blessed to be persecuted
Being half Canadian, many of my family members live in Canada, so I visit as often as possible. Since last Christmas my mom and I have been planning a trip for her birthday, to include a train ride to Toronto to visit one of her sisters and a day's excursion to the wondrous Niagra Falls. On my dad's side I am one quarter German Jew, and having lived in Israel and traveled extensively to both Germany and Israel, I have really connected with my heritage over these past few years. While my early interests in travel were primarily cultural (I hold a bachelor's degree in art with a minor in music), the political and religious aspects have now become most prominent in my life, in light of my post-graduate studies.
Shortly before I visited Israel for the first time, my father and I took a trip to Minnesota to visit his brother and for my Cousin's wedding. He asked me "why are you going to Israel?" I informed him that since 911 I was interested in learning more about the Middle East, especially about the Muslims and their rationale for terrorist attacks on our great nation. He said "you know we're Jewish, right? The Birman family is Jewish." I told him I thought we were German, as our family originally immigrated from Germany. He informed me that because of the German persecution of the Jews, our family was forced to flee from the oppression so they came to America. The family name was altered slightly to Birman (it had previously been Bierman or something more German-sounding so as to not stand out as Jews) and we were from a Royal or Aristocratic line. My uncle had done some lineage research a while back, but only got as far as the records which came with his father by boat to America. Fortunately, he escaped from Hitler's Nazi persecution of Jews just a few years prior to the Holocaust, which began in the early 1940's. When I first visited Israel and eventually moved there, I finally began to understand what all of this meant.
If you are not familiar with this important time in world history, please take a few moments to read up on the Holocaust, in which German hatred of the Jews led to their persecution - controversial actions of harassment, physical torture, inhumane treatment, and for many, a slow, painful death. This anti-semetic spirit has been around since the Bible times, beginning with the split of brothers Isaac and Ishmael. Both were sons of Abraham but only ONE received his blessing, and that was Isaac. Of course Abraham loved Ishmael (though born to an Egyptian woman, not his wife), but the Bible clearly states that Isaac's lineage would be blessed as a great people, successful, ruling over many, and scattered among the nations. These people were the Jews, God's chosen race, and at that time Ishmael's lineage began the Arab race (Genesis 26-27). These people also numbered many scattered throughout the earth, and eventually the Muslim faith was born out of the Arab race around 600 AD. Fast forward to September 11 2001. You have probably heard the politically-charged statement "911 was an inside job", and this is certainly true in a more literal way than often liberally interpreted. The US and Canada had become so relaxed on their immigration policies that millions of Muslims from all around the world have moved to these Western nations, whether legally or illegally. The hijackers of 911 were trained in American flight schools, and many lived or had family in the US.
Upon arriving in Toronto, I noticed a large number of Muslims everywhere, even more than commonly observed in the US. This reminded me of when I had visited Europe, and Germany in particular. Last Friday while in the Toronto train station, I purchased a few items at a kiosk. My ears perked up when the cashier was speaking to someone on the phone in Hebrew, I listened to part of her conversation, and she said "Shabbat Shalom" just before hanging up. I greeted her with "Shabbat Shalom!" an expression which is used among Jews in wishing each other a happy weekend (Shabbat is sabbath, or Saturday, the Holy Day). The rest of our conversation continued in Hebrew while I paid for my items. I thanked her by saying "todah", and she replied "bevakasha". This interaction was indeed the highlight of my day! Later at the hotel, I discovered an Arabic TV station. Reading some of the captions and listening to some of the programming, mainly Islamic - I had the opportunity to practice my Arabic too! And I gave considerable thought to the purpose of that TV station in the Toronto area. I had not seen a station like this since I was in Germany, where some Arabs I knew had just about every Arabic and Muslim channel on Satellite. Its amazing how technology has increased global accessibility for information and communication.
Recently a Nazi German man has been harassing me online. Although he doesn't actually know me personally, I believe his hateful attitude and actions towards me stem from his Nazi German roots. HE may not even understand why his hatred for me has become so strong, just that he does in fact hate Jews, and I have become his target of attack - a single Jewish woman, educated and determined. In the process of becoming stronger against his attacks and continuing to stand up for what I believe in, the persecution increases, though now I am starting to fully understand why. He has been threatening, hateful, derogatory towards women, accusatory, and racially-charged. This Nazi spirit is the same anti-semetic force with which the Muslims have sought to destroy our country. To them, the West includes America, Canada, and most of Europe, and they know no political boundaries (Republican, Democrat, etc); their politically-glossed modus operandi makes them "acceptable" to many people, including some in the Western government.
As an American I enjoy freedoms that citizens of many countries do not have - I am truly blessed, even in my persecution. Enjoying an amazing week in Canada, visiting one of the 7 Wonders of the World, spending time with family, blessed with excellent health - the appearance of a 24 year old with the experience of a 34 year old! I am able to care for my older relatives whose health is deteriorating (a major priority for me right now), and to be there for them as other members of their families have not always been. Family is one of the most important gifts we are given, and human life is too precious to waste away by projecting hatred on other people. The Jews understand this, a clear reflection on their perseverance as a race and a possible explanation as to why their faith is always so strong. They have escaped persecution throughout the years and have learned to depend on God, drawing close to Him, many Jews returning to His Holy Land - not surprising it is the most controversial piece of land in the world.
Not only am I Jewish by heritage, one of God's chosen race, I am a Christian by faith, a Child of God through the option of new life in Christ Jesus His Son (He came as our sacrifice, so it is no longer necessary to slaughter animals as they did in the Old Testament). Because of this heritage AND my family lineage, I am Royalty, and no weapon formed against me CAN prosper - including persecution by Muslims, Nazis, or even fellow Americans. Stand up for your faith, protect your family, and cling to your values, morals and integrity. God will bless those who bless Him, and His wrath will come upon those who persecute His people. Allah Akhbar!
Shortly before I visited Israel for the first time, my father and I took a trip to Minnesota to visit his brother and for my Cousin's wedding. He asked me "why are you going to Israel?" I informed him that since 911 I was interested in learning more about the Middle East, especially about the Muslims and their rationale for terrorist attacks on our great nation. He said "you know we're Jewish, right? The Birman family is Jewish." I told him I thought we were German, as our family originally immigrated from Germany. He informed me that because of the German persecution of the Jews, our family was forced to flee from the oppression so they came to America. The family name was altered slightly to Birman (it had previously been Bierman or something more German-sounding so as to not stand out as Jews) and we were from a Royal or Aristocratic line. My uncle had done some lineage research a while back, but only got as far as the records which came with his father by boat to America. Fortunately, he escaped from Hitler's Nazi persecution of Jews just a few years prior to the Holocaust, which began in the early 1940's. When I first visited Israel and eventually moved there, I finally began to understand what all of this meant.
If you are not familiar with this important time in world history, please take a few moments to read up on the Holocaust, in which German hatred of the Jews led to their persecution - controversial actions of harassment, physical torture, inhumane treatment, and for many, a slow, painful death. This anti-semetic spirit has been around since the Bible times, beginning with the split of brothers Isaac and Ishmael. Both were sons of Abraham but only ONE received his blessing, and that was Isaac. Of course Abraham loved Ishmael (though born to an Egyptian woman, not his wife), but the Bible clearly states that Isaac's lineage would be blessed as a great people, successful, ruling over many, and scattered among the nations. These people were the Jews, God's chosen race, and at that time Ishmael's lineage began the Arab race (Genesis 26-27). These people also numbered many scattered throughout the earth, and eventually the Muslim faith was born out of the Arab race around 600 AD. Fast forward to September 11 2001. You have probably heard the politically-charged statement "911 was an inside job", and this is certainly true in a more literal way than often liberally interpreted. The US and Canada had become so relaxed on their immigration policies that millions of Muslims from all around the world have moved to these Western nations, whether legally or illegally. The hijackers of 911 were trained in American flight schools, and many lived or had family in the US.
Upon arriving in Toronto, I noticed a large number of Muslims everywhere, even more than commonly observed in the US. This reminded me of when I had visited Europe, and Germany in particular. Last Friday while in the Toronto train station, I purchased a few items at a kiosk. My ears perked up when the cashier was speaking to someone on the phone in Hebrew, I listened to part of her conversation, and she said "Shabbat Shalom" just before hanging up. I greeted her with "Shabbat Shalom!" an expression which is used among Jews in wishing each other a happy weekend (Shabbat is sabbath, or Saturday, the Holy Day). The rest of our conversation continued in Hebrew while I paid for my items. I thanked her by saying "todah", and she replied "bevakasha". This interaction was indeed the highlight of my day! Later at the hotel, I discovered an Arabic TV station. Reading some of the captions and listening to some of the programming, mainly Islamic - I had the opportunity to practice my Arabic too! And I gave considerable thought to the purpose of that TV station in the Toronto area. I had not seen a station like this since I was in Germany, where some Arabs I knew had just about every Arabic and Muslim channel on Satellite. Its amazing how technology has increased global accessibility for information and communication.
Recently a Nazi German man has been harassing me online. Although he doesn't actually know me personally, I believe his hateful attitude and actions towards me stem from his Nazi German roots. HE may not even understand why his hatred for me has become so strong, just that he does in fact hate Jews, and I have become his target of attack - a single Jewish woman, educated and determined. In the process of becoming stronger against his attacks and continuing to stand up for what I believe in, the persecution increases, though now I am starting to fully understand why. He has been threatening, hateful, derogatory towards women, accusatory, and racially-charged. This Nazi spirit is the same anti-semetic force with which the Muslims have sought to destroy our country. To them, the West includes America, Canada, and most of Europe, and they know no political boundaries (Republican, Democrat, etc); their politically-glossed modus operandi makes them "acceptable" to many people, including some in the Western government.
As an American I enjoy freedoms that citizens of many countries do not have - I am truly blessed, even in my persecution. Enjoying an amazing week in Canada, visiting one of the 7 Wonders of the World, spending time with family, blessed with excellent health - the appearance of a 24 year old with the experience of a 34 year old! I am able to care for my older relatives whose health is deteriorating (a major priority for me right now), and to be there for them as other members of their families have not always been. Family is one of the most important gifts we are given, and human life is too precious to waste away by projecting hatred on other people. The Jews understand this, a clear reflection on their perseverance as a race and a possible explanation as to why their faith is always so strong. They have escaped persecution throughout the years and have learned to depend on God, drawing close to Him, many Jews returning to His Holy Land - not surprising it is the most controversial piece of land in the world.
Not only am I Jewish by heritage, one of God's chosen race, I am a Christian by faith, a Child of God through the option of new life in Christ Jesus His Son (He came as our sacrifice, so it is no longer necessary to slaughter animals as they did in the Old Testament). Because of this heritage AND my family lineage, I am Royalty, and no weapon formed against me CAN prosper - including persecution by Muslims, Nazis, or even fellow Americans. Stand up for your faith, protect your family, and cling to your values, morals and integrity. God will bless those who bless Him, and His wrath will come upon those who persecute His people. Allah Akhbar!
posted by :: Lisa :: at 7:03 PM
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