By Yacov Young
I wanted to take this opportunity to share something positive with the community. As we all know that the news is always spreading stories of tragedy, sorrow, and the latest anti-Semitic attacks. Our Rebbe on many occasions told CNN and other news agencies that they should also spread good news, so I am going with that trend.
This past shabbos while walking home from shul, an African American male started to aggressively approach me and my children while walking past the Bank of America building on Eastern Parkway. Kind of being on edge lately, based on the news and recent attacks, I was ready to be ranked out or who knows what and therefore I was more than prepared.
To my utter delight, this individual said to me, “I am sorry to bother you but I felt the urgent need to approach you and tell you something very important. I wanted you to know and that you should tell your fellow congregation that I am impressed beyond belief at how you Jewish people raise your children. You teach them to be G-d fearing, respectful, moral and all-around great smart people. I just felt the need to tell you guys that you are amazing and keep it up making America a great place again. You truly are an example for our people and all Peoples.”
With that being said, B”H we are making a kiddush Hashem and it is being noticed by those who have their heads screwed on correctly.
Ashreinu Mah tov chelkeinu – and may we be a clear light unto the nations so they may all see that clearly with the coming of Moshiach now.
I just felt the need to share and I hope you feel as proud as I did at that moment.
May we continue to share good news.
Thank you for sharing. May many others learn from this. On both sides
Exactly!
Wow incredible story. AD MOSAI?
Glad that you’re able to post something nice
What a great story. MOSHIACH NOW!!
BH was stand ing on line in a shop. An elderly man non jew approuched me and said ” i just need to tell u r more loved then u relize . gd bless u ” .
Something similar happened to me on the subway, an elderly black woman approached and said how sad the attacks on Jews were and how sorry she is, just as an FYI….
Kiddush Hashem
It is so important for us to hear of these positive interactions. It is very strengthening knowing there are nonJews who are stepping up to share that they regret and do not condone the antisemitic acts.
It is important for us to hear of the postive interactions.
There are righteous gentiles who regret and do not condone these terrible antisemitic acts of violence.
I was walking on eastern parkway on Shabbos and an elderly Jamaican woman stopped me and went on a very long and passionate speech about how much she loves Jews and has had the best experience working for them and she refuses to work for anyone else. She spoke about how she felt they cared for her as a person and that one time someone paid her in advance because they knew she had been out of work and was only just getting by. She was nearly crying by the end. She was so happy to tell us this, and… Read more »
Amazing!! Thank you for sharing this heartwarming encounter… I’m sure it will encourage others to do the same, spreading some positivity within all the chaos around us!
in times like these we need to share these hopeful stories. Yasher Koach
beautiful story and message. yasher koach
Once while walking home from work in c.h. 2 different Blacks stopped me and said I should be safe and keep my eyes open. So I just responded g-d Almighty bless you and have a blessed day. They seemed to be sincere. As an after taught, perhaps it’s good to mention to spread goodness and kindness, this will make a better world
These anecdotes about Jews’ positive experiences with nonJews should be publicized more because a: they “soften” Jews’ feelings of being stigmatized and possibly in danger, and b.: they help build mutual respect.
Keep the good news coming
We need to hear such good news.
I have one neighbor that gives me a cheerful greeting full of good will every single time we meet. He has managed to completely transcend the illness of hostility and paranoia so prevalent here among his peers and seems to radiate well being and success. I am truly interested to know how he is so different from those around him, including his family. One thing is clear, this mind set has led him to a better life and a better future.
It’s very nice that we are generously trying to put a positive spin on things, I also contributed an anecdote here.. but remember it’s because that’s what we do.. don’t fall into the trap of being naive, letting down our guard, and convincing ourselves that others are are just as peace-loving.
Let this good news, and more importantly, these positive examples, go viral and B’ezras Hashem make a difference!
I must also add that the talking in Shul must STOP—for our own protection!!
Twice in the same day as well as 2 others that went out of their way to be friendly and helpful on that same day. They are clearly trying to get the word out that they want peace in the community and not to judge them by those who are evil.
It’s nice to hear positive thing about such encounters.
טוב לשמוע