I Will Not Be a Hostage. None of Us Should Be.

Rosh Hashanah was a few days ago. It fell on Shabbat. Like many of us, I put on my suit, picked out my watch, and packed my machzor (prayer book) into a bag. I am not the most pious of people. I am seeking answers to many questions. Perhaps, too many.

I decided to wear a bracelet. It features the Magen David (Star of David). I bought it shortly after October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing and raping so many. They even killed dogs. My purchase was supposed to support those in need.

For the record, only a few years ago I refused to wear any jewelry other than a watch. Israel changed that. After a visit to the Tomb of the Patriarchs, a cabbie took me to two local jewelry stores. The first reminded me of the tourist trap stores in Times Square. The second felt like a high-end boutique. There, I sat in awe of the jewelry. I bought gifts for my family and, for the first time, something for myself. It was just a few hours until I’d walk from my hotel to the Kotel (Western Wall) for Shabbos.

November 14, 2023, I attended the “March for Israel” rally in D.C., proudly wearing my Tel Aviv T-shirt and my jewelry. It felt great to be together.

We all know the agonizing story of how the surviving hostages were released and how the bodies of the murdered were returned to Israel for proper burials. Everyone rejoiced when they came home.

I actually had the opportunity to meet one of them. I heard firsthand his stories of being held captive. He and his friends were at the fateful Nova music festival. His friends shared what those terrifying days were like and detailed their work to get him home.

But how much true happiness has there been? Thankfully, they are home. But in too many ways, the rest of us are still being held hostage. Fear has entered our lives. It should not. We need to stand tall and be proud of who we are.

I have other jewelry with the Star of David or the hamsa. Too many times, you read about people being attacked on New York City’s subways, in supermarkets across the EU, and all over Canada just for wearing symbols of Judaism. Or simply for being Jewish. People fear wearing their jewelry. We should not.

On Erev Rosh Hashanah, I left my house and walked three blocks to the temple. The armed guards, whom I have come to know well over the months, greeted me. We talked baseball. They are great guys—even if they are fans of the wrong team (the Mets).

People are now refraining from putting Menorahs in their windows at Chanukah time. They fear people will smash their glass. Yes, it has happened all over the world. Mine was in my window.

We have a few more weeks of holidays left. I will wear some other religious jewelry.

But I long for the days when we can all walk outside, as ourselves, and truly be free without any worry. But more than ever, the time is now to remain strong.

L’Shana Tova