I didn't want to share this, but after two incidents in a week of Jews being kicked off a plane, I feel the need to share my experience and thoughts.
In Israel, speeding is the norm: Why do we drive fast?
Last week, during a flight, I was sitting by the window and I saw a man with a double mask sitting next to me. I tried to politely ask where he was from and start a general conversation to 'break the ice'.
Before takeoff, I remove the strap of my mask from one ear for about 60 seconds to taste something, then I put the strap back in place.
He didn't say anything.
25 minutes after takeoff, he turns his head toward the back of the plane, and I'm excited that he might get up, which will allow me to get a book out of the overhead compartment. So I ask if he'd like to get up.
He hissed in response: "No, I'm actually furious that I have to sit next to an inconsiderate person, who doesn't care about the safety of those around him, coughs freely, wears his mask incorrectly and even removes his mask to eat unnecessarily.".
Please note: I wore the mask over my nose and mouth the entire time (except when I tasted something).
I replied to him: "If you feel uncomfortable, you can move somewhere else, or alternatively I will.""
He didn't respond, I wish he had.
He was incredibly rude and cold. Finally, I plucked up the courage to ask him: "Are you Jewish?""
This is because the gulf between him and me finds expression in the matter of the mask, when I assumed that his blatant disdain probably stems from my Jewish appearance, which makes him cringe. Gentiles are usually too indifferent to be bothered by a religious Jew sitting next to them.
Indeed, he confirmed that he was "half-Jewish," without specifying what.
Enter: Registration for daycare for the 2012 school year is moving online
The frozen atmosphere continued.
If you encounter such a tense atmosphere, it turns out you'll get a headache and that's what happened to me. He also added and went on about how inconsiderate I was.
I just stare out the window, it's been a long time since I remember such disrespect from someone.
The plane touched down with its wheels, and then I told him: "I've donated platelets 110 times, I've donated blood 35 times, and I've donated a kidney once. So don't think for a moment that I don't consider someone else's well-being.".
Too often, the mask brings about serious divisions between people. Its role is to protect our health, not to separate people.
