I Stand With

Taken from Wiki:

"Operation Al-Aqsa Flood (or Deluge) is a series of coordinated attacks, conducted by the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas, from the Gaza Strip, onto bordering areas in Israel commencing on Saturday 7 October 2023, a Sabbath day and date of several Jewish holidays. The attacks initiated the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, nearly fifty years to the day after the Yom Kippur War that began on 6 October 1973."

I don't generally write about my side when I do public postings on my favorite social media site or on my personal blog on this site. Folks who have communicated with me 1:1 via the in-/outbox have a general idea of where my heart and brain are planted.

Even though I live in a land with a Constitution that's been in place for over 247 years, I still think of myself as part of a Tribe that has a separate set of laws, beliefs, superstitions, and rituals. Sometimes there are progressive, forward-stepping movements for change. At other times, the practices stagnate over a time... seeming as long as infinity itself.

Hate exists all over the planet. One of the reasons why I withdraw from actively joining committees, teams, groups, or even Tribal gatherings is that the voices don't always speak for everyone. Imagine sitting in a service and the Leader talks about who is blessed by the Holy One. And the identities of the tribal members are listed; mothers of young children, men who bring food to the table, afflicted people who can no longer light a candle... And after the list is exhausted, you note that you have not been mentioned among the qualifiers.

I have a few small non-profits to which I give money when I have money to give. The list of organizations changes over time based on what they have or haven't done with my money. These include foundations that plant trees, laboratories that clean waters for drinking or for sustaining animal life, organizations that collect and recycle human blood, and educational think tanks that plan and implement policies and practices to save the planet.

Time to weep is important. It exists when you arise in the morning, before you bless your food, after you finish the meal, upon lighting candles, and before going to bed.

Time to laugh and to smile is also important. Yet, these actions seem somewhat selfish or self-centered. I rejoice at having running water with controllable temperature. I have multiple wash cloths in my shower and liquid soap that smells of almonds. I use razors that are disposable and have after shave that has the aroma of a walk through a botanical garden.

I've gotten off topic. This happens to people who have trouble staying focused.

My heart goes out to the innocent ones who have been caught in the crossfire of some very bad karma. I have felt lucky for most of my adult life. I have had a valid passport without any breaks since I was 16. I have only had to use it for personal travel abroad (and have shown it on rare occasions for proof of the right to work in the USA). I can live legally in any state in the country.

MORE TO ADD / EDIT HERE. JUST NOT SURE WHERE OR WHEN.