2. To Learn, to Support and to be Inspired by Courageous Jewish and Allied Leaders
A few weeks ago I had the immense privilege to hear Natasha Hausdorff, the young British barrister who, along with Douglas Murray, spoke so brilliantly at the Monk Debate last year. We were awed by Natasha’s ability to refute false claims of genocide, apartheid, colonialism and racism against Israel, using her knowledge of international law combined with her poise and verbal acumen. Natasha was asked how she maintains the courage and strength to stand up for Israel in the face of ceaseless hostility, threats and outrageously lying opponents. Her response? She is energized by us, her supporters, as we come to listen to what she says and to show our appreciation for what she does.
Our non-Jewish allies need and deserve our support, especially if they are or were Muslim as they face even greater personal danger. I listen to their voices and try to attend their events. Next week I look forward to listening to Rowan Osman , the Syrian-Lebanese founder of ‘Arabs Ask’ who overcame antisemitic indoctrination to become a peace activist. Last year I attended a memorial for an outspoken young Iranian singer who was tortured and murdered in Iran. A Muslim woman sitting beside me confided that she does not tell her husband when she attends such events as he fears for her safety - in Canada!
3. To Show Support for Israel and Pride in My Jewish Heritage
Every time I participate in the weekly Rally for Israel and the Hostages Sunday afternoons at Bathurst and Sheppard in Toronto, I feel energized by the positivity and joy that surrounds me. We laugh at the pathetic lies and slurs hurled at us from the small group of Hamas supporters across the street. We wave our Canadian, Israeli, IDF and pre-1989 Iranian flags, dance to upbeat Israeli music, listen to guest speakers who come to demonstrate their support, pray for the lives of the hostages and the IDF heroes who defend Israel and proudly sing ‘Oh Canada’ and ‘Ha Tikvah’.
Adam, I do not eat popcorn at these events, but I don’t blame you. Conditioning is a powerful reflex. But popcorn eating could turn such events into entertainment rather than active engagement, so I don’t recommend it!