Why We Are Stronger Than Fear

October 18, 2023
Lea Mordkovich

Berlin, Germany

Class of 2025

Read more from this author →

Probably all of you saw the horrifying request of the terrorist organization Hamas. Hamas requested that as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinian people and their resistance, people opened violence against all Jews, all Jewish restaurants, synagogues, Jewish shops, and every kind of Jewish institution. This is THE sign that the conflict went out of the borders of the Middle East. This request regards all Jews in the entire world, so it includes me. 

Friday, October 13th-Day of the threat by Hamas. Like every day since the war started, I wake up, I remember, and I have to pull myself together, not break out in tears. But still, it was different. It was worse. On this day, my mother did not allow me to go to school. I go to a Jewish school. Even though we have a lot of security in and around my school, my mother was still scared of what would happen when I went out or entered my school when there was no one watching.

On this day, I took off my “Chai” chain that I've been wearing non-stop since I was in Israel in 2022. On this day, I paid attention to whether it was somehow recognizable that I was Jewish when I went out. On this day, I was scared. But it wasn’t only me. My Jewish school was empty that day. At least that's what the “Tagesspiegel”, a German newspaper, wrote about our school this Friday. The article states: “Students were scared for their safety.”

What are those mind games? Why is Hamas doing that? Has it worked? Should we be scared? Those are questions that need answers. I'm conflicted. On the one hand, I want to be careful. There are so many horrible stories that I'm afraid will happen to me. I pay attention, I don't go to school, I don't go to synagogue, and I don't go to any place where there are just a lot of Jews in one place. 

On the other hand, I think to myself, isn't that exactly what Hamas wants? Are the threats perhaps just strategies to use propaganda to weaken us, all the Jewish people around the world? What exactly is their goal? To completely turn our everyday lives around? That going to school, something we do every day without overthinking it, suddenly becomes dangerous? Or is it true? Is it really dangerous for us?

Since the 7th of October, Hamas has been attacking Israel. Nevertheless, Israel stays strong. Hamas will not belittle us with any threats or fake news just to weaken us. We are strong. Now, it is our job to spread the truth and not to believe the fake news, to make them disappear and not to let them spread.

Am Israel Chai 

Lea is a BBG, from Berlin, Germany, and is a member of ZWST.

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

Explore More Stories

Spotlight

2023 Must Reads!

Ella Young
Michigan, United States

In need of a good book? Or want to start reading and want to know where to start? This list is for you!Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This book is amazing! It centers around a popular Hollywood actress, Evelyn Hugo, and all about her life story. It is very fun to read, and has a HUGE plot twist! Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Interested in music? You should read Daisy Jones and the Six! In this story, you learn about a band that becomes very popular, and all the ups and downs they face. It is a super entertaining read and is being turned into a TV show in March 2023! It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover: This story follows Lily Bloom, a girl who recently moved to Boston, and ready to start her new life. Through the book, you see how Lily evolves, and deals with a very impactful account. This book is so good, you won’t be able to put it down! All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin: Emily Giffin tells a very impactful story about an event that happens, and three different perspectives about it. The book highlights difficult topics, and shows how multiple people can change a story. The ending is very emotional, and definitely a book to add to your read list! Paper Towns by John Green: A story of adventure, romance, and mystery, Paper Towns is a book that keeps readers on their toes! It shows the dynamic between Margo, the most popular girl at school, and Quentin, a socially awkward boy who lives across the street from Margo. After one crazy night together, Margo disappears and leaves clues for Quentin to find her. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat! Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid: It is August of 1983, and super Nina Riva is getting ready to throw her annual end of summer party. This book shows how in 24 hours, a LOT can happen. Malibu Rising is a super fun read, and shows how the different Riva kids can change in one day. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon: Like to read books about academic rivals? This story is for you! Rowan and Neil have been rivals, but after they are forced to team up, things change for them. This is a super cute book with a sweet ending!

Get The Shofar blasted to your inbox

Subscribe
Subscribe