![We need to band together if we are to truly flourish as a society. [rawpixel.com/Pexels]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/4/3/660x290/b_502x220x82/we-need-to-band-together-if-we-are-to-truly-flourish-as-a-society-rawpixelcompexels_1918755.jpg "We need to band together if we are to truly flourish as a society. [rawpixel.com/Pexels]"){kind=tracking}
Recently, the New York Post reported on a story pertaining to an antisemitic remark was made by D.C. councilman Trayon White, who represents Ward 8 of the District Of Columbia. The proclaimed statement is as follows: "Man, it just started snowing out of nowhere this morning, man. Y'all better pay attention to this climate control, man, this climate manipulation.We a resilient city. And that's a model based on the Rothschild's controlling the climate to create natural disasters they can pay for to own the cities, man. Be Careful."
Why does this matter?
As a Jew, I was extremely offended by this close-minded remark said by someone who holds a respected position in office.
While this can be spun to appear as though the backlash is due to racism, I do not think that has anything to do with what the problem truly is. I care that my people have been accused of something that isn't even rational, to begin with.
For someone who works closely, I am outraged that this type of remark was made. This is an attack not only on one individual and their family but all of us who identify culturally, spiritually and religiously, as Jews.We are a people who have overcome hardship, adversity, trouble, and strife. We are a people of apples and honey, of slavery and of triumph. We have overcome much to be where we are today and our work is far from done.We are a people who strive to make the world a better place by devoting time to acts of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world.
The impact of this statement
How are we supposed to rise above when comments like this stick to our souls like Charoset on Matzoh. We speak up and do our best to act as a united front but that front is easily broken when leaders of our country try to diminish us, belittle us, and defile us. To Trayon White, this is a song of the unsung.
A triumphant cry for understanding, for growth and development.
This is a wakeup call for you today that we hope you will transform into your sentiments and beliefs of tomorrow. We are a people whose impact moves mountains and whose voice echoes strong, reverberating throughout the country. So, Mr. White, I urge you to take a step back and realize that it wasn't only the content of your statement which has had the power to offend, rather it is your mindset.
Take this as a learning opportunity, do some self-reflecting and think before you speak, because your words have pierced through our skin and have left us feeling speechless. The time to change is now. Not tomorrow or a month from now, but today. Use your voice for good. Goodness is something we all have the power to share, no matter the color of our skin, the way we view the world or the people or things we choose to worship. We are a people, united. So, let's act like it. Change your thoughts. Change your mindset.When it comes down to it and as Maya Angelou once proclaimed, "if you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it."Because together, we have the power to change the world for good.
