#JewishPrivilege

Many people who seek to divide and hate have started pushing the hashtag #JewishPrivilege. I normally ignore hateful trends on the internet because they tend to be on the fringes. But this hashtag has crept into the mainstream. Many Jews have already spoken out against it citing their “#JewishPrivilege.” For the record, there is no such thing as #JewishPrivilege. At least not in the way that it is currently being used by bigoted individuals. Jews do not control the media, banks, or Hollywood. Jews are not plotting to take over the world. Jews only want to be like everyone else. To have equal rights and to be treated fairly.

But since this hate is trending, I want to share my #JewishPrivilege. 

My #JewishPrivilege was kids trying to force feed me ham because they thought it was funny. 

My #JewishPrivilege was being on the receiving end of pennies being thrown at me. 

My #JewishPrivilege is constantly being mischaracterized and misunderstood whether in the classroom or in the streets.

My #JewishPrivilege is being called Christ Killer and being told I’m going straight to hell unless I drop my Judaism and convert.

My #JewishPrivilege is constantly trying to come to terms with what horrible things happened to my ancestors but realizing that I probably will never come to terms with it.

My #JewishPrivilege is being told “get over the Holocaust” regularly. 

My #JewishPrivilege is a swastika under my door seeking to push me down.

My #JewishPrivilege is memorizing where all the exits are in all the synagogues in my city. 

My #JewishPrivilege is being ignored when I try to address real antisemitism. 

My #JewishPrivilege is being treated differently than others when I put a yarmulke on. 

These are all real things and I could list more but I hate to end on a negative ending. 

So please join me in setting a positive trend: #JewishPride. Let’s show the world why we are proud of who we are! 

I have #JewishPride because I am a member of a people tasked to be a light unto the nations and bring morality into this world.

I have #JewishPride because my Jewish brothers and sisters are capable of overcoming any obstacle when we stand together. 

I have #JewishPride because I am of a nation that has a beautiful blend of peoplehood and faith.

I have #JewishPride because I am part of a legacy that seeks justice and to lift others up to standard of equality and fairness.

I have #JewishPride because despite all of the odds, we are still alive and seeking to create a better world. 

I have #JewishPride because I am proud to be a Jew and I would not have it any other way. 

שער לאדם باب للانسان Shar La’adam

Five months can just fly by. It’s not a long period of time, but it is in a way. It’s enough time to become comfortable in a new environment. It’s enough time to be part of a new community. It’s enough time to make some incredible adventures.

I spent five wonderful months at a little place called שער לאדם (Shar La’adam - in Arabic it is pronounced Bab Lil-insan), the Entrance to Humanity. It is a very simple place, but simple in a complicated way. It’s appearance might fool you into thinking it is primitive. There are trees everywhere. There’s no real walkway. You trip on uneven steps and you roll your ankle at least once a month. You have to hike down the hill to go to the bathroom and shower. There are hippies right next door. You hear nature at all times throughout the day. Both Arabs and Jews come around and make lots of noise at the wrong hours of the day. 

But the beauty is in its simplicity. 

שער לאדם allows you to slow down. It allows you to attempt in being more incarnated.

Many of us are constantly rushed or overwhelmed by demands, deadlines, and more. We suffer through these things because we want a home, food on the table, and to buy some pleasures. 

Here, I slow down.

I breathe.

I make food with my friends.

I lay under the stars and reflect on who I am.

I strive to be better.

I connect.

I grow. 

My time at שער לאדם was nothing short of life-changing. I made some wonderful lifelong friends who I love so dearly. People whom we developed a deep trust and intimacy with each other. Going through the trauma of coronavirus together certainly helps in building a strong friendship. I will be visiting them in their respective cities whenever possible. 

I tear up a little bit now since I no longer see them every day. 

I also have to thank our two co-directors who took us under their wings and helped us learn and grow.

While I still have much to learn, I know that I will always carry a piece of שער לאדם with me. 

Sometimes the hard work comes from the simple places. 

I hope that this little place continues to grow and foster the coexistence that is so greatly needed. 

Thank you! Todah Robah! Shukran Ikthir!