Bangkok

Thailand

November 12, 2023

My Dear Friend,

I recently exchanged correspondence with Michael G., an old, old American friend.  Mike and I went to kindergarten together in the Bronx.  We attended each other’s Bar Mitzvah.

Mike is troubled by current events in Israel and Gaza. 

Mike expresses the historical perspective that is commonly held by Jews of our generation. For Gaza he blames Hamas.  He is angry with the youth and their demonstrations at universities in the United States.  He is fearful of the rise of antisemitism.

Mike writes, “It is a shame that in the last years of our lives we must deal with Covid and now antisemitism at a scale larger than anything since World War II. “

In frustration Mike confesses, “I have no answers.”

Despite our different viewpoint on some issues, my old friend still holds me in high regard:

Mike asks, “Jan, what do you think should be done to save our world?”