Written by Dawn Hurwitz
I drove up to what appeared to be a well organized event staged at the south end of Liliuokalani Park which had already begun. A police car with its blue dome lit up sat conspicuously nearby on alert. Many Na Leo trucks parked along the street, and several cameras on the perimeter filmed every aspect of the program. The backdrop of giant trees made for an elegant stage with tiny falling leaves scattering in the breeze. About forty people sat on the grass or stood listening to Rabbi Rachel, and her cohort of inter-faith pastors and ministers giving support for the tragedies in the mideast. But this thirty plus year Jewish resident did not recognize others in the crowd while looking around to seek solidarity.
Any of the Jewish faces I saw felt exactly like I did, shot through the heart. I wanted to stand up and ask if anyone realized how we were truly affected. Even if we didn’t personally know a soul who had transitioned in the impact, they were our family thread, our DNA, our kin going back to Sarah and Abraham, and Miriam and Moses. It happened in the forties and we said never again, and never is now.
It was heartening to hear the sermons and prayers of these Christian ministers, but it is curious that there was a lack of outpouring from the Jewish community, with so few in attendance, I was expecting more, hoping to be able to share the angst we feel and helplessness to do anything to stop the madness of war in the middle east. Instead, we listened with our heads bowed, our eyes looking inward as each well wishing speaker showed their support.
We all are sad that there is war involved in Israel’s resolution, so many innocent lives have been lost on both sides. But the truth of why this is happening has to do with Hamas. They are like a cult of ignorance with no tolerance for anything but their Islamic mission, which is to destroy all Jews at any cost. Many times Israel has sat down at the table to negotiate Peace. Every time they have come to a stalemate because Israel would not agree to basically vacate a land they have continuously occupied since biblical times. Israel has always wanted to share and today has a diverse population tolerant of sexual and religious preference. But none of this is tolerable to Hamas who has a stranglehold over the Palestinian population of Gaza.
And Hamas has done the unthinkable by attacking Israel’s private citizens – I know you’ve heard this before- but babies with their heads lobbed off, the elderly, young people at a music festival, families in their homes and their properties set on fire. Most slaughtered or taken hostage. It bears repeating, it is why we say never again, it is why we can’t shut up about this. We feel awful for the innocent people being used as human shields as Hamas tells their people not to leave while Israel plans their attack and giving people time to retreat, so they can rid everyone of Hamas forever- like ISIS, and all the other terrorist groups before them who have no tolerance for anyone outside their religion. That is what cults are, in the worst case scenario. We are witnessing the worst case scenario.
Thank you to Rabbi Rachel for organizing this event to never forget. Thank You Kahu Daniel Kawaha, Chaplain Jihey Roach, Reverend Eric Anderson, Reverend Jonathan Roach, Reverend Katlin McAllister, Pastor John Hiduchick, Shayna & Ella Tiana for speaking to the pain and grief we all feel, for trying to comfort the loss on both sides. For everyone who showed up, showing up counts. May Peace Prevail on Earth.
Dawn Hurwitz
Dawn has been a resident of Puna since 1989, past owner of "Huna Ohana Bookstore & Cafe" founding VP of "Mainstreet Pahoa", and retired from "Mac Assistance" in 2017 to concentrate on writing. Her memoir "Psychedelic Wild Child" is available everywhere you would buy books, ask them to order it.
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