Page 33 - Jewish News_Oct2021

COMMENTARY October 2021 33A

Brief name change Iran’s domestic problems

do not affect its world goals

remember such as “Lotus on a Sunny
Day” or “Sky of Possibility.” Fortu- By Rabbi Howard A. Simon
nately, we had nametags. hat is taking place within now have less influence in the Middle killing two crew members, one from continue to support terrorism in the
Apparently, I wore my name well. the confines of Iran? Prob- East, thus making it more difficult to the United Kingdom and one from Ro- Middle East, will continue to arm and
After only a short time, people began Wlems abound and worries deal with the issues that Iran promotes mania. The Mercer Street is managed support Hezbollah, and will continue
referring to me as Wes. To this day, grow, but does this really affect Iran’s in this part of the world. by London-based Zodiac Maritime, to plague the Syrian people, especially
whenever I meet someone named Wes, long-term goals? We observe these realities and be- part of Eyal Ofer Israel Zodiac Group. supporting the offensive in Daraa Prov-
I feel a kinship. First, a record surge of infec- gin to think that Iran is less of a threat Iran continues its development of ince, thus strengthening its presence in
Spending 14 days in the same tions and deaths have been attributed to the Middle East and the world. That nuclear weaponry choosing to ignore the country.
house, interacting with 25 strangers as to Covid-19. Only about is wishful thinking as we the protest of world powers regarding Iran’s actions should never be
we examined our life challenges and 4.4% of the country’s pop- now look at what Iran this action. This is all taking place be- overlooked nor ignored. Israel has cau-
motivations while processing an array ulation has been vaccinated continues to do to achieve cause Tehran believes this is the time to tioned the world to be diligent, aware
of feelings, served as a valuable exer- because of the low number its worldwide goals. push forward on all fronts against what and ready to respond to whatever Iran
cise in personal exploration. of vaccines available to the The country, at the it believes are weakened and isolated does to further its goals. This warning
Nonetheless, I did not think I could populace. The reason for direction of Supreme enemies who are hesitant to respond to needs to be heeded by one and all.
retain the name Weston when I left this low rate of inoculation Leader Ali Khamenei, has Iran’s actions. Rabbi Howard A. Simon is the found-
Bethel. My real first name (of Hebrew is because Iran’s leader, Ali seen to it that the hard- Iran may be plagued by disquieting ing chair of the Robert and Esther
origin) given to me by my parents, and Khamenei, has banned all liner, Ebrahim Raisi, has concerns in its country, but under the Heller Community Relations Commit-
harborer of my heritage and reputation, vaccines produced in the been elected president of leadership of President Raisi, Iran will tee, formerly known as the Heller IAI.
is too precious. I could never conceive United States and the Unit- the country. One of the
of trading it, at least beyond a fort- ed Kingdom. Rabbi Howard A. Simon first actions taken was to
night. Second, protests are arising warn foreign countries against getting
In Jewish tradition, names are throughout the country. The primary involved in regional disputes. His elec-
linked to the soul. The central letters reason is a lack of water, especially tion, he believes, represents a demand
of neshamah (soul) are shin and mem, in Khuzestan Province. High unem- of the voters to push back against “the
MOVING?
which spell shem, name. ployment has brought people into the excessive demands of the arrogant and MOVING?
A midrash tells how, when our life streets, raising their voices with shouts tyrannical powers of the world.” Rai-
on earth comes to an end and we face of “death to the dictator,” “Khamenei, si’s election testifies to the fact that Take The Jewish
heavenly judgment, we will be asked shame on you, leave Iran alone,” and Iran cares little regarding its relation- Take The Jewish
News with you!
our name, i.e., did we live up to it? “no Gaza, no Lebanon, my life for ship with the West. News with you!
Bertha Pappenheim, an early Ger- Iran.” Hezbollah’s recent launch of 20
man feminist and social reformer, once The desire of the protestors is that Katyusha missiles at Israel means Iran
wrote profoundly, “You feel oppressed the government focus attention on continues to supply weaponry to its
by your Judaism only as long as you solving the domestic problems of Iran. proxy, Hezbollah, in the hope that its
do not take pride in it.” I feel the exact Many feel the country is suffering and, actions will lead to the destruction of
same way about one’s name. because of this vulnerability, attacks Israel.
Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz serves as the may come from within and without. A drone attack by Iran on the
Community Chaplain and Director of The world sees these concerns and oil tanker Mercer Street blew a hole
the JFCS Jewish Healing Program. His many governments believe Iran will through the top of the tanker’s bridge,
position is underwritten by The Jewish
Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. build. advocate.

remember. support.

Bridges

We build bridges between people by visiting synagogues, churches and civic groups to make
presentations about Israel, antisemitism and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement
(BDS). In addition, we send clergy and community members on missions to Israel to
experience and learn about the land while forging friendships that deepen
and continue back home in Sarasota-Manatee.

Robert and Esther Heller ^ Builds Bridges
CRC ^ Advocates through Government Affairs

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE ^ Remembers the Holocaust

Outreach

Fighting antisemitism is an ongoing battle. We have CRC
Ambassadors ready and able to educate the community to
better understand what antisemitism looks like and how

to fight it alongside the Jewish community.

HELLER CRC’S MISSION
To build relationships within the
Jewish and non-Jewish communities

and to advance common interests
through education and advocacy. jfedsrq.org/HellerCRC