War In Israel

I don't watch the news often, but as I was folding the laundry, I turned the TV to Comcast. CNN was covering the ongoing war in Israel. Jeremiah walked in just as CNN was showing the air strikes, the flames, and the smoke. He asked what was that. I told him a war was going on. He asked with concern in his voice, "Mama! Where!?" I told him in another country. His reply, "Yeah!" He went back to playing.

Interviews of civilians being reflected didn't help my immediate concern about his reply and what was going on abroad. A mother described the morning of the air strikes. She described how she dressed both herself and her son, reminding me quickly of my morning routine. She sent her two boys walking to go to school. After the boys had walked less than one meter to school, the strikes began occurring. She was able to save the youngest son, but the oldest one was not to be found. CNN showed her saying over and over again, "God Bless His Soul."

All I could think about is my family and our life here in America. America isn't perfect especially now with the economy and the prevailing presence of racism, but we do feel safe. I had to explain to my son the inappropriateness of his response. Subsequently, it made me think. How many more Americans responded to the dire situation of Israel near Gaza?

Having compassion towards those we don't know is so important. The strong message of caring for others in other countries must be taught to our students.