Never again…

Although hatred often runs like an undercurrent in most human personalities, waiting to explode either defensively or offensively, it reached epic proportions in October after the horrific attack by Hamas against Israel. Most, if not all of us, have witnessed the horror involved this time and many times previously. This attack represented seven decades of war and conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, something I define as “ancient wars”. Whether based on territorial and religious issues, or both, this ongoing battle has drawn in outside powers and destabilised the wider Middle East.

These past days and weeks have brought forth an epidemic of protestors against Israel and the anger involved continues to spread, almost like an uncontrollable plague of denial and animosity. I’ve learned that due recognition must always be acknowledged as it pertains to the opposing sides of most situations, everyone has that right to be heard. But not in the manner we’ve been witnessing. In this case, thousands of college students have been displaying combative demonstrations under the so-called banner of protest while being completely indifferent as to current and historical facts surrounding the citizens of Israel. Sadly, I have also learned that the emotional state of individuals who engage in these protests share in a collective, fractured and one-sided behavioral response.

So, what else did I learn in October? On one hand, to maintain my respect for opposing opinions but with a focus on the facts, not hysteria; on the other hand, to feel empathy for all who are trapped and suffering as one more world crisis continues to unfold and worsen. It seems that some clashes will never be settled and honest agreement anywhere in the Middle East will never come to fruition, at least not in my lifetime.

The walls of ignorance and absolute abhorrence, currently surrounding those who demand Israel’s complete destruction, represent a return to a human nightmare, Hitler’s rampage against the Jews. Sadly, this vehemency is right here, a disease that is festering, in our towns and cities, marching on our streets and impacting Jewish communities with vandalism.

In the end, my one heartfelt response to what I have learned recently is to always remember, “Never again”.

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop…Tell us about something you learned in October.
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A learned behavior…

Friday the 13th. Superstitions abound from not breaking mirrors, spilling salt, avoid walking by black cats, and more. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid any normal routine with engaging in business, taking airline flights, even just getting out of bed. This year, hatred is at the forefront and goes beyond references to the mythical Norse lore and from the biblical Last Supper.

This 13th of October, 2023, we are embedded as sickened onlookers to one more horrific event with part of our world now at war. The combative opinions of those professing different ideologies have designated a Day of Anger, gathering in countries and cities worldwide. The hatred being spewed by these factions does not stop, even for a moment, to share grief for those so brutally cut down by political and religious warfare, not even for the tiniest of victims who have suffered unimaginable ends to their precious lives. Regardless of chosen political or religious choices, how can anyone minimize, even ignore, such unspeakable human carnage?

When did hate become a predominant factor in life or do we personally pass off our “dislike” for people and events as a personal choice, maintaining our right to feel and say as we do? The majority of humans on this planet have moved beyond ancient dogmas based on genocide and destruction but, sadly, in certain geographical areas of our world, it’s inbred, within given populations, highly encouraged and taught, almost as a means of survival with a goal of achieving conquest over others.

We are, none of us, without fault or prejudice and it is impossible to comprehend deep-rooted animosities towards who and what we seek to control but cannot. Thus enters hate and all associated actions enmeshed in quests to obliterate portions of humanity. The ancient wars and beliefs from pages of history continue to be re-written and re-lived in a permanent chapter called “Hate”.

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop:Write a blog post inspired by the word: hate
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A sound you hear…

Those moments of silence we often wish for? I have them, although I’m not complaining. Each one is much like a refresher, a welcome pause, from life’s daily ruckus. Finding that necessary mental space as time keeps hurling fast-pitched thoughts at you can be a blessing. Silence is a sound you hear.


For a brief time, I can listen to rain softly falling, almost appreciating the sound as opposed to focusing on how it might impact plans which are on my schedule. Music drifts into my office from the kitchen and the song playing brings back a memory or two. Memories. They have a way of waiting until you stop long enough to let them in the door; that only happens when the sounds of silence take over.


Wrapped in the surrounding quiet, I hear footsteps running up my stairs and I think back to when my grandchildren were little and needed me more than they do now. I miss those precious sounds. I miss those precious “little’s” in my life even more.


Off in the living room, a chiming clock signals the passing, or arrival, of one more hour. This monitor of passing time seems even louder when everything else is so quiet. It makes me wonder just how many more chimes will I hear as time keeps moving along at warp speed?


A beep in the kitchen signals the shutdown of the coffeemaker, reminding me that another cup is called for while I can enjoy it in my silent surroundings. There is just something about doing that, whether early in the morning before the rest of my world awakens or, at any moment, where it’s just me and silence, my old friend.

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop: Listen to the sounds in your house for 5 or 10 minutes. Write about what you hear.

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