BY JOELLEN COLLINS
Lighting a candle has often been a metaphor for finding a way to function in a cruel world or to do something positive to make the world even slightly better. I always hoped my small corner of the earth would be filled with the light of compassion and tolerance.
Now, with the daily barrage of hurtful news, it seems naïve to think that lighting the small world around me might help. Many of my friends say they can’t watch the news. As people who want to understand a larger world, we feel we must be cognizant of the pain and devastation around us. But what can we really do, other than contribute money to “the right” causes or try to be honest and civil in our conversations with others.
I am more bewildered than ever about being a positive citizen of the world. My sense of even close control is slipping. I am lucky that I at least have this forum to express my view of life as one born near the tumult of WWII, the advent of the atomic bomb, more wars, and the rise of terrorism.
However, I am compelled to publicly ponder the obvious reemergence of antisemitism. Frankly, as one who always seeks to be likable, in this case I don’t care if someone disagrees with me or is disturbed by my words.
Shortly after WWII I started reading more adult books and became fascinated with writings about Hitler, the Holocaust, and the new fright over falling under our desks for possible nuclear-composed raids.
I never could grasp how any population could snatch babies from mothers and slaughter whole families because of their religious beliefs. I was raised in a Christian household, and remember that, even so, my parents never used negative cliches about the Jewish faith. For most of the rest of my life, my family has also consisted of my Jewish boyfriends and husband, in-laws, and cousins and friends I will cherish forever. I am personally offended when I see hateful acts of anger and prejudice directed toward this vital people of intelligence, hard work and charity that I have loved.
I am overwhelmed by my sadness at this historical reversal and remnant of a heartless society. I could hardly watch the three segments of Ken Burns’ Holocaust documentary; it was almost too sad. My naïve response was that everybody should watch it, seeing the true depiction, emblematic of the violent hatred that is ours to witness and fear, whatever religion or politics or nation we inhabit.
The Dalai Lama believes the only way to true happiness is through inner compassion.
Do we possess that? Why don’t I feel I can light my little candle anymore? How do we deal with the hatred and violence hinted at around the coming election? How can I stand by and see young Iranian women beaten and imprisoned for their lack of head covering?
So, what can I really do? Elie Wiesel once stated that one-on-one friendship is the way to heal our distrust and hatred of others. How do we do this?