It’s a simple question. But the one thought that’s been on my mind since the weekend. It is the one question that I’ve been asking since the murderous act of anti-Semitism and hate occurred this past Saturday in Pittsburgh at The Tree of Life Synagogue. 11 innocent Jews were murdered as they prayed.
What the hell has a Jew ever done to anyone to inflict such hatred from others.
I realize that Leo Tolstoy was controversial in his writings but this quote is beautiful. And true.
I’ll tell you what they’ve done. Nothing. Absolutely nothing to warrant any hatred—from anyone.
I’ve been trying so hard to come up with an eloquent post on this subject, but I can’t.
I can’t because I’m so angry and ashamed and disillusioned.
Angry because we have a president who’s only condolence were his ignorant words of “…. if they had security guards…” Really? Has our country come to this—where violence and hate crimes are the normal so that a place of worship needs a security guard?
I’m ashamed that in this day and age—especially after the horrors of The Holocaust, that people are still anti-Semites and still hate Jews.
I’m disillusioned because I don’t see any hope for our future. As Americans we were supposed to progress as a people and not regress.
Last month my husband and I spent the weekend in DC and I had been meaning to write about our visit to The Holocaust Museum but due to work and other things, I never got around to writing it.
But tonight—as a reminder of hatred that is real, I’m posting photographs of the people who’s lives were lost during the Nazi occupation. It’s the same hatred that murdered those eleven innocents Jews in The Tree of Life Synagogue.
It’s very hard to find the words but I’ll let these photographs of Jews and, lastly, a Roma woman do the talking because the same thing happened in these United States this Saturday. In Pennsylvania. In Pittsburgh. In a Synagogue. In a House of Worship.
The hatred is the same. What’s the difference between this Nazi shooting this Jewish man in the head and the shooter in Pittsburgh? The shots all come from the same hate.
The story behind this photo was the priest who was helping Jews. All the men in this photo were murdered as was the priest who tired to help them. All 11 of the Pittsburgh worshipers were killed by the same Nazi hatred.
Take a good look at the hatred in the Nazi soldier’s face–it’s the same hatred that runs rampant in our country–the hatred of Anti-Semitism that murdered eleven jews in Pittsburgh.
What has a Jew ever done to you? This Jew was an educator–teaching children to broaden their minds. And because he was a Jew–he was killed. Just as the Jews in The Tree of Life Synagogue were killed–they never hurt a soul.
Killed for being a Jew. Just as the eleven innocents in The Tree of Life Synagogue were killed–for being Jewish.
The faces of Jews. Photographed by Roman Vishniac. Hanging on the walls within the confines of The Holocaust Museum are photographs–eerily and sadly beautiful. The photos capture faces of those who have done nothing except to live decent lives. What has a Jew ever done to you?
The face of the elderly jew
The intense stare of a Jewish child–who wonders why. That’s all. Why?
The sad beauty of young Jewish boys. What have they done to make others hate them?
An elderly Jewish scholar and his books. Is he hated because of his wisdom and intelligence?
A Jew–weathered because of his hard work. Is that why he was hated?
Father and son–was the father hated because he was a craftsman? And the child hated just because he was a child?
Other photographs from the haunting walls–majestically high and every inch filled with photographs of innocent Jews who were killed because they were Jews. Is this what it’s come to in America?
Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, lovers, helpers, children, families,—photos of people having a great time–and they were all murdered for absolutely no reason other than their Jewishness. Just like the 11 who were gunned down worshiping in their synagogue.
There is a sadness in her eyes–did she forsee what her future held?
Sisters–did they die together too? Just as the husband and wife did in the Synagogue on Saturday?
The face of a Roma woman–who was also hated for no reason.
We are in need of something that is stronger than hate. We need to stop the violence and anti-semitism that has taken America by storm.
And that is it. That is all I can say. We have to stop this. The Holocaust can never come back but the hatred of Jews and other groups seems to be going strong and we need to stop it.
Shalom. Paix. Paz. Wa-ʻalaykum as-salām. Síochaín. Peace.
Thank you for this. I have been so ashamed of our country since the orange one took office. I feel like he’s setting our country back to what we can remember the bad parts of the 50’s were like. On PBS Newshour tonight they had a piece on how much antisemitism has grown since he took office.
I can only hope the elections will bring in enough blue voters to help keep him in check. His latest today is wanting to withhold citizenship from kids born here to non citizen parents. That is unconstitutional.
Hi Bobbi. This wasn’t an easy post because I am not a good enough wordsmith to do any Jew the honor they deserve. There is no difference between what happened over the weekend and in Nazi Germany–the thought process is the same. As a Roman Catholic, I was never raised to think that any other person of any other religion was a lesser person. We were always taught to be fair and to love our neighbor. I’m still amazed. And I am more amazed that more people were not outraged! XOXOXOXO
Exactly. You are so right. I take so much comfort and hope from your brave words.
I did the most powerful thing I could do today. I voted. I went early, in a community center in a very diverse neighborhood. The early voting site had just opened an hour before, on this first of 7 early voting days. The parking lot was already full. Inside there were Hmong, Latinos, and women in hijabs, and gray-haired men in Vietnam Vet jackets. It took 45 minutes to get to cast my vote. I pray that all those people there were voicing their opinions loud and clear in this unofficial referendum on this appalling administration.
Thank you for speaking out. We all need to speak out before it escalates even further. It is not okay to practice hate. We need leadership who will inspire us to be our better selves not build walls literally and figuratively that divide us. God help us.
Exacty J! We need to speak out louder than those who are the mongers of hatred. We need to speak out because the leaders of this country do NOT speak out against the hate. We need leadership that brings all people together–what is going on now has not only torn our country apart but has brought the anti-semites out like cockroaches in an abandoned city apartment! XOXOXOXO
As Bobbi said, thank you for this post. My heart is aching and sickened by events since the current administration was spawned. I’m trying very hard to co-exist with the hate-filled people who have caused our new reality. It’s a daily battle, but reading this has helped.
Hi Elizabeth. I think all of our hearts are just about broken at this point. You are a far better person than I am for trying hard to co-exist with the hate-filled beings because I can’t. Our country was not founded upon hate. And our beautiful America has opened her arms to those of all races, creeds, cultures and religions. What is happening now is anti-American!! XOXOXOXOX
Thank you Catherine. Your post was beautiful and touching. It all starts from the top. When hate is encouraged from the top. Let our voices be heard by voting. Not candles, not prayers, not minutes of silence, voting to change the rhetoric that gives these people freedom to hate and kill.
Hi Sandy! Thank you! You nailed it! And next week, I’ll be up early and speaking my voice in voting blue–all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO
I’m crying all over again. Your post is so beautiful. The people are beautiful. The hatred is so real and so disturbing because it’s still with us – this country – this president and his “followers”. The anger in the eyes of the Americans? at his “rallies” look not unlike the Nazi and German eyes in those images. I too was raised as a Roman Catholic but most of my mom’s friends were Jewish – they were my favorites to visit with – such color and life. I loved them all and my mother taught me to embrace all cultures and religions. This is so insane what’s happening to our country – the slow erosion of our democracy at the hands of the radical right. God help us is right! Peace
Hi Chris and Carol. Thank you so much for your comment. He has rallies the way Hitler did. Let’s call a spade a spade here. Instead of working to make a better country he has these rallies where he pontificates making America great and he does it by poking fun of others. It’s horrible and it kills me that more people aren’t upset over that heinous murder!! XOXOXOXOXO
Words cannot express how any other of us feel…the photos say everything. We were passing through PA this weekend on our way back to Canada from Princeton NJ and saw many non public buildings with flags at half mast. We also saw schools with flags lowered and hope that educators take the lead in discussing this event openly with students. Since it looks like the adults aren’t getting it perhaps the next generation will put and end to this. No one should feel afraid to enter a house of worship when for centuries churches were a place of refuge, and the social centre of communities.
You are right, this has to stop.
Hey Momcat! You are so correct in stating that adults aren’t getting it. Just as in the 1960’s when youth had a strong voice, I’m hoping that now, our youth has that same voice and fights for the rights and freedoms of all. When you can’t feel safe in a place of worship, then you know our world is no longer a safe haven……..XOXOXOX
This post is stunning in its simplicity & heartfelt plea- thank you Catherine for writing this- every voice demanding peace & tolerance is important- you Americans MUST push back against the Orange Fool who thinks he’s in charge. May those poor Jews rest in peace, & thank you again for your effort. In solidarity, G in Australia x
Hi GG! And thank you for commenting. That hateful gunman not only killed 11 Jews but he killed hope for the rest of the Jews in America. And the president did nothing to discourage this filthy crime. It’s comforting to know that our world neighbors feel the same way!!! XOXOXOXO
Bravo Catherine! Sending you love and hugs from the UK. Kindest regards, Suzy Barker
Thank you Suzy–and sending you hugs of thanks back!! XOXOXOXO
Thank you for this.
So true! Thank you for posting these important photos and thoughts. It’s very painful to see our country being brought down by haters and willful ignorance. We will fight this- everyone MUST vote next week!!!!
I was disgusted by the buffoon’s response to this tragedy. (Every large establishment in America should have gun toting security guards then….? FFS!) Unfortunately anti-Semitism seems to be on the rise in the UK too, I hate to think where it will all end. Why can’t people agree to disagree anymore, there is so much anger.
Hi Fiona, This stinking laptop has erased four comments I’ve written to you thus far! Yeah–guns in a house of worship makes a ton of sense–I swear the guy is missing brain cells. But when people have a cowardly draft dodger for a leader–one who lies and debases women and wants to take health care and Social Security away–not to mention the damage he’s already done, what else can one expect? He’s setting the worst example and has allowed the animals to escape from their cages and onto the streets to kill!!! XOXOXOXO
Oh Catherine, this is such a beautifully written poignant post. I have tears in my eyes.That was such a dreadful wanton act of violence. I know you’re all carrying a heavy burden with that vile loathsome man in charge, but we have the same ignorant creatures over here in the UK. Sometimes I’m dismayed for our future, as you so eloquently said “As human beings we are supposed to progress, not regress”. x
Please don’t denigrate our President – that’s just awful – I know you think you mean well but you are spreading hate yourself – you are falling into that liberal Group Think – I, and many of my fellow Jews love Trump – he’s pro-Israel- unlike Obama – please!!!! I enjoy your beauty reviews but you are way out of line!!!!!
Sent from my iPhone
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Trump has debased women with his vulgar language and his treatment ofW women. Calling a woman a « horse fac « and you say that I am out of line? Remember this blog is mine. These are my thoughts and I am within the boundaries of MY world.
Lest you forget, I had a special-needs sister, and watching that filth poke fun of the disabled was more than I could handle.
My motto is agree to disagree but when I am told that I am out of line on my own turf.. I do not agree to disagree.
It’s beyond the pale….can’t believe she told you that you’re out of line on your own blog. The situation in this country is sickening and it’s because Trump has rallied all these assholes who are racist and depraved just like him. The Republican Party has been destroyed because no one has the balls to stand up to this jerk.
Keep up the good fight, Catherine. I love your blog and I agree with your statements. My best friend is Jewish and for the life of me I can’t understand antisemitism.
Dear Catherine, and dear Ilyse if you’re still around to read this, please do not change your blog for fear of offending. I love the beauty reviews, but I can live without knowing about eye liners and mascaras etc much more easily than I can live without the comments of intelligent, aware women, which I read here. I have followed you for a couple of years, actually from around the time of our disastrous Brexit decision, and before your Presidential election. I have particularly enjoyed your pithy, eloquent comments on life, politics and all things American. As a Brit I have watched US events unfold with horrified fascination and some trepidation. We also see similar instances of antisemitism, race and gender hate and other awful crimes here, including of course the murder of the MP Jo Cox by a right wing extremist. It is very hard for an outsider to comprehend why certain groups think as they do – ‘Women for Trump’ – why? Keep up the good work Catherine 😊
I do see your point Catherine, however, I don’t think denigrating the President of the free world, whom MANY people support, helps you make your point. I used to love your blog because it was about fashion and hair, and your honestly – much appreciated, but you should know, that every time any of your Republican followers open a blog to see our President slammed, we feel alienated. Yes, free country, and post whatever you like, whomever you hurt as well, and yes, we are free to tune out. Take care.
Thank you for bringing this up! It is a common to think that if one is pro-Israel then they must also be good for American Jews. Trump’s support for Israel has nothing to do with Jews—it’s about pursuing anti-Islamic policy in the Middle East. Additionally, our president’s support for Israel happens to be in line with the rhetoric of these white nationalists. While it may, in fact, seem pro-Israel, it is still quite anti Jewish-American. The white nationalists preach for separate ethnic nations – a Jewish state in a separate country. Having a politically stragegic ally in the Middle East has nothing to do with security from hate and violence at home.
Ilyse, he’s not the President “of the free world”. That’s laughable.
I also know many Jewish people and they despise Trump. And many, many Jews despise the treatment of Palestinians in Israel and support boycotts and sanctions. To say Catherine is out of line for speaking out against the massacre on the weekend as well as the evil that abides in DC right now it beyond out of line for you. This is her blog and I, for one, applaud her.
I agree with you, Ilyse Smith. These hateful words from most of these posts are disturbing to me. Do some research about Trump and the Jewish people.
Oh Rita, I’ve said it once and will say it again. You need to write your own blog post. Write about the Jews and Trump. It’ll be interesting. Write about my hateful words about a man who has zero respect for you and your gender. You are fine with how he and other men refer to you so there’s really nothing I can do to support a woman who has no respect for her gender. I look forward to your blog post addressing the greatness of a man who’s idol is Hitler.
I agree Ilyse .
Hi Rita. Then hopefully, you’ll write your personal views on your own blog!! XOXOXOXO
Shame on you Ilyse. And you call yourself a Jew. trump doesn’t care about you at all. He isn’t pro Isreal because he cares about us he is pro Isreal to get a foothold in that region. Wake up you are a small minority of Jews who follow him. The rest of we Jews can see the hate he is spreading. I think you forgot that since he took office anti Semitism has increased by 60% and he called the neo-nazis who killed a woman in Charlottesville “very fine people”. As we know there were Jews who were complicit with Hitler too. trump has zero redeeming qualities and went to Pittsburg for a photo op instead of respecting the dead he had to make it all about himself when he was asked to stay away by all the Jewish and no Jewish leaders of that city. As I said shame on you, you are way out of line!!!!!
Fuck Trump and you too. You’re part of the problem.
i am so disgusted and sad. i always enjoy your blog …makeup, wigs, clothing but this entry is heartfelt. Thank You
I have never understood the hatred of Jews. But, I have never understood hatred of any people. It takes so much energy to hate. That energy could be used for so much good. The Holocaust Museum should be a requirement for every citizen who believes in the principles of our country. There, they would learn how the absence of checks and balances can decimate a culture, a country, humanity. Sadly, I think our system of checks and balances has given way under the present administration. You are right…the attitudes of this country start at the top. Thank you for reminding us of what hatred can do.
Hi Marsha. The interesting thing about The Holocaust Museum here in DC is that my husband feels it is “disneyfied”. He said the Shoah in Paris is way more intense (it isthere are no holds barred in that museum)–be that as it may, every visitor to DC shouldvisit the Holocaust museum to see what the effects of hatred really do to people. Thank you so much for your support on this.
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He may be the president, but he is a vile individual. I cannot fathom what his motivation is. Could the good Lord be testing us?
I have been so impressed by some of the younger individuals running for office in FL, GA, NJ…. They are thoughtful, articulate, caring, and open to challenging the status quo. I am hoping with all my heart that Nov. 6th will be the beginning of a badly needed positive change for the leadership of our country.
Hi Patricia! He’s not my president. And remember, he LOST the popular vote. He won because of Russian bots, Gerrymandering of districts by the Repubicas and the Electoral College. He’s filth. And any man who calls a woman “horseface”, I don’t care what she does for a living is a filthy moronic pig. Period!
Yes, Catherine, he is your president …no he’s not. I’m American. I don’t support a Cowardly Draft Dodger who sleeps with the Russians. Stop watching Fox News and perhaps it’s time for you to find a more Trump-friendly blog. I don’t think this is the place for you.
Some months ago I saw a video of two darling kindergarten boys, best friends – one black, one white. The black boy had a newly shaved haircut and the white boy requested the same, which he received. He was so delighted that now they would be “twins” and their teacher would be unable to tell them apart. The innocence of pure friendship in children who haven’t been taught hate.
I’m 74 and when I married in l964 my bridal shower was given by a Jewish friend in their country club – they, along with many others, weren’t allowed in the fine “white” club. This sparked my interest in civil rights for all the disenfranchised and I joined the marches. I honestly thought my generation would change prejudice forever – so, so wrong.
Trump has permitted prejudice, racism and hate to be acceptable, even encouraged. We can only hope that in this election and those to come intelligence will overcome ignorance.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful article.
Hi Lynn,
I saw that video! It was precious and sent a well-needed message to all! And growing up in and around kind of waspy areas of New York’s Long Island, I know all too well about the “non-jewish” clubs. It’s disgusting.
Civil rights are human rights and what has happened to our country is such a shameful disgrace. I’m telling you right now—and I’m sure you remember when the Congress was pretty-much bi-partisian and moderation was the way to go, the Tea Party is the maignancy that ruined the Republican party and they allowed that hateful minority to infiltrate and that was the beginning of the end.
In addition, (and I’m a practicing Catholic), God, Jesus and any other spiritual being do NOT belong in politics. Not now. Not ever. Never. This whole Evangelical Christian garbage is an excuse for passive/agressive hatred and these pigs are using religion as a tool for hatred. Don’t even get me started……XOXOXOXOXO
“We have to stop this.” Yes. Vote.
Hi Marsha! Yes..and I will!!! XOXOXOXOX
I agree with Ilyse. I have read your disdainful rantings about our President and understand your dislike. As a Republican, I don’t always like what he’s said, or the message that comes across with his words. I have the same disdain for Obama and Clinton—including Hillary Clinton, a woman I would never trust. I have not unfollowed you because I enjoy your sense of humor and fashion sense. I will never enjoy your vile comments on the President.
You state that you are “angry because we have a president who’s only condolence were his ignorant words of “…. if they had security guards…” Really? “ “ It’s “really” clear to me that you have chosen not to hear our Presidents message, or be informed of his actions of condolences and unity.
Violence against ALL religions and ALL nationalities has been a part of our world since the beginning of time; it is NOT because of our President. We all live in the same world and we all need to remember that hate breeds hate, be it through action or words. Yes, you have a right to say what you think, but I also have a right to be hurt by your words. Until we can feel compassion for one another, including those we disagree with- this world of hate will never change.
Hi Rhonda
And that’s fine. You have every right to be hurt by my words. I also have every right to be hurt by the actions of a man who refers to women as genetalia, who calls certain women “fat” and “horsefact”. I have every right to be hurt and angered by a man who wants me, as well as 90 percent of the citizens of America to have lesser healthcare due to pre-existing conditions. I have every right to be hurt by a president who “tests” not only my intelligence, but that of most educated people by his poking fun of the disabled and poking fun of those who disagree with him–but you’re ok with that.
Tell me, do you remember when we had a bipartisian government? Do you remember when there was really no extreme left or right? I do. Our country’s politicians worked together.
And you can say what you want about the Democrats because, even though I will vote blue, I thnk they are spineless and wishy-washy–because if I was a democrat, (I’m Independent), I would fight dirtier than Mitch McConnell, or Lindsey Graham or Trump. They fight below the belt and I would fight lower.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Both parties are awful–but the least awful is the one party that doesn’t go around spewing the hatred that the president spews.
Trust me, it would bother me if you did unfollow me–I’m not gonna lie. But it’s your choice.
I refuse to fall into the line of a blog that only deals with the superficial (even though I love the superficial)–there are times when I feel the need to get my emotions out and my personal views on the world today.
I will not stand by silent while we have a president who debases women in every form. He’s abusive. Any many who publicly calls a woman fat, or horseface, or refers to body parts in an abusive way is a filthy pig. This is also a man who has let it be know of his incestuous feelings for his daughter. That is vile. I don’t care who it is. The man is a bully. He is a thief. That’s my opinion and it hurts ME that you would support a man who treats women that way.
That being said, have a good night. It’s Halloween. Dip into the candy! XOXOXOXO
Catherine, I agree with you that he has said awful, offensive things and I’m not going to debate the fact that he is alone in his behavior….or that it’s appropriate for the leader of the free world. Unfortunately, we as the population, are only exposed to parts of what he has said, not the entire context of what he said, at the time in which it was said, rather, we are being fed snippets of the truth, at the discretion of the media and what “they” want us to hear and believe. Don’t get me wrong, I totally understand your feelings of anger and disgust. However, I choose to look at the things he IS doing well, for our economy, for our unemployment, for keep terrorism at bay and protecting our assists as a country. I’m not looking to like him personally, and who knows if I would or wouldn’t, if I had the opportunity? We never know the whole truth of an individual.
As far as healthcare, that’s dependent on the individual states, and I don’t believe pre existing conditions are a detriment to getting coverage any longer and I haven’t heard of that changing. I do think we’re all ready for reform and relief of high medical costs.. We are all at the mercy of the insurance companies and the drug companies, and our entire population is suffering from it.
Yes, I do remember a time of bipartisan government, the extreme right and extreme left has left us all looking for that middle ground again. We are being pulled apart by politicians who want only for themselves, not for the people, and we are being fed information of half truths. What ever happened to truth, decency and love for mankind?
I’m not going to unfollow you. We disagree on some things, but that’s where the compassion comes in…..I enjoy your blog, you make me laugh, and I can relate to you on so many levels…besides, I’d miss Chippy…😘
You know what Rhonda? Thank you for being respectful!! I appreciate that and we all need to get back to a place of bipartisianship and moderation! Chippy is happy!! XOXOXOXO
Your president is the vilest and most destructive individual to ever hold office in the United Staes. Wake up!!
If comments on this article become nothing more than yet another Trump-hate-fest, you and your readers have entirely abrogated the heart of this well-written article about overcoming antisemitism. I came here (a first-timer!) to research a fashion blog created for women my age. I am disappointed that “Atypical 60” chose this wise and compassionate article to spread disinformation about President Trump. I didn’t vote for Trump, yet was impressed by his decision to make a personal condolence call. Trump may have initially asked about synagogue security — that’s a reasonable question for a businessman to ask — however, he responded within the Orthodox mourning period before burial with a wholehearted investment of self.
Hi Feather. In the first place, this post is from the heart. And it is about anti-Semitism. In the second place, I am not writing misinformation. Condolences come from the heart and from the gut and from a place of well-meaning. The first reaction that man had wasabout the fact he felt that if a security guard had been at the house of worship.
In addition, he wasn’t welcomed and went anyway. I do believe you need to do a tad more research before you come here to blast me.
Trump only went to Pittsburgh to satisfy his own narcissism.
Catherine, I so appreciate and thank you for this post! Thought, I’d spread the word that The AJC Global voice has launched an initiative #ShowUpForShabbat aimed at filling synagogues across the country this weekend November 2-3. http://www.ajc.org/showupforshabbat
HI Renee–and thank you for that link. I’m going to try to find a Synagogue near me so I can be a part of the this. Thank you!!! XOXOXOXO
Thank you for your eloquent words and the moving photos from the Holocaust Museum. You are very honest, brave and … right.
Hi Barb!! Thakn you so much for your words of support!!! XOXOXOXO
Cathy, I am sorry for what’s happened xx
Thank you J.
I have shared this all over social media, Catherine. Thanks for publishing all of these moving photos. LOVE is always the answer but with this president—he doesn’t know what love is, so he can’t rule by it or for the people.
Hi Lisa! Thank you so much for sharing! Love IS the answer but unfortunately, the man in the white house only loves money and power–not humankind!
Thank you for this brave post. My heart has been broken since Saturday, and I can’t shake the sense of melancholy I feel. But having allies like you make me feel safe. As a Jewish woman, I feel as if I’m looking at my own family members when I see these photos. Following the attack my poor mother asked me what our game plan would be if anti-semitism rises to the level of nazi germany again. It is scary that it has come to this. And how sad that one of the 11 Jews who were murdered in Pittsburgh was a Holocaust survivor. I can’t escape my grief. May their memory be for a blessing.
Hi Roxanne. Oh the conversation we could have right now. My husband, as you know, was born at the end of the Nazi Occupation in France. He is from a mixed-religious family of Catholics and Jews. Ironically, his Jewish grandmother was able to flee to London and his Catholic grandmother ended up calling Ravensbruck her home for a while. Luckily–she survived and told him that conversations about food and everyday events are what made, her, as well as the other women strong enough for survival. His grandfather, Andre’ Girard was very active in The Resistance and helped many, many Jewish families during the occupation.
His aunt, my second mother, Danielle, always told me that whenever she heard a german accent, and even up to her passing three years ago, she would freeze because it was so frightening.
Hitler was a Nationalist. Trump is a Nationalist. Both men have so much in common and I saw it with my own eyes while watching a film about Hitler at the Holocaust museum.
I swear to you, I never thought this could happen again and it is happening right here. I can’t stop thinking about it and I can’t stop wondering why? Why is there such hatred and antiSemitism against the Jews? I don’t understand it.
Nobody is better than anyone else. We are all the same. Do we shit gold pellets? I think not! Ashes to ashes!! XOXOXOXOXO
Thank you for this brave post. My heart has been broken since Saturday, and I can’t shake the sense of melancholy I feel. As a Jewish woman, I feel as if I’m looking at my own family members when I see these photos. Following the attack my poor mother asked me what our game plan would be if anti-semitism rises to the level of nazi germany again. It is scary that it has come to this. And how sad that one of the 11 Jews who were murdered in Pittsburgh was a Holocaust survivor. I can’t escape my grief. May their memory be for a blessing.
Hi Glam. My reply to you got lost! And it was long too! Whether we are Jewish or non-jewish, this has struck a chord that isn’t going to go away for a long time. My husband was born during the end of the Nazi Occupation in France and it tore his family apart. Luckily, his Jewish grandmother escaped and fled to London. His Catholic grandmother ended up in Ravensbruck and amazingly–survived but said that what kept her and the other women strong were telling each other stories about their favorite recipes and food! His aunt (my second mother) who was arrested by the Gestapo and escaped told me that to this day (she passed away three years ago) she shudders when she hears a German accent. The stories his family have told me could fill a book. Whatever we hear and read–it was a hundred times worse. God bless your grandmother and God bless your family. I never thought that anti-semitism would raise it’s ugly head again. Shalom, my friend! XOXOXOXOXO
I dont even know what to say, I really dont. How has this hatred happened and so fast – and if it can happen there, it can happen anywhere. Earlier this year, I visited the Jewish museum in London – it is tiny and I was so glad I went – it was icy and snowy and I think they were not expecting anyone to venture forth that day, I am so glad I went even though it was heartbreaking. I really dont know what to say
Hi Juliet. It’s awful–isn’t it. I’ve just about run out of words–thats why I ended up posting so many photos and a few commenters still failed to see the big picture!!! XOOXOXOXO
Apparently my comment yesterday fell somewhere into the void. So I must repeat how much I respect and admire you, Catherine, for speaking out about the horrible atrocity that happened on the weekend as well as the misogynistic, greedy, narcissistic, racist, antisemetic, and all around terrible example of humanity currently in D.C. As you said, he’s not my president and I can’t even bring myself to say his name. It will take decades to even begin to set right what’s been done. The few people here who were disrespectful to you seem not to understand that this is your blog and you can say what you like. Those who wish you to only speak about pleasant and funny things and not “politics” miss the point that politics is life and the life that many have enjoyed in this country (if you’re white, young, and at least moderately well off) is quickly slipping away. I imagine that many people in Germany in the 30s when Hitler was in his ascension thought it best not to talk of “politics” either and since it wasn’t affecting them (they thought) could continue as they had. Pretending everything is bright and shiny and living in the bubble of privilege is exactly what’s gotten us into this situation. And it’s those with the courage and determination to speak up and make noise will be the ones to change it. So kudos, my friend. I’ll stand with you and continue to speak up as well. (I am a liberal and proud to be one as this quote from JFK describes: “If by a “Liberal” they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people-their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights and their civil liberties-someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a “Liberal”, then I’m proud to say I’m a “Liberal.”) XOXO
Here, here!
Brilliant! There is always hope when people like you Cath are prepared to speak out. Thank you
We’ve got your back girl! You say what you want if people don’t like it they can get outta your sandbox. All the Judge Judy’s out there can start their own blogs if they require a platform. They don’t have the right to use yours. I’ve been watching the reaction of people in Pittsburg and it really doesn’t matter how ‘sincere’ the POTUS was in his conviction that he needed to be there….clearly a lot of people did not want or need his presence.
What is interesting is that in the past during times of great tragedy Americans of all political persuasion looked to the President for words of comfort, for stability, focus and for guidance. I am not an American but clearly remember how George W. Bush collected himself and did what he had to do to address the sorrow of his country after 911. President Obama did it many times during the several senseless shootings that occurred during his time. In times of trouble citizens look to their leaders for words of wisdom….sad that now your country now just gets a tweet or an FB post. How comforting.
God Bless and love you all.
Thank you Catherine for this wonderfully heartfelt post. It is so important to speak out now and stem the hatred that has reared its head in your country and I have to say in my country. There’s a nastiness around, a more easily expressed disdain for difference, and anybody foreign. As for death coming into a place of worship – so awful. I have never forgotten my visit to the Holocaust museum in Washington. We must never pull the duvet over our collective heads – we must see what is happening and stop it. I do put my hopes for the future on the young of both our countries, but in the meantime I trust everyone in your country is voting!!!!!!
Thank you again for this – we all need to speak out.
Thank you for such a thought provoking blog post. I live in south Florida so am very much aware of the horrible destruction to so many Jews during Hitlers rein. Also I am the proud grandma to two beautiful Jewish boys and looking at those photos made me weep to think that people could hate so much. We need to be reminded regularly to be on our guard less this happen again. I am proud to read your blog and proud of you for speaking out and “calling a spade a spade” . Keep up the good work.
Thank you Jean! My father-in-law used to tell me all the time that my husband’s family was completely destroyed during the Nazi occupation. And there are those who still question the Holocaust. Can you believe that? Those photos tell stories and sad ones too. Thank you so much for your words!!! XOXOXOXO
Oh my. I envy your confidence and starch. I wish I could speak so openly. Thank you for the comments you have made.
I, however, am married to one of them. He wasn’t like that when I got to know him or when I married him. The changes have been extreme and massive.
But we are pretty old (me about 70 and he 80). I don’t have the energy to fight day to day and will hope I live long enough to get my life back.
The hatefullness and cruelty and carelessness of this “president” is shocking. Shameful.
VOTE! All of you. It matters.
Hi Catherine, it is the first time that I came across a blogger who writes about Jews, most of the time, myself included, it’s about fashion. I can’t say much about your president as we live across the globe, in Australia but our hearts go to those who were killed in the Tree of Life shul and this Saturday our shul is holding a memorial prayer for those who perished. Sadly, there is no answer to why the word hates the Jews, perhaps because we call ourselves “chosen people” and they don’t like it. And to all those who deny the Holocaust, I am sure they would change their minds if they visit at least one Jewish museum or better still, the old concentration camp.
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com/
Hi Anne, Thank you so much for your honest reply. I’m sorry I didn’t reply to you sooner but between the stress of the election here ( which many are happy about but the results could have been better) and work, I’ve been lacking in the blog lately. I’m grateful that you are supportive of this post as a fashion blogger. But it’s important that, as women, we show our empathetic and strong political voices from time to time. We need to empower others into doing this–whether or not we may agree or disagree. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that anti-semitism is alive these days and growing by the numbers here in the USA. I have zero tolerence for anti-semitism nor do I for anti-semites. They are vile!! XOXOXOXO
This was a heartbreaking event. I’m equal parts sad and enraged at what happened to these people during their Shabbat while celebrating the joyful birth of a child.
Beautifully said. Thank you for speaking out.
These comments have really gone astray so I’m really going to focus on the topic at hand. Thank you for this beautifully written post. I truly appreciate your perspective and for educating me on this topic. I’m an African American woman so I understand your passionate responses to the hate displayed by those in this country. I have lost all hope in mankind reversing this trend of hate and oppression. I truly believe only Jehovah God can end this. I look forward to the promises made at Psalms 37:10,11 and Revelation 21:3,4 which describe a new world free of evil and wickedness and full of peace, happiness and security. Please keep educating the world through your writing.