My relationship with the Jewish religion has been long and complex. I didn't like being Jewish as a kid, but now I am proud to be a Jew. When I was fifteen, I met my soul sister and other amazing women at a Chabad girl's camp I went to. My soul sister and counselor at the time, Shayna Mushka, was from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She taught me to practice my religion without too much pressure and more importantly she has been nothing but loving and accepting. When I was applying to colleges, because of it's amazing nursing program, I applied to the University of Pittsburgh. While I didn't get in, Pittsburgh has such a special place in my heart.
For over twenty years shootings have been going on in the United States which is just awful. I was even 40 minutes away from the Parkland shooting. It makes me sad, angry, go into shock, and so many other emotions every time a shooting occurs. How awful is it that people have to die because of there religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and whoever else is targeted.
While I have never experienced an antisemitic attack, many Jews have gone through it every day. Being called Kike, being discriminated, and other terrible things happen to Jews all because they're Jewish. Jews have had a history of being oppressed, enslaved, and killed. Being in America and having freedom of religion should have changed things. You would think a country that was created to give everyone freedom would stop antisemitism and discrimination, but no.
Jews are still being discriminated and not being given fair chances because of what we believe in. I shouldn't be scared to walk the streets of Brooklyn or be afraid for my friends because of a rise in antisemitism. As Jews, we will get through this hard time, and make things right. No person should be allowed to kill and injure people for any reason!
I am praying and my thoughts are with the city of Pittsburgh during this hard time. Now I challenge all of you, share this article and on all your social media post a post about kindness and gratitude.
