Peace For It's Own Sake

For the past seven months, hate crimes have insinuated themselves into the American landscape. If you were to turn on the news today, you would be hard pressed to distinguish it from that of the 60's. Lynching by police officers, rampant hate crimes, and violence spread through the streets like a fierce blaze.

We are at war with ourselves in America. It is an insidious war. One that is self-perpetuating. A white man is shot by a black, so out of rage he retaliates - hate is born. A Christian shoots a Jew - a Jew retaliates - intolerance is born.

Having just completed Rosh Hashanah, we are at a point where we should be forgiving - but not forgetting. We are the warriors in a fight to save the soul of America.

I know many of you have faced racism in your lives. I ask you to put down your hate and embrace love. Ghandi once said, "An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind." And I certainly appreciate my eye sight.

As Jews, we have been charged by Hashem to be a light unto the nations. A people to whom all others can look up to for guidance. So it is with you, as we approach Yom Kippur to make a resolve to fight racism wherever it rears its hideous head. To take a stand against all forms of intolerance. So many times, it is unfortunate that we do not speak out against something unless it affects us. We are a light unto the nation - and now it is time to throw on the high beams. By calling for justice everywhere, we are more assured that there will be justice for us. It is only inevitable, that slowly yet surely other groups will begin to follow our example.

Racism is an age-old problem, but I believe one aspect of Jewish culture has prepared and armed us with the only tool we need to overcome it - study. As college students, and more so as a people - we are a people of the book. To be Jewish is to study the Torah. To study Torah, is to study love. We need to arm not only ourselves, but also our fellow human beings with love - with the spirit of Torah. Through love, we shall be able to put an end to hatred.

But I warn you now - those who are brave enough to step to this challenge - this is not an easy task. It is a task I feel, however, that can be accomplished. As Churchill said during the Battle of Britain, "I have nothing to offer but blood, sweat, toil, and tears." My tears however, that I am promising - are going to be sweeter than any wine. For peace amongst our fellow human beings is truly a gift.