First I want to say that I thank you and Adina for this discussion. I wrote specially on your wall because you were physically there during the Rwandan Genocide and I KNOW you would understand. I didn't intend to bring back bad memories or judge anyone, but to try to highlight the bigger issues and to raise an awareness in all those in my sphere of influence.
I know that many people did not want to discuss it. That is the sad nature of world. When I posted the video on Facebook of the danger and terror of the women, children and elderly being rescued by the Kurds, there were no likes. When I posted how my son saw Clayton Kershaw pitched a no-hitter - the 2nd no hitter he saw in a year, I received 39 likes. When I showed the video to my family, my daughter said she didn't even want to watch it. She said it was too sad. People feel like you said - 'It is just too much'.
This is why the Rwandan genocide happened and why the Holocaust in World War II happened and the Turkish genocide of the Armenians happened - most people didn't want to know or care or speak up. I'm reminded of Pastor Martine Niemoller's statement:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
As Adina said, where is the humanness? Where is the love? The answer is in us - you, me, Adina. The world is teetering on a balance scale between good and evil (Islamic Front, Hamas, Russia, Korea, Syria, etc). Most people are in the middle ignorant, not caring or doing nothing or feeling they can't do anything about it. If we can reach out and influence others to do good, we can tip the balance scale toward the side of good. We have to get out and create bonds and do kind deed. God created this world for us all and we all are a part of God and need to bring the heavens to earth. That answer I have provided above has come from the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Joseph Telushkin wrote a book called 'Rebbe' that just came out and which I highly recommend people to read and understand how we CAN take action and influence others.
Also I strongly suggest that we all speak up. Vocally lend your support to the Kurds and Israeli soldiers who are on the front line against the Islamic Front and Hamas like my friend Dan Habecker just did. The best way to prevent genocide is to support and arm each people to defend themselves just like when the armed Rwandan Liberation Front led by Paul Kagame came in to save their own people after the whole world sat around and did nothing.
Isidore - of all people, you ARE doing it - you have created IDEAL and are working to figure out how you can do more. I am already very proud of you that you have done. So much more than many other people I know. And I know as well as you that we all have A LOT of work to do. It is a task that will end only on the day each of us die.
So while we are alive, let this event inspire all of us to continue your mission with more determination, passion and enthusiasm to figure out how to build more bridges and take actions (do kind deeds).
Warmest,
Eric
PS For those who don't know about IDEAL, please visit them at http://www.realideal.org and consider giving a donation as I have. I can vouch for the great work they do.
What I am learning today on the passing away of a Great Celebrity man, A man with a big heart, Robin McLaurin Williams is that neither money nor fame will bring us long-term happiness. He have more than he had and I have no doubt he got less than he gave. If you have close friends who check on and cheer you regularly, you are blessed beyond measures so kindly cherish them. May you lest in Peace,#Robin #Williams, and your legacy lives eternally.
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