I am a Brooklyn girl. I was born in New York to immigrants from Syria and spent my life as part of the Sephardic community. Excluding summers, all the places I resided in are within a four mile radius. As a child and teenager I was unaware of the implications that had on me. Of course I knew my food was different and that I had a wonderful, large, close family but for me it was all regular. Life was the way it was, and I didn’t realize how fortunate I was to belong to such a wonderful community. Today, I can say that I was never prouder or more appreciative to be a Sephardic Jew and part of this magnificent world that was created here in Brooklyn. Wherever I go, I take the lessons and values that I experienced all through my life along with me.
In my late teens and early twenties, my feelings were quite a bit different.
After much pressure from my older siblings and the Lafayette High School college counselor, my father relented and allowed me to attend Brooklyn College. In the early 1970’s education was not stressed. Boys were expected to join family businesses. A Sephardic girl attending college was quite unusual. Imagine an 18-year-old girl being driven to and picked up from college every day by her father. That was my reality my whole freshman year.
While attending Brooklyn College I removed my bangle bracelets to avoid being identified as Syrian, because I abhorred hearing the remarks of others who had stereotyped our people. “You can’t be Syrian, you’re smart” or “I didn’t know you were rich,” “You’ll never graduate,” and “You’ll be married tomorrow,” were among the comments I heard often, and truthfully resented. Thankfully, I was able to find a great group of friends and completed my degree.
As I slowly moved down life’s path, married, and had a family of my own, I slowly began to comprehend the enormity of what our community entails and what is available to us. Our schools and organizations became an integral part of my life. There was guidance for every situation that arose, an organization or a group with up-to-date knowledge in every field. Help, when needed, was and still is available for almost every issue imaginable. Community members giving their time and energy with dedication and love are the norm here. Helping one another is paramount in our world.
The last few months, during the corona pandemic, have been challenging for the world and unfortunately our community is not exempt. The foundations of our lifestyle crumbled like buildings in an earthquake. All of our core beliefs and normal ways of life became nonexistent. We were separated from our families, spent holidays alone, our yeshivahs and synagogues were closed. Many people became ill and the death toll was devastating. Our plans for weddings and parties were cancelled. The life that we once knew evaporated into thin air. As we followed the guidelines, and remained home, tension and fear of the unknown enveloped us. The economic impact of the pandemic is staggering. Then the rioting, looting and destruction of our city began. Reports of bricks and pipes being left in our neighborhoods were terrifying.
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, social media became ablaze with horrifying news. A community member was missing. Everyone rallied by joining together to help. We checked our closed circuit videos, we searched the streets all night long, we prayed and prayed. Shomrim coordinated the effort with professionalism and I thank G-d our prayers were answered, and the individual was found and returned home safely. In the midst of despair overwhelming joy and hope for a brighter future triumphed.
I believe, that as a community working together and united, we can overcome anything and we will prevail. This too shall pass. I want to thank our forefathers for the vision that they had, and for their dedication to make their goals a reality. I thank our community leaders for following in our predecessors paths. I thank every organization, rabbi, yeshivah, teacher, volunteer and everyone who donated hard earned funds or time to any of the worthwhile causes which support us.
I have enormous respect for each and every community member and I thank everyone for the part they play in making us who we are today. We are all special, and our community is unique—a diamond in the world.
Today, I proudly wear my bangles. I am no longer intimidated by others and I am prepared to defend our way of life, and all that we collectively have been able to accomplish. I thank G-d every day for making me a part of this wonderful community.
I’m Syrian and I’m proud.
