My mom recently went to New York City. She loved it. She loved the lights, the crowds and the crazy people on the corners selling things. She brought back a lot of crap.
When she gets excited, she’s like a child, full of energy and wonder. She told us everything about the trip.
She and her friend gave up their seats on the Staten Island ferry to an elderly Jewish couple because they looked so tired. Awww…my mom is so sweet, I think to myself. She thought they were cute. With her limited English she struck up a conversation and found out that their kids had made aliyah to Israel in the late 60s. “Were you angry then? I would have taken my seats back!” I exclaimed.
My mom shot me a look that only a mother can give when she is displeased with you. “Why would I do that?” she asked.
My sisters stared at me. I felt stupid.
My mom carried on telling her story, with the same enthusiasm. My mom felt sorry for them. “What kind of children leave their ‘zaeef’ (elderly) parents all alone?”
And I wondered at the softness of her heart and my anger. I hope to be a better person. Not full of revenge. I’ve been feeling like that lately, making nasty comments and way too many sarcastic remarks.
I also reflected on Ali Abunimah’s book, “One Country.” My reaction to his book was the same. At first anger, because he didn’t fill the book with injustices and make them a focal point. His focus in the book was on reconciliation and recognition from both sides. I’m glad there are rational people out there like Ali Abunimah and compassionate people like my mother. I hope to learn from both.
Abunimah quotes an American Jew who moved to Israel, but then decided it wasn’t really the place for him, “Who cares who owns the land? Everyone who lives there owns the land. The issue is how can all the people who live there have equal rights?”
