Forgive us our intolerance

I am furious each time I hear a Jewish family has been driven from its home in the Arab world to Israel as a result of intimidation and oppression. For thousands of years, Jews have lived in these lands only to be forced out now by bigotry and prejudice. What on earth do we gain? I cannot ask that question enough!! Why can we not understand that our diversity is what makes us a durable culture. Without it, we become isolated and stagnant. Without these Jews, we are poorer. Said Ben Yisrael, a combination of names that is a tribute to our rich and shared history yet one we don’t want to hear in our midst. Said, a name shared by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, yet one we want to appropriate for ourselves. A name we believe Jews should not share. A home Jews should not live in. A country Jews should not be citizens of.

Said, I am sorry and ashamed. You have as much right as I do to this land, yet you have had to leave. You are not an Israeli. You are a Yemeni, a Syrian, an Egyptian, an Iraqi, a Libyan, an Algerian, and will remain one to the day I die.