I want to show the world what a small group of college students put together last weekend to show their solidarity with their Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel. It was billed as an event to "Stand with Arizona State University Students in Support of Israel," but I think it was much more than that.
This event reminded me…
…that while a serious geopolitical, religious, and cultural war is raging, the Jewish community still wants more than anything to see the hostages returned. That’s job one. This rally was about them and how important their lives are to Jews everywhere around the world.
…that the Jewish world is a small world. Many of the attendees know someone who is being held hostage or has been killed in this war. Many have witnessed antisemitism over the last 50+ days as well. This is a shared trauma.
…that intergenerational solidarity is strong amongst Jewish students and community members. People of all ages come to support this event and it was heartwarming to hear the conversations.
…that being Jewish and being American are complementary identities. People were holding American flags with as much conviction as they were waiving the Israeli flag.
…that as emotional, scared, and angry we are, Jewish people can’t help but to celebrate the connections we have with all our fellow Jewish people.
…and that even in the face of the the trauma of the last 50+ days, the Jewish community will remain strong in Arizona, in Israel, and across the world.
Thank you to the Jewish Community at Arizona State University for quickly organizing this event and making it so special.
You took all those pictures? Really great -- you captured such strong feelings of unity and hope.