Wishes for the New Year

Editorial

This past year has held, in many ways, some of the worst news yet for Jewish people around the world. We have gotten used to hearing about bombs going off in Israel; we have gotten used to the two-faced remarks that come from Palestinian leaders about what they're going to do or not do to aid the peace process; we have gotten used to the world holding Israel up to a double standard when it comes to areas of conflict in the world; and we've gotten used to President George Bush using his own double standard when it comes to fighting terrorism.

But, as we turn the corner into the Jewish New Year, there are other matters that will and should keep us on our toes. Besides the localized violence and turmoil in the Middle East, there are issues at home to which we must turn our attention.
In this week's issue of the Bulletin alone there are several stories that point to discouraging situations.

On the local radio station CHML-AM (Mojo Radio), two broadcasters think it's funny to use references to the Holocaust to spice up an otherwise idiotic on-air discussion. How anyone can find "Yeah, yeah, burn those Jews" humorous in any context is beyond repugnant. It reflects the most objectionable and most shameful of human characteristics, and yet it draws laughs and listeners all the same.

In our Books section this week, Phyllis Chesler's new book, The New Anti-Semitism, tells of frightening trends in present-day societies that demonstrate that anti-Semitism is not only alive and well, it is sinisterly invading mainstream thoughts.

Underlining her ideas are those of Ellen Cannon, an Israel advocate who came to speak to the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver last week. Cannon came to Vancouver to deliver what she calls a "wake-up call" to those who would otherwise remain complacent about changing attitudes towards Jews. She stressed a fear that Jews in the Diaspora are too ambivalent and what is at stake is no less than the future of Judaism.

With such depressing news, it's hard to consider happiness at this time of year. Although we wish one another a sincere sweet New Year, it's hard to believe this year will be any different than the last.

But there are ways to address these issues, differently, more effectively, more earnestly than we have before. How?

We can start with our youth. On this page is a wonderful letter from a participant in a recent Whistler excursion for the National Conference of Synagogue Youth. His enthusiasm for the trip and for the Jewish learning and spirituality to which he was exposed are heartwarming and inspiring. And his reaction proves that a love of Judaism and being Jewish need not take place in a classroom. Let us support such initiatives so our children grow up proud to be Jewish, proud to support Israel and strong in their sense of self.

The Talmud Torah high school is now finally able to announce that, after years of work, they will have a new building just down the street from the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver. Our community can certainly take pride in our support of that institution and we should take advantage of the opportunity to send our children there.

The reaction of the Young Leadership group to Cannon's speech is also cause for hope. While the advocate presented numerous discouraging facts, she herself was exhilarated to see the room packed with young adults wanting to hear what she had to say. No doubt, many went out the following day to pick up a copy of Alan Dershowitz's new book The Case for Israel to learn how to combat anti-Zionist rhetoric.

And if one were to ever have a doubt as to whether Friday night activities are alive and well in the Lower Mainland, one need only attend a dinner sponsored by the Community Kollel or Chabad-Lubavitch, where upwards of 80 to 100 people jostle for space at the tables, catch up on news as they stand in line for rehitzah hayadaim (washing of the hands) and participate in discussions of the portion of the week.

These activities are not just symbolic of an interest that young people are finding and maintaining in Judaism, they are signs of a strong foundation in the community. But it is a foundation that must be supported and nurtured if it is to be strong enough to maintain the future of Judaism.

So, for the coming year, let us not only put our energies into helping a financially strapped and demoralized Israel, let us also remember our responsibility to keep the future of our community healthy.

Together, these two goals should, indeed, provide us with a happy, healthy and sweet New Year.

Shana tovah.

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