Among Friends

[Shanus]

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@dex wrote:

@Shanus@I hope you assured them they are safe.That crazy sick man is in jail and won’t be getting out ever.I don’t think it is good for children to learn about hatred and fear.

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@dex  They DO need to know that hatred and evil exists. How else can they ever be prepared for the horrors this world has in store for them? Their parents agreed that they always need to be aware of their surroundings to keep safe...if that’s possible.

[catwhisperer]

It's beyond sad what we have to deal with nowadays. So many sick, evil people in this world. We DO need to be aware and not pretend like it won't happen again, because unfortunately, it will. IMO, it is important that our young children be educated on this subject as well.

@Shanus....I am truly sorry that your grandchildren were so scared.

[Shanus]

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@catwhisperer wrote:

It's beyond sad what we have to deal with nowadays. So many sick, evil people in this world. We DO need to be aware and not pretend like it won't happen again, because unfortunately, it will. IMO, it is important that our young children be educated on this subject as well.

@Shanus....I am truly sorry that your grandchildren were so scared.

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@catwhisperer  It was indeed sad to see their faces. They were afraid to get out of my car to go into the Temple for Sunday School. The best explanation I could give for their age is that for every one very bad, dangerous person, there are millions of kind loving people. I named their relatives, teachers, neighbors and other people they knew. 

What made me begin to cry was when my 9 yr. old reached around her neck to remove the Star of David necklace I had given her. When I asked why, she said maybe it’s safer if people don’t know I’m Jewish. I hugged her, put her necklace back on and told her to always stand proud that she’s Jewish and never be ashamed or hide what she believes or how she prays. They both finally felt safe enough to go inside. 

I’m sure seeing police cars in the parking lot added to their fear, not their sense of calm. 

[Shanus]

This tragedy has touched so many lives. I just cannot think about it anymore.

[catwhisperer]

@Shanus....again, I just want to say how sorry I am that they had to experience that. It's something they will never forget. So sad. 

[Shanus]

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@catwhisperer wrote:

@Shanus....again, I just want to say how sorry I am that they had to experience that. It's something they will never forget. So sad. 

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@catwhisperer  I appreciate your thoughts. Left that out of my other post...should have been my first words. Apologies. 

[catwhisperer]

@Shanus...I have great-grandchildren and I worry about their futures and what they will have to contend with.

[Shanus]

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@catwhisperer wrote:

@Shanus...I have great-grandchildren and I worry about their futures and what they will have to contend with.

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@catwhisperer  It’s definitely frightening times. My DH and I always said “Thank God our kids are grown and out of college...not involved now in all the drunk driving, drugs, etc.” Well, didn’t think ahead 15 years to grandchildren!! Always worried, right?

[SweetieSugarPlum]

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@Shanus wrote:

I also think this hatred and bias begins at home. It’s so important to discuss this with our children/grandchildren in a non-frightening way so they understand how some people don’t understand differences in other people’s beliefs. Instead of trying to learn about other cultures, some people fear it and they act out in a way that’s dangerous, hurtful and not acceptable.

My GDs 9 and 6 understood this. They were afraid to go to Sunday School. They called me to see if they’d be safe because they’re Jewish, too. Broke my heart. 

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omg, that's terrible!!! I'm so sorry for your grandchildren and it's hard to know what to say to them to restore their sense of security.

When my son was in Hebrew school, there had been some similar kind of incident in our area and they had guards patrolling the premesis. I don't know if they were armed or not but I do know that a large segment of the Jewish community is getting fed up with being the whipping boy of the world's alt-right crazies.

ETA: Shanus, I think your grandchildren are very lucky to have such a kind, caring bubbe like you.

[Shanus]

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@SweetieSugarPlum wrote:

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@Shanus wrote:

I also think this hatred and bias begins at home. It’s so important to discuss this with our children/grandchildren in a non-frightening way so they understand how some people don’t understand differences in other people’s beliefs. Instead of trying to learn about other cultures, some people fear it and they act out in a way that’s dangerous, hurtful and not acceptable.

My GDs 9 and 6 understood this. They were afraid to go to Sunday School. They called me to see if they’d be safe because they’re Jewish, too. Broke my heart. 

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omg, that's terrible!!! I'm so sorry for your grandchildren and it's hard to know what to say to them to restore their sense of security.

When my son was in Hebrew school, there had been some similar kind of incident in our area and they had guards patrolling the premesis. I don't know if they were armed or not but I do know that a large segment of the Jewish community is getting fed up with being the whipping boy of the world's alt-right crazies.

ETA: Shanus, I think your grandchildren are very lucky to have such a kind, caring bubbe like you.

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@SweetieSugarPlum  Thanks so much. Sorry your son experienced it as well. This all reminds me of every Holocust Memorial we’ve visited in every city in the US and whatever country we went to....There was a sign: NEVER AGAIN.