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Rescuing Benevolent Symbols. (Was: Hate Hitler's Nazistika)
For information only. (All follow-ups to soc.culture.indian, thanks)
I have received nothing but positive responses from EVERYONE who sent
me E-mail. I am very touched by the generosity of those who despite
decades of bad memories, have found place in their heart for the true
meaning of humanity's benevolent symbol. Following is just one letter
from an understanding brother:
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Thank you for your kind and informative letter. I can only speak for
myself, but I _do_believe_ than(t) _most_ Jewish people do not want to
dictate the symbols of your religion, nor its practice. I believe
that those who have tried to interfere suffered from too much emotion
and too little knowledge.
The information in your letter was the perfect antidote to ignorance;
the warm tone of your letter should be a balm to the emotions. I just
can hope that others will read it and understand it as I have. Thank
you for writing it.
Peace be with you always --
Len Farber
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Thank you Mr. Mayer Goldberg for the assurance:
"... Most Jews know what the swastika means to the Hindus, and in
No way, shape or form equate it to the Nazi abomination ..."
I can only wish news-media and educators in the Western world follow
the model of Mr. goldberg's teacher in Israel:
"During the discussion of the Nazi symbol, the teacher made it a
point to emphasize that this was "borrowed" from Hinduism and
Buddhism, and had no ideological or spiritual relation to its South
East Asian origin. We were told that lots of temples, graves, and
even everyday common items had the swastika on them, and that they
had nothing to do with Nazism."
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I wish to thank the original poster for bringing this up. His
query made it possible to explore avenues to remedy misunderstandings
which threatened to compromise our friendship. It is only natural that
we feel whatever we feel. We only hope we receive full guidance from
leaders of our faiths and our nations in dealing with such deep wounds.
I personally apologize if any one of our guests to soc.culture.indian
was turned away by an anonymous racist post. As the follow-ups
testify, it was an "out-sider" job, for which everyone who read the
post showed outrage, and responded with assertions that none of the
hatred being fanned had anything to do with India.
In the meanwhile, brothers and sisters from all faiths are always
welcome to our homes and temples of worship to find out how truly
universal is the language of love and devotion. How about dropping in
on us around Divali, Id, Mahavir-Jayanti, Natal, Navrooj, Passover,
Vaishakhi, or...? Your questions make us explore our heritage, and
are always welcome.
Celebrating the understanding that always was there,
-Nandini
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