This Post Is Both Early and Late

Most weeks I publish on Friday mornings, so this post is early. But coming three full days after 15 people were gunned down while celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, this post is also late. 

On the subject of Israel and Gaza, I’ve always put myself on a “read only” setting. And read I do—every day. I also talk frequently with friends from whom I know I can learn. But I don’t write about the Middle East. I feel wholly unqualified, and I worry—incessantly—that my ignorance will inadvertently pain people who are already suffering so deeply. 

This morning, though, a dear friend reminded me: you don’t have to be a subject matter expert on anything to say that the killings at Bondi Beach were unequivocally wrong. She also reminded me how much Jews around the world need to hear people (even unimportant people) say this out loud. Otherwise, she said, “The silence feels like people think it might be okay or justified or that there might be ‘reasons’ for this.” 

I wish I had said something as quickly and clearly as Seth Meyers, whom my friend sent me as an example. I did not, but I appreciate his moral clarity, my friend’s moral clarity—and the grace so many of you have shown me as I continue to find my way.

Thank you for reading,
Kate

Note: In an attempt to head off some of the “what about” messages I’m anticipating, I will add that this same friend believes, as I do, that any suggestions of a Muslim ban/expulsion are also unequivocally wrong.