I hit a dead end.
In every endeavor, there comes a moment to evaluate its feasibility and potential impact. To stand back and say, yep- this ain't happening. This is a dead end.
It is with disappointment that I announce the cancelation of the march/protest against radicalized ideologies.
The goal was to make a bold statement, loud and clear, that these extremist voices do not speak for the majority of any religion including Islam. That terrorist groups like Hamas who use violence in the name of the prophet is no friend of Islam. We would also demand they lay down their arms.. That terrorist organizations do not belong at the helm of any Muslim country who has many other conflicts going on led by these ideologies. FREE PALESTINE FROM HAMAS was one cheer discussed.
That was at least the dream...
I naively thought this would be a no brainer. That everyone would want to participate from Jew to Muslim. Wouldn’t that be beautiful? Seeing Muslims and Jews marching together for a common cause?
I engaged in thoughtful discussions with numerous Muslim organizations, all of which denounced extremist actions unequivocally. Yet, the readiness to proclaim these stances publicly was lacking. The consensus seemed to agree that a Hamas-free Palestine would be beneficial, yet there was hesitation to vocalize this in a public demonstration. Additionally, my identification as a "Zionist" on social media may have complicated perceptions, despite my belief and track history working towards and advocating for a peaceful coexistence, even traveling to Arab communities right outside the "gates.." I very much believed in a two state solution.
But I threw in the towel on this dream after an exchange with an associate, a respected academic, who I know personally and respect. I asked him to join the March. And his response? Which was basically a "no," but worded as below:
“Would you like to do a ‘Free Palestine from Hamas and Free Jews from the IDF march with me?” let’s do it. "
Hearing a PhD, not an ignorant college student, but someone I know so well, equate the intentions of the IDF with those of terrorist organization, with the proven evidence otherwise. Well, that killed the last pinch of hope I had.
This peer thinks this two entities are equivalent.
This conversation led me to reassess the viability of this march. If such fundamental differences exist among well-informed individuals, the broader participation I hoped for seems unattainable at this time.
When I realized I don't have him. I realized I got no one.
However, I continue to believe that it is imperative for the American Muslim community to help denounce ALL radicalized ideologies including those in their own religion. I challenge them to NOT allow their peaceful religion to be hijacked by ideologies that raise children in hate and fear.
As this effort reaches a dead end, I remain dedicate. The mission to denounce radicalized ideologies across all religions remains paramount. If humanity loses the will to cherish life, to uphold the dignity of each person, then we face a bleak future. The idea of "martyrs" cannot be. It has consequences that go beyond your worst imaginations. Although, living in a world with school shooters I guess we can imagine anything.
And this dead end, happens to be in Westport Connecticut. Where my family and I camp in our new house.
So I'm camping for a bit:)
The road hasn't ended; I'm just stopping to build a fire.
First fire (built by Jacob) of many more to come in the new. house! We moved to Westport, Connecticut. Please send any recs my way.
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