For Whom the Siren Sounds
For Whom the Siren Sounds

Just now, seconds ago, I had a strange experience. It was nearing 10am on Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day in Israel) when everyone stops what they are doing and stands at attention for two minutes while the siren goes off nationwide.



Now, I found myself doing something on the computer on the upper floor of the Bar-Ilan University library. Of the 6

To my Arab fellow student: At least respect the country and the institution even if you don't agree with everything, a little respect.

computers, only two were in use, mine and a young Arab woman (with head covering) sitting a row behind me.



I contemplated what might happen at 10am when the siren went off. Would she stand quietly at attention or do nothing at all. I decided I could avoid any unpleasantness by simply moving away a few minutes before 10 and stand among my fellow Jews at attention.



But what happened, as often does, was that I got distracted by something on the internet, and suddenly I heard the siren and sprang to my feet.



But while I closed my eyes and tried to focus, I could still hear quiet keyboard clicking behind me. She had certainly not stood, nor had she stopped clicking at her computer.



So I wondered if I should be upset. Unlike 'some' in the Ultra-Orthodox world in Israel who might disregard the siren out of principle (Chukot Hagoyim i.e. non acceptance of non Jewish customs-- a reason given by some Hareidi Jews for not standing at the sound of a siren), this woman was not Jewish, so should I be upset? When I hear the Muslims call to prayer, I don't do anything different. Is there a difference?



But there is a difference, not because of WHO she is, but WHERE she is - I think. She is no doubt an Israeli Arab woman learning in a higher institution in Israeli (Bar-Ilan). In how many Arab countries would she be able to study at such a university, I wonder.



In America, we all stood at the pledge of allegiance and we were told that even if we did not wish to say the words, we should at least stand out of respect. If you go to a baseball game, nobody will give you a hard time if you rise, but don't remove your hat, but if you don't get up at all, somebody will say something.



The chief Rabbis of Israel have said (and you can see them on TV during the siren) that one who doesn't want to stand because of the siren can/should stand and silently say Tehilim (Psalms) when the siren goes off. This is admirable.



What should this woman have done? Well, if she didn't want to rise, at least stop clicking for a couple of moments. At least respect the country and the institution even if you don't agree with everything, a little respect.



But maybe it's just me. Let her do what she wants. I was the only one who noticed. It only bothered me.



And maybe THAT'S the whole point, that it DID bother me. She saw me standing. She knew others were standing, she didn't care. That's the greatest danger - indifference.



"Indifference, to me, is the epitome of evil." "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. - Elie Wiesel