24/10/2024
Watching people as you wait for public transport is always interesting. On this occasion, there were 3 Orthodox Jewish families also waiting. 6 adults and around 10 children from babies to teenagers. The kids were happily playing and chatting with each other.
Then I heard it. A statement that would sit with me in the depths of my soul. A young girl, around 7 years old, said, "Antisemitism is bad."
Yes, it is bad. However, how very sad is it that this little girl needs to even know that it exists. This should not be part of her world. She should feel safe to be who she is. she should feel safe to claim her heritage. She should feel safe to play and learn and grow.
I looked at the boys who were all wearing their caps and fringes. the boys, who were around 10 plus all had hoodies on and were covering their skull caps. They knew enough of the world to feel they had to hide who they are.
Let's work together to make this world a place where people don't feel they have to hide their religion, their culture, their sexuality. Let's make this a world where we are all free to be who we are and believe what it is we believe.
It begins with reaching out and sharing with someone. Listen to their story and find the commonalities amongst the differences. This is what Chocolate and Coffee Breaks is all about.
It is time to LET LOVE BE THE LOUDEST VOICE.
(AI produced image)