What do you think we want to die for? • Shuli Rand on hate and incitement

April 2, 2020   

I don't usually respond to current events in posts, and even these days I've refrained from doing so, but what's happening with the terrible attack on the Haredi public simply shocks me.. In recent days, I have been exposed to cruel posts and videos, full of hatred and cynicism towards the Haredi public, and it tore my heart. Those lunatics who curse at police officers who come to help them are not the ultra-Orthodox public, and their behavior has no real connection to Jewish law. We all had time to digest the severity of the situation. The Haredim took longer to digest, for many real reasons. What do you think, that we want to die? That we want to harm or endanger the weak within us? One of the most prominent characteristics of the Haredim is their respect for the elderly, as commanded by the Holy Torah. And the worst thing about me is the great opportunity we are missing here. A golden opportunity to connect the dots. Soon, with God's help and His great mercy, we will get out of this, and what will be left? An abyss of suspicion and hatred. Instead of taking advantage of this situation for a message of respect and compassion, a message of reaching out and compassion, we are deepening the rift. A great bonfire of fear is raging in the world. The ground for stoking resentment and hatred is more favorable than ever. Please, stop.