We Will Not Be Intimidated By Fear

Watching with horror the tens of thousands of people living in New York City, I sense and feel their panic and tragedy.  Being a former New Yorker and a visitor to the Twin Towers building I can hardly imagine any words of comfort.  My soul feels for the thousands hurt by acts of terrorism.  So many victims in such a short time.  It boggles my mind and saddens the heart. 

I run a Jewish center in Lomita, Southern California.  It houses a day care, day camp and school.  Every morning I greet our children, their parents, grandparents and staff.  It is important to them to see their rabbi showing a true interest in their well being.  First impressions are lasting impressions.  I love my students and staff and take a personal interest in their lives.  They are as safe as ever.

My center has been called and visited by city councilmen, the city manager, sheriff's department and reporters.  All want to know what we are doing for the kid's safety.  Some Jewish groups want to make sure that we have the proper protection.  They are suggesting an armed guard, special video recorders and high tech surveillance connected to the authorities.

True, many of my religious colleagues feel that the only thing to do is to fortify the schools and community centers.  By doing that they will not protect the children but hurt them, as they will never feel safe being in a religious area.  With the Jewish New Year holiday next week people will stay away from houses of prayer.

Let me say this, I am not hiring security guards for my center.  My kids are of an impressionable age.  The crucial sponge years, as they are called.  I don't need them to think that a Jewish school in America needs armed guards. 

We are not going to install metal detectors, cement barriers and bulletproof windows.  I will not submit to intimidation and become a hostage to fear. 

I am happy to state that, if anything, we are increasing our efforts to get more children into the Jewish center.  This is to counteract the negative publicity by making Jewish centers more available.

I also do not appreciate being called by some Jewish leaders to close our school every time there is a terrorist attack.

No intelligent person in their right mind thinks that children staying out of school and spending all day in front of their television sets will help them grow correctly.  If anything we are to see that schools stay open.  We need to show that we believe in our country, that we will deal with this crisis.  I don't know why every time Americans are attacked it turns into a Jewish problem.  If the public schools are open and safe then it's good enough for me and my children.

I have a good staff, strong locks and iron gates and the protection of the local Sheriffs Department.  I also have lots of faith in placing my trust in the Almighty God for the ultimate protection.

What we are doing is sending get well cards written by our children to the wounded and recovering victims.  We hope Jews world-over are doing the same.

Yes, some Arabs in the Middle East are cheering the attack and giving out candy proclaiming some kind of victory against democracy.  That should be interpreted as a worldwide problem and not a Jewish one.  If Israel is a democracy, then it is carrying the American dream of freedom to the world.  The terrorist attack is against America and its ideals.  This is not a Jewish problem.  It is an American problem.

This year we must come to synagogues and show our resolve to be closer to our heritage.  We need to think of ourselves as a special people, loved by God, with a mission to be a light to the nations.  We are never to feel chosen for victimization but for adding to civilization.  Remember, the attacks are against America and its democracy.

I am certain by always being vigilant and trusting in God our blessed country will be just fine.  In due time justice will be carried out.  If anything this ongoing tragedy will bring all Americans together, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.