Tal Ater

I have to say something right now because I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t. For years, I spoke up for the people of Palestine and their right to self-determination and to live in peace. For years, nobody cared. For years, Iranians have spoken up against their terrorism and brutality at the hands of the IRGC. For years, nobody cared. For years I had felt we shared the same unnerving struggle, which is the world’s indifference to the loss of our lives. Over the past week, however, I’ve seen something that I’m ashamed to say I had never seen before and I can’t believe what it took for me to see it. When Jews are murdered, the world is not just indifferent. Instead, the world rejoices. It celebrates. This is a type of depravity no people should ever have to endure, especially given the barbaric history of persecution since time immemorial. To the Jewish community, you are my brothers and sisters. I am so sorry that I let you down. I am so sorry that you screamed about it for years and I didn’t hear you. I am so sorry I didn’t stand up with you. I am so sorry I pretended not to see the flagrant and hateful anti-semitism. But my eyes are open and I see you now. I hear you. I’m with you, and I promise to never let you down again.