Blog post by Senator Kit Bond from Israel

Today I met with Israeli Defense and Intelligence officials. We had a frank discussion on the pervasive threats against Israel which underscores the importance of strong American support for this Democractic nation. We cannot afford complacency and need to support actively and strongly our ally Israel - not only through critical defense programs like Arrow 3 - which I am proud to have helped secure funding for through my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee - but also through intelligence sharing. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee I look forward to supporting initiatives that will enhance this cooperation further.

Later in the afternoon I met with the Israeli Aerospace Industry - or IAI. Not only is IAI the largest employer in the country, they are also the primary Israeli company that designs, engineers and deploys weapons systems that will help keep the Israeli people safe from hostile attacks and deter agressors in the region such as Iran. This cutting-edge company has cooperative partnerships with American companies and I urged IAI to expand their U.S. partnership to include Missouri. With a skilled workforce, central location, and strong research and development base in engineering, Missouri is primed for future cooperation. This means jobs for Missourians and the development of defense systems that will ensure Israel maintains its military qaulitative edge.

In addition to these critical security issues, my staff was able to visit the Holy City where they met with Consular officials. Jerusalem is truly a city that blends ancient history with the modern world.

From Jerusalem, my staff traveled into the West Bank to the city of Bethlehem. There, they were hosted by Dr. Robert Tabash, a dedicated Christian and Director of the Holy Family Hospital. This hospital is an oasis of peace and hope in a long-troubled region. Serving pregnant women and their newborn babies, Holy Family Hospital is a model of what humanitarian assistance - regardless of religion or ethnicity - can accomplish. The Hospital has done amazing work with high-risk pregnancies and in-caring for the region's sickest babies in their state-of-the-art Neonantal Intensive Care Unit. From the maintenance crew to the dedicated staff of doctors, the folks at Holy Family Hospital are dedicated to promoting peace through serving the poor. I have been proud to support funding for Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem and Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem.

While I am disappointed my trip to Israel was so brief this time, spending time on the ground with the folks on the ground was invaluable. In the upcoming weeks I look forward to sitting down with Missouri's Jewish communities to dialogue further about my trip and to discuss the state of current affairs and the prospects for peace in the Middle East. I pledge to continue my longstanding support for the State of Israel and its people.

Blog post by Senator Kit Bond from Israel

I arrived in Tel Aviv today - five hours later than planned due to a flight delay. But the wait was well worth it - the sight of Israel in the mist was a vision to behold.

My short time here has been busy. First, I was briefed on the intelligence cooperation between our countries. It is critical that we continue to strengthen this relationship as Israel is one of America's most important Democratic allies.

I talked to intelligence officials not only about intelligence but also about the importance of"Smart Power" and non-military initiatives to promote lasting peace and stability in this troubled region.

For instance, I was briefed on USAID clean sewer and water infrastructure projects in both Israel and Palestinian communties.We must also support access to health care for the needy. To see the shining example of humanitarian health services on the Palestinian side, I'm sending two of my staff members to Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem to see first-hand the care provided to pregnant mothers and babies.

Later in the evening, I met with a talented and creative young man schooled in St. Louis - so no surprise. Avi Goldstein, the Regional Co-Director for Peace it Together works for an organization dedicated to empowering Israeli and Palestinian youth. Avi has managed to harness all teenagers' favorite mediums -- internet and film -- to promote peace dialogue.
It is this type of inspirational work that brings together the young generation of Israelis and Palestinians that will help us achieve lasting peace.

In addition to national security and "Smart Power" or non-military talks, I also had the opportunity to promote Missouri interests.

I talked to the U.S. Ambassador to Israel as well as Israeli officials about Missouri's cutting-edge biotechnology, aerospace, and defense industry companies. Israel is already a strong trading partner -- which equals good paying Missouri jobs and good products and equipment in Israel. While we have a good relationship there is always room to grow -- I hope we can continue to increase the trade between our two great nations.

BOND MAKES TRIP TO ISRAEL

Senator to Discuss Strategic, Security, Economic Issues with One of America's Most Important Allies

WASHINGTON, DC - Following a tough senate vote on the auto industry bailout bill this week, MO U.S. Senator Kit Bond departed for a trip to Israel where he will meet with government officials, intelligence operators, U.S. Embassy personnel, and military officials to discuss key strategic, security and economic issues.

"Israel is our strongest democratic ally in the Middle East and one of America's most important partners," said Bond. "Also, because of the many common interests between Israel and my home state of Missouri, I look forward to discussing new ways to work together and hopefully create some Missouri jobs."

Bond, a long-time friend of Israel, has used his position as a senior member of the Senate Defense and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittees to support programs aimed at strengthening U.S.-Israeli cooperation, protecting Israel, and providing regional stability. Earlier this year Bond helped secure millions in federal funds for programs that are central to U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation, like the Arrow and David's Sling Weapons Systems.

For years, Bond has stressed the importance of American support for Israel. Bond emphasized that more than any other nation Israel stands on the front lines in our global war against radical Islam. Also, Bond pointed out that in the Middle East, Israel has stood as the shining example of the democratic values and principles Americans hold dear.

On this trip to Israel, Bond will meet with Israeli government, defense, and intelligence officials to discuss ways to further enhance and strengthen the important security cooperation between our two nations. In addition to security, Bond also plans to visit some of the "smart power" - or non-military projects in both Israeli and Palestinian territories he has supported. Bond stressed projects like the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem that provide healthcare services to Palestinian women are critical to promoting peace and stability in the long-troubled region.

As Missouri's senior Show-Me-State Senator, Bond will also be promoting Missouri in Israel. Bond seeks to increase the economic and academic cooperation between Missouri and Israel, cooperation he hopes to turn into jobs for hard-working Missourians. Currently, there are a number of shared industries and areas of promising research for Missouri and Israel to discuss cooperation, such as aerospace, biotechnology and defense, Bond pointed out.

Election Reactions

People from all walks of life are weighing in on the 2008 Election. What are they saying?

Alan—Reporter

What kind of reactions did you see after Barack Obama won the election?

Alan: Well it’s—almost a cliché—I really get a sense that there is a lot of hope and sense of joy and sense of possibilities at least here in St Louis—seeing people out on the street last night and middle age white guys giving fist-pumps to seventeen year old black kids down on Delmar loop—I think, on a lot of levels it transcends the election and it really shows that there is a thirst and a hunger among people to really have something to look forward to. For just a moment in time for a couple hours last night there was really a sense of this country and the possibilities that it offers as opposed to the problems.


Rachel and Elaine—Seniors

How did you feel when you woke up this morning and realized the US had a new president?

Rachel: When I woke up this morning I was glad that the election went the way it went. I certainly did not want Sarah Palin, and this is why I voted for Obama.

How will the United States change?

Rachel: Time will tell. It’s a little early—I mean, it has changed in itself that an African American has been elected president—that in itself is amazing, I mean, unbelievable, whatever adjective you want to use. What’s going to happen? We're going to have to wait and see. It’s too early to tell.

Elaine: I think young people are going to be more impatient for a turnaround, and as we’re a little bit older I think, you know, we can be a little more patient but there will be changes, and we’re encouraged by that

Rachel: We are looking forward to the changes—and they are very badly needed. I think the world view of America now, has already changed—

Elaine: Much much improved—

Rachel: And it has already changed with the exception of Israel—Israel is my concern to be honest. And Israel wanted McCain because he has been a very good friend to Israel, and that was one of the reasons, before he took Sarah Palin, that—he was in my mind—whether I would have voted for him or not I don’t know, but he was still in my mind because I’m definitely concerned about Israel.

Elaine: It remains to be seen what’s going to happen as far as the Israel situation—how supportive people will be of Israel, but we’re hoping for the best.

Rachel: We’re encouraged.


David Kramer—Student

How did you feel this morning when you woke up an you realized that Obama will be the next—the 44th president of the United States?

David: I was super happy. I just felt really good. I think there’s change on the way. I was really happy with the people of Ohio…the elderly of Florida decided to go with Obama over John McCain.

Why did the older Jewish generation in Florida vote for Obama?

David: I really think that the elder Jewish US population—their major concern was which candidate is going to support Israel the most? If Iran attacked Israel and [McCain] was asked 'what would you do' his answer would be ‘I would attack them with force.

Obama, in his very nature, is the type of person that thinks things through. So he’s not gonna say, 'I would just attack them.' He’s going to say look, ‘I am going to take the steps to prevent something like that from happening. I am going to form these international alliances…’ And he will engage in diplomacy...people don’t understand, these countries are upset about something, and if you don’t talk to them you’ll never actually know why that is.


Josh, Elan, Shmuli—Block Yeshiva High School

Obama is the new president. How do you feel?

Elan: It’s a very exciting time…it’s very interesting to wake up and be a part of history.. It’s a momentous time in history; he is the first African American president to be in office. It’s an exciting time to be alive and to be able to tell future generations that I was here when the first African American actually was in office.

Josh: I am a little bit disappointed with the results of the election; I would have preferred Senator McCain to win. I think he is more supportive of Israel and he’s shown his support more in the past, and his friends that he associates with tend to be more pro-Jews and pro-Israel than President Elect Obama. But at the same time it is a historical landmark that an African American was elected into office, and that’s a huge step for America, because quite a few years ago black people couldn’t even vote, and definitely couldn't be president.

Shmuli: It’s exciting to be alive during a time when you have the first African American in office because again., there was segregation in the Unites States until very recently...it’s exciting to be alive during this time, and we can say ‘I remember when the first African American was elected to be the president of the United States'—it’s a cool thing to say.

How should Obama focus his foreign policy?

Josh: I think that Obama’s perspective on how to deal with issues such as Iran is rather dangerous—because there are certain countries that people can sit down with and talk to—but as Jews and in personal experience, we have seen that Iran and groups like radical Islamists are the type of people you cannot sit down and talk to. We’ve seen that over and over again, and we don’t need any more lessons to show us that. So I think Obama’s view is very dangerous.

Elan: I think you can really go either way. It’s true that we do need to see some force but we also need to show some diplomacy. Diplomacy can be dangerous at times because some, like Ahmadinejad has been shown to be somewhat unstable, and although it could be good to sit down with him, it could also be dangerous because we need to have action. So, Obama’s plan in theory sounds good—you want to sit down with people—but you have to have err on the side of caution…you have to be ready to take action.

Shmuli: It could obviously, go either way, sitting down with foreign countries. But I also feel that you have to take what they say a little bit with a grain of salt, because you’re dealing with people who are not necessarily true to what they say in public, as to what to they believe in private, as to what they say to their own citizens, as what they say to other countries.

You have to be careful with them, and it might be a good idea to try to negotiate with them, but again there have been leaders in the past who have tried to negotiate with them and have failed and not succeeded—so it can be an exercise in futility but it could work out.

You never know.


Thanks to all participants; you were fantastic.

Local Response to the Election

In the light of the elections, I am proud and filled with a spirit of optimism. My eyes filled with tears to see the people of America elect someone to the highest office in our nation's government on the merits of leadership, vision and values, without regard to race. I was moved by the historic significance of an African American being elected as president. The American dream and the values we cherish as Jews seem possible. I am overcome with hopeful anticipation, and pray that all Americans will continue to seek the common ground that will move us ever closer to the fulfillment of these dreams.

Rabbi Jim Bennett
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road
St. Louis, MO 63141

Local Response to the Election

So as a Jew -- and an American -- what is my reaction to the election results in a 100 words or less (79 words left - oy!)? Pride...pride is my overwhelming emotion....pride in America for transcending - in this one election - the toxic myopias of RACE, SEX and AGE...and pride as a Jew knowing that this kind of "advanced thinking" emerges organically from the very first chapters of our foundational text - the Torah. As my 8 year old son noted: "Abba - your very emotional about a BLACK MAN moving in to a WHITE HOUSE". And of this sensitive observation I am most proud...Shehecheyanu VeKeyemanu VeHegeyanu LaZman Hazeh...Thank you God for enabling us to experience this auspicious moment!

Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose
Senior Rabbi
Congregation Bnai Amoona
324 South Mason Road
Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Local Response to the Election

As a Jew and an American I have never been more hopeful and more proud. I am hopeful that the grassroots movement for change engaged by President elect Obama's campaign will continue to grow and support the ideas and policies that will bring healing to our nation at home and abroad. I am proud that so many cared enough to engage in debate over serious issues and show up to vote. I believe with all my heart that this new administration will have new energy to invest in a peaceful solution for Israel and her neighbors, access to quality health care, energy alternatives and relief for those living in poverty. I was proud to belong to Rabbis for Obama during the campaign and I will continue to be a rabbi for Obama as long as he is my president.

Rabbi Susan Talve
Central Reform Congregation

Local Response to the Election

The definition of the cultural mainstream changed forever when our country elected its first African-American president. It’s broader and more inclusive than ever before, and that’s a very good thing for the Jewish community. For the last century, Jews sought success in American life by concealing our ethnic differences. We are now discovering that in order to thrive as a community, we must celebrate our uniqueness and affirm what makes us distinctive. In a country that values every color of the rainbow and affirms each creed, Jewish pride is just one more addition to a rainbow whose appearance has been long overdue.

Rabbi Allen Selis
Head of School
The Solomon Schechter Day School of St. Louis

Local Response to the Election

As a Jew and as an American, I am greatly pleased by the results of the election last night. America was heading in the wrong direction in many ways, and as the founders of this nation intended, the people exercised their power to change the direction of the country. We will now have a president who embodies so many of our sacred values as Jews, caring for the poor, healing the sick, lifting up all people and seeking out peace and righteousness. It is my prayer that all Americans rally around our new president to make sure that the changesin this country will leave a better nation and a better world for our children.

-Rabbi Daniel Plotkin

B'nai El Congregation
11411 N Forty Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63131
314-432-6393

Dare to Be Different – A Response to Parkway

Last night (Oct. 28), Solomon Schechter Day School of St. Louis partnered with B’nai Amoona and Shaare Shalom religious schools in offering a program to support diversity and promote strong Jewish identity among Jewish Middle School students in St. Louis. Nearly 100 students and 45 parents attended this workshop, which included adult and student activities.

The program, Dare to be Different, offered children a glimpse into the various kinds of discrimination that other groups have experienced in American history, including the reality of anti-Semitism.

The program began as students broke into small groups to explore the experiences of several different minorities, including incidents of prejudice or intolerance that they have faced. Many students were surprised to learn that classified advertisements for employment in the 1860s sometimes declared “No Irish Need Apply” or that Chinese immigrants faced violent attacks in Los Angeles and Tacoma.

The reality of anti-Semitism in America was brought home by video clips from the 1947 film “Gentleman’s Agreement” as well as more recent photos of graffiti left on Jewish community sites.

The program closed with a brief set of exercises to empower children and offer them concrete ways of responding to discrimination of any kind.

While the student program took place, adults broke into a parent forum, led by Rabbi Allen Selis, headmaster of the Solomon Schechter Day School.

At the parent forum, Rabbi Selis praised the Parkway administration for responding promptly and effectively to the “Hit a Jew” incident, with support from the St. Louis office of the Anti Defamation League. Parents expressed a strong desire to see the community more coordinated in supporting diversity in the schools, a stance that St. Louis ADL Director Karen Aroesty praised.

Rabbi Mark Fasman of Congregation Shaare Zedek affirmed the community’s desire to build and strengthen our children’s Jewish identities as a way of enabling our next generation to be more secure and better equipped to engage their peers in an increasingly diverse world.

Following the program, Rabbi Selis praised Michael Raileanu of Shaare Shalom and Jennifer Newfeld of B’nai Amoona for their creativity and openness to working in partnership. “In moments like this, our entire community must stand together. I’m so pleased we have the leadership to make that happen.”

Rabbi Allen Selis - Head of School
The Solomon Schechter Day School of St. Louis

Dare to be Different: Standing up Against Discrimination

SSDS Hosts Diversity Event in Response to Parkway Incident

In response to the recent incident in the Parkway School District, Solomon Schechter Day School, in partnership with B’nai Amoona and Shaare Shalom religious schools, invited the Jewish community to stand up proudly for diversity at a special event for students and parents on Tuesday, October 28th. “Dare to be Different” highlighted the experiences of many different groups who have faced and overcome discrimination in American life. The program was free and open to the community.

The event included a Youth Program, open to the whole community, grades 5-8: with sessions entitled Don’t Label Me…, Anti-Semitism in America and Taking a Stand. Afterwards, parents participated in an Adult Forum.

Check back on jewishinstlouis.org for more details and photos from this important event.

It’s About Education, Education, Education

True, it doesn’t sound terribly sexy, but the answer to Hit A Jew Day is about fundamentals. It is shocking that a 6th grader would actually hit a fellow student for a personal characteristic that may go to one’s deepest identity. Anti-bias education is mandated. It’s not going to be an overnight fix. The process will take some time.

ADL has presented Parkway West with No Place For Hate®, an anti-bias campaign that encourages different education activities to teach acceptance and respect and build community. I know the title makes us uncomfortable, but we have to accept that hate and bias happen daily, and we can’t talk circles around it, we have to address it head-on. I believe the school and the district are responding appropriately. We look forward to working with them, and all program providers, in the coming year.

The kids involved are not hateful; they need to learn the impact of their behavior. Parkway West may also have a situation where one or more were badly bullied and then became perpetrators themselves. We would hope that this is isolated to a unique event that will not repeat itself. But it has, and it will.

This episode occurred among unique circumstances. Anti-Semitic behavior against Orthodox families in University City, who were very visible over the High Holidays, increased. They were shouted at by drivers while walking to and from shul, and I’m certain not all incidents were reported. The city is also investigating a hate crime after 2 families were assaulted with eggs thrown by a passing driver. A remarkable case will soon be before the Missouri Court of Appeals, involving some members of a St. Louis County jury whose alleged anti-Semitism may have affected the verdict against the defendant, a Jewish doctor.

As we say, anti-Semitism is not history. It’s a current event.

Karen J. Aroesty
Regional Director - Missouri/Southern Illinois
ADL - Anti-Defamation League - http://www.adl.org/
314.432.6868 (v) / karoesty@adl.org

JCRC Statement on the Incident at Parkway West Middle School

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) regrets the recent hurtful activity of a small number of students at Parkway West Middle School who disregarded the impact of words and actions on others and did not treat their fellow students with dignity and respect.

We appreciate the immediate and appropriate response by the administration of the school and of the Parkway School District. These school officials should be allowed to do their jobs, and should be supported in these efforts.

This is a time to once again focus on the necessity of promoting respect for diversity and pluralism as a basic value for our entire community. By celebrating our region’s rich diversity, we enable children and adults alike to feel safe and secure in who they are.

We look forward to working with Parkway West Middle School and the Parkway School District in enhancing communication and developing areas of cooperation and collaboration.

President Leonard Frankel
Executive Director Batya Abramson-Goldstein

#12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146 E-mail: jcrc@jcrcstl.org 314-442-3871

Open Letter from Parkway's Superintendent

Dear Parkway Community,
It is with both sadness and a sense of outrage that I share this letter with you. Many of you may have heard about a distressing incident that occurred at Parkway West Middle School over the past week. I have heard from a number of you who are understandably angry and upset. I, too, am angry.

First and foremost, I want to publicly apologize for the actions of the students involved. I also want to share some of the facts surrounding the situation and let you know what we are doing about it. Additionally, I want to ask for your help as we work together carefully and constructively to move forward in a positive way for our students and community.

Last week, several sixth-graders at West Middle started their own unofficial "spirit-type" activities in the hallways. These activities occurred without the knowledge of teachers or administrators until Monday evening, October 20. What initially began as harmless fun including hugs and high-fives, somehow sadly turned into slaps or hits directed at Jewish students and tall students. Clearly this is unacceptable behavior that will not be tolerated in the Parkway School District. We pride ourselves on being a very diverse learning community that celebrates, respects and honors all voices. I am ashamed and disappointed that this has occurred in one of our schools.

After learning of the situation, the school principal immediately responded. On Tuesday morning she assembled the sixth-graders into the gym, during which time she expressed her outrage and sadness that not only did several students participate in these activities, but that others who knew about it did not immediately step in and stand up for their friends or tell an adult what had happened. She informed the students that anyone involved would be held accountable for their actions in accordance with Parkway’s discipline policy. After the assembly, she began her investigation and sent a letter home to all parents the following day to let them know what had happened and ask for their help in identifying those responsible.

While the investigation is still being conducted, it appears as though five students were directly involved. These students have been immediately suspended and will likely face additional consequences pending the final recommendations of the Discipline Review Committee, which reports to me.

It is hard to understand why these 11- and 12-year-olds acted in such a disrespectful manner. We work very hard in Parkway to teach students appropriate behavior and on any given day the majority of our 18,000 students do just that. But we cannot use this as an excuse to minimize the gravity of what these students have done. It is painful and hurtful and we are committed to doing whatever we can to ensure it does not happen again.

I ask for your support and involvement in this effort and hope by working together we can fulfill our obligation to educate our students and prepare them to be successful, contributing members of a democratic society.

Sincerely,
Robert Malito, Ph.D. Superintendent

Community Leaders Meet to Discuss Parkway Response

On Friday, October 24th, a dozen representatives from the St. Louis rabbinical community, Jewish organizations and educators gathered to explore a community response to the disturbing events at Parkway West Middle School. The meeting was convened by the Jewish Community Relations Council.

According to JCRC Executive Director, Batya Abramson-Goldstein, "The focus was on a community response to what is clearly an issue that needs addressing. And we agreed that this issue must be addressed in a careful and constructive way." Abramson-Goldstein says the group basically decided that each congregation, organization, agency or school should formulate responses that are appropriate for their own constituency. Abramson-Goldstein expects additional developments and JCRC plans to issue a formal soon..

Rabbi Rosenberg at United Hebrew is planning an assembly at Hebrew School on Sunday to discuss the matter with her students.

UH to Hold 'Tolerance' Assembly About Parkway Incident

Some United Hebrew religious school students were involved. Discussion to include kids grades 6-10.

United Hebrew Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg and Cheryl Watley, director of education, will facilitate an assembly of 100-plus religious school students in grades 6 – 10 this Sunday (Oct. 26) to talk about the “Hit a Jew Day” incident at Parkway West Middle School.

“The assembly will focus on tolerance and what it means to be singled out as a Jews…or singled out for anything,” said Rabbi Rosenberg. “A small incident like this can lead to something larger and we want the students to understand the significance of what happened.”

Rabbi Rosenberg added that such issues will be addressed as “why adults are making such a big deal of this, how do we react when things like this happen, who do we tell, who supports us, how do we do we handle or report this without everyone making fun of us if we tell a teacher. The kids will also be asked to talk about instances of when they’ve been singled out because they’re Jewish and how they reacted.”

The assembly will be followed up with a mailing of talking points to all parents of students to help them discuss prejudice and tolerance with their children at home.

We’re All Victims

Rabbi Allen Selis, Head of School
The Solomon Schechter Day School of St. Louis

I asked a difficult question at the end of my third-period Rabbinics class at Solomon Schechter today (Oct. 23, 2008). “How many of you heard the news?” and “What should we do about it?” In response to the first question, every student but one raised their hands to say, “Yes, we heard about ‘hit a Jew day’ at Parkway.”

I was stunned—not just about how fast my students had learned what had happened, but how much detail they had. Some had younger friends at Parkway. Others described which subgroup had started the idea for this unofficial prank in the midst of Parkway’s spirit week...how it got out of hand…and who they knew that it might impact.

In response to “What should we do about it?” there were no hands raised. My students were confused, angry and wholly unsure about what to make of this incident, or how to respond. One of my most thoughtful students came up to me, upset at the suggestion that our entire middle school would gather to discuss the matter. “We’ve talked about anti-Semitism before. Again? Why?” My answer to her is the same answer that I offer our entire community. We need desperately to speak about this incident.

Here is why.

While the victims of harassment at Parkway West Middle School were identified and in some cases bullied for being Jews, I don’t see this as an affront to Jews alone. I view this as an attack on community, an attack on diversity…but at the same time, an important opportunity for us to learn a critical lesson.

If you are an adolescent, the most frightening message of “hit a Jew day” is that it’s not safe – or okay -- to be different from your peers. We live at a time and in a culture that celebrates individuality, but just as often punishes dissenters. Our kids feel pressure to look alike, to sound alike and to act alike. How else could such a senseless and offensive act of intimidation take place?

We, as Jews, are not the only ones in this society who proudly claim the right to be different, and to express our difference with pride. We are joined by people from many diverse backgrounds who insist that you may be a respected member of your school and community as a Muslim, as an immigrant from another country, as a person of color or a person whose sexual orientation is different from others. We celebrate the richness that those differences add to our society. And yet, difference still inspires both fear and a relentless, irrational need to make outsiders of those whose voices, whose faith, whose skin color is unique. This week was an attack on all of those potential outsiders—not just the small percentage of students who are Jewish.

Part of the journey from childhood to maturity involves learning to focus on the needs of others more than just ourselves. This includes a commitment to hear different points of view and to appreciate people whose beliefs, whose lifestyles and whose deepest values might be different from our own.

Children…schools…even entire communities…face the challenge of learning this lesson. They succeed when courageous leaders defend the right to be different. When individuals model this acceptance and respect in their own conduct. And when our public institutions are held accountable to such high standards.

On behalf of every child in St. Louis who deserves the right to be different, it’s time for us all to talk about the real victims of “hit a Jew day,” because they are all of us.

Rabbi Allen Selis, Head of School
The Solomon Schechter Day School of St. Louis