My Paltry Blue Ribbon

Dear Friends,

This past Friday afternoon, I tied a blue ribbon around a large tree in our front yard.  It felt like a paltry act of solidarity given the enormity of my concern and grief about the over 200 hostages held in Gaza, the thousands dead and the war raging.  Yes, paltry.

But putting up that ribbon was not necessarily a straightforward decision. My home is located on a fairly busy corner, where both neighbors and others pass regularly.  Did I want to be so open about my identity and allegiances? So public with new reports each day of antisemitism?

I’d say that I live in a politically involved and aware neighborhood. After George Floyd was savagely murdered in Minneapolis, Black Lives Matter placards filled many windows on my block – they still do. After the Russian invasion on Ukraine, yellow and blue flags flew from many homes – they still do.  Many homes display support for LGBTQ rights, immigrants and the environment. But, since October 7, I’ve seen only one symbol of solidarity with the Israeli hostages and victims of Hamas’ massacre –  just my own, just that paltry blue ribbon that I tied around my tree.

To say that this concerns me is an understatement. This lack of visible outrage shakes me Is there still a double standard for the Jewish community?  I’ve always tried to believe that there isn’t.  I have wondered in dark moments, though, whether this idealism is misguided.

Certainly, I have had a few non-Jews friends approach me and offer their support, especially since they know I have Israeli family.  And this has been very appreciated. But, it hasn’t been a groundswell like I have witnessed in the past after other atrocities. I suspect that much of the reaction (or lack of reaction) is related to ambivalence about the Israeli military’s attacks on Gaza. Yet, we can not forget how this war began - with the worst attack against Jews since the Holocaust, with Hamas murdering or taking captive everybody from infants to seniors.

So, I tied a paltry blue ribbon around a tree with a hope: May somebody see it and know that in my home in the liberal, politically active West End of Rockville, we are thinking about 200+ hostages in Gaza and the 1400 souls lost on October 7. 

I would love to hear your opinion and experiences, with sincere hope that they prove my experience to be an anomaly.

With hopes for restored peace and understanding in our world,
 
 Rabbi Debbie Cohen