My friend Ran’d brilliantly observed an odd juxtaposition on his Facebook feed. (I noticed something similar on mine as well.)

Ran’d noticed loud comments about the silent protest by Colin Kaepernick (the American football quarterback who took a knee for the national anthem in protest of oppression of non-whites).

And, then, he noticed, comparably, silence about the white supremacists marching (and killing) in Charlottesville, VA.

How can this be?

How can this be?

My family and I went downtown Portland today to a solidarity vigil. I was delighted to see so many people, but to be honest, I was saddened that we were able to park within four blocks of city hall.

Elie Wiesel said:

We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must – at that moment – become the center of the universe.

 
Martin Luther King, Jr said:

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

I think I might know what is afoot – it feels like it is too much. We easily fall prey to distractions rather than face the fact that Nazis are marching, hurting, and killing peaceful protesters. We might feel like we don’t know what to say.

That’s how I feel. I am not certain what to say.
I am not certain if what I say will make a difference.
Aren’t there enough people saying things already?

Yes. No. But, nonetheless I must say something because I know that to not say something is worse than saying something.

I beg of you, please get your head on straight and face the ugly reality in front of us.

Those who feel vulnerable need to feel strengthened.

Please. Please speak up.

Please use your might, what privilege you are privileged to have and flex your spiritual and ethic muscles into action.

Please move into action. In your town, in your family, on your Facebook feed – or even better, volunteer, protest, attend a training – and stand with those who are vulnerable at this moment.

Do something. Say something.

We need you. We all need you. We need your voice of support.

Rabbi Brian

Visit Say Something Website here