An Eye Opener

Okay, this is my first blog and to be honest, until about an hour ago I never even considered blogging.  After a rally for Israel yesterday, I came face to face with the enemy for the first time.  By enemy, of course, I mean terrorists. Sure I've seen the videos posted on line and the snippets that get emailed around, but for the first time I saw those who wanted to do me harm, and was only separated from them by a rope and about 12 feet of buffer space.

While each side called out their chants, the enemy across the buffer zone was giving the Hitler salute and drawing their finger across their throats to simulate slashing our jugulars. I understand that the group was divided between those who were simply there to protest and those who wanted to take it to the next level. There will always be a majority who flap their lips to make idle threats and a minority who will take action given the opportunity. For a 2-hour period I looked into the eyes of the enemy and had the clarity of who was who.

If none of this resonates well with you, then at least take notice to the number of individuals who came out of the woodwork to condemn Israel. Don't fall into a sense of false comfort thinking there are just a few wackos out there. There are hundreds if not thousands of people out there who are waiting for a safe environment where they can express their hate for Israel and the Jewish people, as evident by the hundreds that turned out in just a few days notice this week. The more they have a chance to show themselves, the more others will feel safe enough to make themselves known. Inevitably, as the number of outspoken individuals increases, not only will others feel safe to step out of the shadows, but the more brazen they will become. It’s not prophecy or a crystal ball, just common sense and human nature.

A not so small point to finish on, not a single American flag was to be found in the group. Plenty of posters and Hamas flags were present. Plenty of Palestinian flags and checkered scarves were on hand. Not one single American flag in the whole group. These people who enjoy their right to speak out in this great country have no love for the land that protects them.

So what do we do with this information? First, let me tell you what not to do. Don't be afraid. Don't feel panic or anxiety. Don’t run and hide or be intimidated to speak up. On the contrary, feel confident in the knowledge that we can be strong and united. Begin the process of being informed and ready. Finally, start a dialogue. Talk to those who understand that we are never safe while in exile, and share this idea with those who perhaps haven’t given it much thought. Have a plan on how you intend to protect your family should insanity raise its ugly head in your community, and encourage others to have a plan. There is comfort in knowing in advance how you intend to respond, the same way it gives us a sense of comfort to have a fire drill or to know where the emergency exit is on a plane. The time to plan is before you actually need it.