topic Re: Worried about my French friends in Community Chat

Worried about my French friends

Vivian — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 13:35:14 GMT

I have posted many times about my annual trips to France. I have been very fortunate that over the years I've made wonderful friends there. Two of my dearest French frends have me worried. They are older than I am; they were babies during WW2. They are Jewish and Thérèse was hidden away in a small town by an amazing Christian family throughout the war. I was honored when she told me her story. I just got a disturbing email from her. I've been aware of mounting anti-Semitism in Europe but Thérèse wrote that the situation is even worse than what we read. The situation in the Middle East has brought out old hatreds that go well beyond those events. There have been attacks, beatings, bombings, and worse...in France and elsewhere in Europe.Thérèse said that she and her husband are terrified. I asked if there's anything I can do for her. She asked that I tell my American friends what she told me, so that is why I am posting.

Re: Worried about my French friends

Firefly3 — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 14:51:24 GMT

I had not heard this and I am so sorry!

Sometimes I think the whole world has gone nuts!

Re: Worried about my French friends

151949 — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 15:02:30 GMT

I guess those old hatreds have never really gone away. Such a shame. I hope that doesn't happen here in the USA. We already have enough hatred going on here. Is there no possibility your friend could come to the US or perhaps to Israel to live? Only a small part of Israel is involved in the fighting - much of it is very nice I have been told by a rabbi i used to work with.

Re: Worried about my French friends

Vivian — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 17:31:14 GMT

They are in their 70s so I don't know if they would be prepared to leave France. Their children and grandchildren live in Paris too and have good careers there. I don't think my friends would ever leave their family, but I couldn't predict what could happen if things get worse. And just when I was thinking that we are so fortunate that we in the US don't see that level of hate, I just read that a rabbi was shot to death in Florida yesterday, in the same neighborhood where swastikas had been scrawled all over a synagogue just days before. What is wrong with people? I still believe that most people are kind and good, but the nasty lunatics seem to be making a lot of headway lately.

Re: Worried about my French friends

151949 — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 17:43:01 GMT

The radical lunatics take over when good people do not do anything to stop them. Just like the radical fanatic muslims in the arab world do not represent most of the population of those countries.

Re: Worried about my French friends

happycat — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 18:08:27 GMT

How scary that must be for her. I did not realize things were that bad there either.

Re: Worried about my French friends

HiLo — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 21:34:30 GMT

People should be made more aware what is going on in the world before it gets out of hand.

My heart is broken at the newest reports of the killing of innocent children. plus all the other evil, much of which is not even reported.

Thank you Vivian for having the courage to post this. People wake up and don't think this evil can't happen in our own country as well.

Re: Worried about my French friends

LurkyLoo — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 21:50:33 GMT

I'm so sorry, Vivian. I'll be praying for your friends' safety. Hatred is on a rampage this whole world over.

Re: Worried about my French friends

Kachina624 — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 07:28:54 GMT

I just read that radical Muslims are stirring things up in Europe and will soon be the the majority in Belgium. Wonder if they have anything to do with it?

Re: Worried about my French friends

Lilysmom — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 15:40:57 GMT

Vivian, it is disheartening to read reports like this. I can understand why your friends would not want a big upheaval at this time in their lives. I hope they live close to their children and grandchildren. If not, maybe they should consider a move like that. Prayers that they remain safe. LM

Re: Worried about my French friends

jeanlake — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 17:17:18 GMT

I am so sorry to hear this. I wish I was surprised. Golda Meier once had a quote - I'll paraphrase -- radicals need to love their children more than they hate Jews.

We all need to love our children more than we hate others. The world would be a better place. Radical behaviors, of any nature, disturb world peace and well being. I've been watching recordings of The Sixties programming. The racial unrest is so disturbing. How ignorant it is to hate.

Re: Worried about my French friends

hckynut — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 17:22:01 GMT

I wish you French friends the best. Many remember what France has not done for our country in past years, and some will never forget those things. I am not talking religion when I say that about France.

Anyone that follows the national news should know very well a group is taking over many cities and almost a full country in the Middle East. They also would know that 10's of thousands are on a mountain top in Iraq starving to death or dying of disease or dehydration. There are many in that area of the world that all religions either fleeing or being told to denounce their religion in favor or radical terrorists so called religion.

This is only going to get worse unless all the countries of the world get together and stop the rapid growth of this one particular hate group that is murdering even woman and children by the thousands.

Everyone should be worried about this group and remember no country is immune to them. If in doubt think 9-11-01 and that should wake complacent people up.