ISIS vs. Israel - Confrontations on a College Campus and Realities We Need to Face

Just this week, the world was confronted with two atrocities forcing us to confront the realities we presently face in our own lifetime.  ISIS beheaded another American and the last remaining hope for a peaceful existence in Israel was shattered when two terrorists invaded Har Nof and viscously attacked worshipers - Rabbis no less - while they prayed in their synagogue.  I am sure the world was  shocked at the audacity of each of these actions and I am sure Israel experienced shock, grief and numbness as any thoughts of security in the religious sector disappeared. 

Unfortunately, many of us may feel removed from the actions of ISIS and the weight of this new bold form of terrorism in Israel; but I am sure more of us feel for our fellow Americans and fellow Jews as we realize that life as we experienced growing up may never be the same.  But what about our children?  Do they have a grasp on the realities that they will face?

I have a son who is a high school sophomore and a daughter who is a senior. Both my kids went to a Jewish Day School and have a sense of belonging to Judaism and a strong connection to Israel.  Both are aware of worldly events and are compassionate towards the plight of others.  As I begin to visit colleges for my daughter, I have come to realize that I need to make sure she is emotionally prepared for the world at large because certainly, a college campus best represents the world at large!  My daughter is outspoken and has strong feelings for what she believes in, but despite growing up in Chicago and attending a high school with very diverse students, I know that I will need to empower her to handle situations that can be dangerous.  Unfortunately, it's not only the campus parties that I am talking about.  While in Boston this summer, she witnessed a few anti-Israel protests.  At first I had advised her to keep her distance, but deep down I know at some point her safety is going to have to take a step back from her convictions and thoughts on social justice. 

But my concern right now is the reality she will face on college campuses.  I have heard many stories of anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish actions on campuses.  All campuses - even my own at the University of Michigan and it sickens me to think that my kids will have to deal with this ugly part of life in the twenty first century.  I saw this post college campus video on Facebook this evening and couldn't believe how there was such animosity toward Israel when clearly there is ignorance or tolerance for ISIS. 

I am not sure how to prepare my kids for the realities of their lifetime.   Up until recently, the experiences and exposures in their lives and my own were so distinct.  While I am still trying to learn how to deal with the shock of the atrocities of my own lifetime, I clearly need to include them in my plans.