Given the Ear of the World, What Would I Say?

Yom HaZikaron, 2015, cemetery prayers.  From a photo owned by the author.
Yom HaZikaron, 2015, cemetery prayers. This soldier's sweet voice had the author in tears. From a photo owned by the author.

While speaking about antisemitism the other day I was asked what I would say to the world about the current situation in Israel. I answered briefly, noting that war is never good, and that Israel must go on. Later I realized that I really would appreciate the chance to blow a shofar and speak to the world, so I begin with you, dear readers.

To the world I say we need Israel, a tiny home where we can always be safe to be Jews. It is a country we have vigorously defended, a land we have paid for over and over and over in many ways for thousands of years.

I say to our friends and family in Israel, who are as strong as ever but are very tired of having to live constantly on the defensive, with guns on our shoulders as we pray, I say yes, we must survive. We have all had more than enough killing. The planet has had too much killing.

I would say:  Now, while the world is watching and listening, let’s brace ourselves, blow that shofar, stand strong, weapons at the ready, and as loudly and emphatically as we can, with all our collective might, let’s demand peace.

About the Author
Author of POCKETS: The Problem with Society Is in Women's Clothing (www.AudreyGlickman.com), Audrey N. Glickman has experience as a rabbi’s assistant, in nonprofits, government, advertising, and as a legal secretary. A native Pittsburgher, Audrey has served on many boards, organizations, and committees, advocating for many causes, including equal rights, civil rights, secure recountable voting, preserving the earth, good government, improving institutions, and understanding and tending to our fellow human beings.
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