We did indeed return the following day, as did others, just to see what would happen and my daughter was amazed to see the remarkable difference in customer treatment. She also noticed that many of the regular cashiers were not in evidence and that stock boys and other staff readily helped unload carts for check out, as well as escort customers with filled carts and assist them in loading them into their cars. My daughter was astounded at the transformation and called me a hero for speaking up. Truth be told, I thought of myself as more of a trouble maker, as it could have played out quite differently had the other customers not followed me out. I told her that I saw what could happen if we banded together and did the right thing. Yes, I may have made the original decision that set the ball rolling, but my voice and action alone could not have brought about the result that occurred. And, not wanting to burst her bubble, it may not be a lasting pattern of public service by the supermarket. Thank goodness nothing changed before I left and my daughter was fully stocked and prepared for the Yomim Tovim and most of the winter.
Why am I writing this letter? Simply to show what achdus can bring about! If only we would stand together, instead of being judgmental and divisive, miracles would surely happen. I also understand far better that the power of one voice can rally armies for justice. It starts with im ayn ani lee, me lee. One voice that stands up for truth and righteousness can rally thousands to bring about change that will bring about a kiddush Hashem and an elevation for Klal Yisroel. Thank you for listening.
Dear Friend,
What a fine and uplifting story your letter tells; thank you for sharing and bringing a smile to our faces. It is a pleasant and encouraging incident that veers away from the daily serving of problems and troubles most often brought here, the only sad part being the anti-Semitism you encountered at the supermarket.
Anti-Semitism is alive and growing. The lessons that should have been learned from the Holocaust has never been realized. What we, as Jews, should have come to understand is that the world will always blame us for its ills. The question is, do we allow ourselves to become victims yet again, or do we stand up, band together and defend ourselves? Do we become targets for knife-wielding, gun toting terrorists or do we educate ourselves in the art of self-defense and life preservation?
You have given us a great and encouraging example of what one person can achieve. It also re-enforces what we already know from our own historia, that the power of righteous women can save Bnei Yisroel. Perhaps it is incumbent upon us to, figuratively, put on our battle gear, and fight the good fight, to reunite our people so that we can be of one voice and one mind. Can we sit idly by as our brothers and sisters are slaughtered as they daven, learn and walk in the streets of our Holy Land? Or do we gather the courage to rise up and reclaim that which Hashem has returned to us? Who will be the one to say “Me LaHashem Ayly”? Who will stand up and lead us, reunite us, who will raise us up?
A sad and hollow question, as no one has yet shown the courage and the love for Eretz Yisroel to do so.