Sorrowful Shabbat

As I scroll through Facebook, I know I will see post after post about the great shock and sadness it is that a man came into a synagogue and heinously shot and killed so many innocent people. I scroll. Nothing. I scroll some more. Nothing. Finally, I see a post from a Jewish friend expressing the great sorrow and hatred of this act. One post. That’s it. As time has progressed, a few more of my Jewish friends have posted a picture frame around their Facebook profile photo stating they are standing against antisemitism. I think to myself, “Where is the outrage? Where are the doleful posts lamenting this incredible act of evil?” My Facebook feed remains silent.

As I was pondering today why there is little outcry about this act of terrorism, I realize the answer is simple—it was commited against God’s chosen people. No one cares much if a bunch of Jews are shot while in the midst of observing God’s holy day. No one much cares about the growing hatred toward the children of Israel. We have grown apathetic. Has the Holocaust made us blind to the growing number of ethnic crimes against the Jews? Are our hearts hardened? Do we just think, “Well, it’s just a few more Jews killed. What does that bring the number to? Over 6 million?”

As God works all things, today some friends of mine are visiting Dachau concentration camp in Germany. Vivid images swirl through my head as I recall to mind this place of intense evil I visited so many years ago. Despite being a beautiful day, a dark coldness lingered in the air. I wondered how many people died here. I wondered how anyone could forget the wicked astrocities which were committed here.

As time distances us from the Holocaust, our memories fade; our emotions wane. We are told to never forget the Holocaust. Despite the efforts by many around the world, our hearts have grown cold. We have become a nation more interested in what we will be wearing for Halloween than for the growing hatred and hostility toward our friends and neighbors. My soul grieves. The next Holocaust is but a heart beat away. Will anyone care?

I lift my hands and heart toward heaven. “Oh LORD. I pray for Your people. I pray for Israel. Please comfort those involved in this horrific act of violence. Please never forget Your people. How blessed are those who trust in You. Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe). Amen.”