Thumbs Up From Borat
Wow.
At least four students from a suburban St. Louis middle school face punishment for allegedly hitting Jewish classmates during what they called “Hit a Jew Day.”
The incident happened last week at Parkway West Middle School in Chesterfield.
District officials said Thursday they believe that fewer than 10 children of the district’s 35 Jewish students were struck.
District spokesman Paul Tandy said that in most cases, the students were hit on the back of their shoulders but one student was slapped in the face.
It began with an unofficial “Spirit Week” among sixth-graders that started harmlessly enough with a “Hug a Friend Day.” Then there was “High Five Day.”
Soon, though, the days moved from friendly to silly. Next there was “Hit a Tall Person Day” and, finally, “Hit a Jew Day.”
District officials believe a handful of children were directly involved. Those who actually struck classmates could face suspension and required counseling, Tandy said. Others who weren’t directly involved but taunted Jewish students or egged on classmates could face lesser penalties.
“There is a mix of sadness and outrage,” Tandy said. “The concern is a lot of kids knew about it and they didn’t take action or say anything.”
Karen Aroesty, St. Louis regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said this was more than a case of bullying. Officials from the group plan to discuss the matter with school leaders.
If my dad were alive today, he could tell you some similar stories from his early childhood in Germany.
In the meantime, if you are Jewish and not living in Israel, why the heck not?
About the Author
An Aussie immigrant to Israel, Aussie Dave is founder of Israellycool, one of the world's most popular pro-Israel blogs (and the one you are currently reading) He is a happy family man, and a lover of steak, Australian sports and girlie drinksFiled Under: General
I am ashamed that this could still happen in my country. I don't understand how the person writing this article could describe either "Hit a Tall Person Day" or "Hit a Jew Day" as "silly." (I also don't understand how it was allowed to continue after "Hit a Tall Person Day.") It's not silly; it's appalling. Children this age can be particularly vicious, and need to be taught in no uncertain terms that this is not acceptable. I don't think it matters how many children were actually struck, either; it's the attitude that is the problem.
Don't get ashamed, get pissed off.
That, too.
How sad. Couldn't have said that last line any better. It's times like this I am happy to live in Israel. Benji
And how is this different than DICKie KAPOstein's daily "whacko a Jew" blog?
Yuck, that is so sick. I agree, it should have been stopped when they came up with any "hit a" day. It's disgusting.
I live in America because we have a Constitution (unlike in Israel); because I have the freedom to express my views, even when they are right wing (unlike in Israel); because I know that the American government is fully dedicated to protecting the citizens of the state (unlike in Israel, where the members of the government are looking out for number 1); and, because no American administration, *ever*, would kick a Jew out of his home, simply because he is a Jew (unlike in Israel). Living in Israel means putting your trust in (aside from G-d) the government to protect you and your family – frankly, these days, I couldn't trust the Israeli government to run a felafel stand.
I live in Israel because G-d commanded us to and has given us the generous opportunity to do so after 2000 years in so many blatantly miraculous ways, and because Ein Eretz Yisrael Nikneit Ellah B'Yisurin, and because my children are growing up here in a more healthy Jewish atmosphere than I grew up with in America, and because every 4 amot of walking here is a mitzvah, and because I live and breathe its holy air with every breath I take, and because we are working on making a difference for the future and not thinking short-sightedly about what is now or in the next 2 days, and because I sense and my Neshama knows we are home. Now, what was it you were saying?