I am not one to say, "it was a bad year," or a "good year," since all years have successes and failures, blessings and tragedies. Of course, for Jews, tragedy came very early in the year with the horrendous October 7 attack. The war in Gaza literally piled more horrors on what was already terrible.
Art work (copy) from a village attacked on Oct. 7 with bullet hole.
I will not get into the politics, though there are usually two sides to every (war) story. At first, I was not surprised that a large group of Gazans went crazy, since they have been penned up like animals too long. But then, as the details poured in, I knew the attack was excessively brutal. Certainly right wing extremist Israeli settlers, prone to violence, act like a bunch of insane marauders also. If forced to "pick a side," I lean to Israel. They are my people. I do not condone killing of innocent Gazans. The Palestinians place their bets on their fighters. We are human. I have learned that it is impossible to be 100% neutral in a conflict that involves a spiritual and cultural homeland, people with similar origins, and relatives.
A week before October 7, 2023, I unexpectedly lost a friend and mentor which was shocking. Marty Ganzglass was a social activist and former peace corp volunteer who never stopped fighting for the downtrodden. Since he was a lawyer, he knew what/when to express during a heated discussion; he helped me tone down my reactions. Marty was a prolific writer, as well, which motivated me to start writing. I value my friendship with Evelyn, his wife.
The world has narrowed its vision solely to Israel and Palestine and become nearsighted to numerous conflicts occurring in other parts of the world--Sudan, Ukraine to name a few. Israel has become enemy #1 to the United Nations, progressives, and most countries around the world which awakens the ugly monster of antisemitism. The latter has increased worldwide and locally.
Lastly, I fear the results of the presidential, senatorial, and congressional election. I repeat constantly that the issues are existential; however, half of the country feels otherwise. Trump can cause serious damage to our constitutional rights. He cannot turn the clocks back to the 1960's and earlier. That world is gone, now recorded in history books.
I wish you all health and then satisfaction, fulfillment, and growth in 5785. May you enjoy family and friends, travel, read, work, relax and whatever gives you some pleasure. And spare some time to help others.
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