I want to be open about the fact that writing this message brings its own share of fear and vulnerability. It's not easy to discuss such sensitive and emotionally charged topics, and I, like many of you, hope that I'm thinking clearly in choosing to share these thoughts. In today's world, where discussions can quickly become polarized, I hope that we can approach these conversations with open hearts and a commitment to understanding one another.
I genuinely believe that fear is at the root of many of our problems. We are, at our core, animals, and like any other species, we become vulnerable to extinction when we perceive threats. In survival mode, nothing else matters.
When we are in the fight-or-flight response, our brain and body prioritize safety and survival above all else. This can lead to something as harmless as running away from a stick mistaken for a snake or as profoundly serious as harming someone because of their skin color.
Our thoughts hold immense power. They shape every interaction we have, and every interaction, in turn, influences the way we think. If we actively seek common ground, we are likely to find it. But the moment we perceive a threat, our ability to prioritize connection diminishes, and our primal instincts take over.
I continue to grapple with the situation in Israel, striving to find a balance and a sense of grounding amidst the options of avoidance, ignorance, and paralysis. As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I've always felt the shadow of antisemitism and the potential dangers that fear of the 'other' can bring. Before World War II, Jewish people were depicted much as we see the portrayal of Palestinians today—stereotyped and dehumanized, which created emotional distance from the ethnic cleansing taking place. Fear of losing land and the fear of not having a place have fueled conflicts for the past 75 years, while the fear of being forgotten and overtaken, not seen, has driven inhumane behavior on both sides.
We are all plagued by fear. In this era of social media and novel ways to create 'in-groups' and 'out-groups,' it's an attempt to boost our sense of safety without necessarily pushing others away to connect.
Clarity of thought becomes elusive when we are gripped by fear. Coupled with the fact that the body can't distinguish between thought and reality, it underscores the importance of returning to the present moment, taking a deep breath, and grounding ourselves in our shared humanity and faith.
I genuinely believe that fear is at the root of many of our problems. We are, at our core, animals, and like any other species, we become vulnerable to extinction when we perceive threats. In survival mode, nothing else matters.
When we are in the fight-or-flight response, our brain and body prioritize safety and survival above all else. This can lead to something as harmless as running away from a stick mistaken for a snake or as profoundly serious as harming someone because of their skin color.
Our thoughts hold immense power. They shape every interaction we have, and every interaction, in turn, influences the way we think. If we actively seek common ground, we are likely to find it. But the moment we perceive a threat, our ability to prioritize connection diminishes, and our primal instincts take over.
I continue to grapple with the situation in Israel, striving to find a balance and a sense of grounding amidst the options of avoidance, ignorance, and paralysis. As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I've always felt the shadow of antisemitism and the potential dangers that fear of the 'other' can bring. Before World War II, Jewish people were depicted much as we see the portrayal of Palestinians today—stereotyped and dehumanized, which created emotional distance from the ethnic cleansing taking place. Fear of losing land and the fear of not having a place have fueled conflicts for the past 75 years, while the fear of being forgotten and overtaken, not seen, has driven inhumane behavior on both sides.
We are all plagued by fear. In this era of social media and novel ways to create 'in-groups' and 'out-groups,' it's an attempt to boost our sense of safety without necessarily pushing others away to connect.
Clarity of thought becomes elusive when we are gripped by fear. Coupled with the fact that the body can't distinguish between thought and reality, it underscores the importance of returning to the present moment, taking a deep breath, and grounding ourselves in our shared humanity and faith.
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