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Arlene Peck is an internationally syndicated columnist, television talk show hostess and frequent contributer to Jewsweek.com. Her column is read weekly by millions and her television show ("Wow! It's Arlene Peck!") can be seen throughout Southern California every Monday night.
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By Arlene Peck
April 29, 2005
I have finally figured out what it is that causes American Jewry's lack of concern for fellow Jews. Our priorities have changed.
I can recall a time when we, as American Jews had our priorities straight. My dad came out of the service in the Second World War and knew he had to finish school and get into a business in order to raise a family. Today, we are lazy and wander around without a clue of how to make a real difference. Or a desire. Our focus has shifted almost entirely to consumption and the pursuit of self-gratification. It's all about buying a bigger, better car; and watching sports on television.
Ah, television. To what degree is our apathy attributable to the American media?
Maybe it is because I, as a journalist, have been somewhat consumed by the events in Israel and the madness that seems to be taking over the world as we know it by the Islamic and Islamist culture. The fear of losing our civilization and lives to a barbaric and evil entity is to some of us is not only real, but also marching over the hill. Yet, most of us seem to have gotten used to the be-headings and horrific sights sent to us via the 'glory of Allah'.
Instead, we tune into the media's coverage of moronic events: the daily happenings of Michael Jackson and Scott Peterson have become more important to us than the people being killed by Muslim jihadists, or the countries being taken over by Islamic law and wars. The world is crashing down around us and all our population cares about is whether Britney Spears is pregnant or why Brad and Jen really broke up.
For the most part we are so assimilated, that all Jews of West Coast America can tell you is about their trophy wives (usually Asian or very, very blonde), their hobbies, and the latest gadgets or cosmetic surgery. Events like Passover come and go. Even Israelis living here do not make an effort or inconvenience themselves to march in a rally or really work for an organization like they did in the 'old days'. Most of us just write a check and think we've cleared our obligation to Israel.
The vast majority of the population doesn't have a concept of the Middle East, nor can they begin to comprehend the existence of a mindset so savage and barbaric that bombings, murder, mayhem, and beheadings are a way of life.
Most have no concept of what the map of Israel even looks like. When I speak of the 'new Palestinian State' that the world is pushing for in Gaza and ask who knows how big this fictional country is going to be, usually all I receive are blank stares. People can barely believe when I tell them that Gaza is about eight miles by twenty-four miles. Good heavens, we have shopping centers that size! Disneyland's manicured grounds are about that much just to walk around!
Well, let the record show: Israel is not the fifty-first state! Nor is it a banana republic, which has to kowtow to leaders when they snap their fingers! Maybe though, before we all smell the blood of jihad on our own shores on a regular basis, perhaps it is time to wake up and smell the coffee instead?
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