We Really Are The Same

I'm a Zionist, like my father was, and a historic enemy of Israel is Syria. But what makes that especially tragic is how alike the people are. Governments suck.

Years ago, we met two doctors, subspecialists referred by Dr. Barry who consulted with D1. One ended up following her through adolescence and into adulthood. The two are childhood friends from Damascus --their spouses, too. 

Dr. D is a hematologist, and saw D1 after a blood test turned her regular pediatrician into a tizzy. It turned out to be simple mononucleosis, but Dr. D was so reassuring and kind -- I began telling the long term joke that he cured my daughter of a dreaded blood disease.

Dr. K became a friend. All these years later, she truly kvells about D1's accomplishments. And, in addition to being a fine doc, she is an amazing parent -- raising three stellar kids, each more beautiful and accomplished than the next. One is a student of Dr. Barry's now, after graduating at the top of her class...

Dr. K's son got married recently, and she posted photos of the wedding, and then, this am, a video. It was a beautiful and formal affair -- held at a  seaside hotel in Fort Lauderdale.

And as I watched it, it struck me how similar it was to D1's wedding was two and a half years ago, and how D2's will be in just a week and a half...

Yes -- there was an Imam, and he invoked the name Allah, instead of G-d -- but it's the same  Power with a different name. And the new bride and groom banged ceremonial drums -- but each was hoisted high in chairs, the better to be nearer to the Big Man from whom blessings fall.

The smiles were the same. Dr. K, slender and elegant, had the same look on her face as she gazed at her child and new child in law that Wifey had at D1's wedding.

We used to joke about that -- Wifey born in Haifa, Dr. K in Damascus -- not too long after their countries fought a bitter war. And now, here in the USA, their lives crossed paths as caregiver and grateful care receiver, for a precious child.

As I watched the video, I got teary eyed -- seeing my old friend so beaming and proud. She texted D1 when she learned that her teenaged former patient had become a mother. I know she shared in that pride, too.

So it's so easy to get caught up in divisiveness. Just last night, I met a banker friend for drinks and apps. She is, like most of my friends, VERY anti-Trump. But she's to the point that, she says, she can't be friends with anyone who supports him. I tried to get her to realize that maybe all the negativity isn't helpful -- focus instead on helping candidates who might oppose Trump policies. But she wasn't having it -- it's as if Trump was Freddie Kruger -- invading her dreams.

Not me. I'd like to see him defeated, but as of now, don't really see that happening. So -- like Dave Chappelle -- guess I'll stick around and enjoy this historic bull stock market.

But more importantly -- I'll remember and preach the sacred message -- even those from VERY different tribes can, and must be, appreciated and loved. I know two Syrians who are among the finest people there are. So says this Zionist...