In white text over a black and white blurred photo of protesters holding signs and phones:
Montréal friends, your attention please.
Two major protests are planned against
The Israel-Hamas War this weekend.
It's also Purim, a beloved and joyful
Jewish holiday in the spirit of
"They tried to kill us all. They didn't.
Let's drink!" that features costumes, a
little play for the kids, and getting tipsy.
This is not a coincidence.
Whatever you may feel about the
ongoing horrors in the Middle East,
I trust that you know that local Jews
putting on a pantomime for their kids and
tying one on in silly hats
hold no sway over foreign wars.
I trust that you know that
the Israeli government
does not represent the diaspora.
Israel isn't the Jewish Vatican
nor Bibi a Pope.
Because you're paying attention,
I also trust you know
that although the cause against Israel
may be a righteous one,
it is being used as
cover for latent antisemitism
by people who have been
increasingly aggressive
at protests in the city and proudly
threatening real violence online.
If you're hearing this, I promise that you
know and love a Jew who is religious to
a degree that they'll be spending
time at shul this weekend.
If you're attending these rallies, I hope
that you do so out of respect,
value, and trust in the exercise of
my freedom of religion;
the very same sentiments
I hold for your freedom of protest;
because I know we share these
sentiments towards our
freedom of conscience
I ask one thing:
make sure you know where they are,
and put your body
between the synagogues
an the mob.
Once more and louder for
those in the Tribe:
put your body
between the synagogues
an the mob.
A peaceful Shabbat to my Shalomies.
