(82) rivka , September 10, 2008

airport experience

I was at the airport in Texas a few years ago and we were in in lock down because of terrorist threats. there was a Muslium family there in the airport and everyone was treating them as if they had leporsy.I walked up to them and was talking to them, i felt sorry for them, they were alone. just because there are some that have no value to life does not mean that all Musiums are killers

(81) Anonymous , September 1, 2008

food for thought

Some things to ponder: We all know that they were both actors, but had we not, would we still have sided with the Muslim woman? If she is religious enough to wear a head covering, shouldn't she be religious enough to go into a Halal restaurant, should that be enough to make the clerk suspicious? We say "never again" but by standing by silently, we are doing what the Germans did. Is it wrong to act like our enemies as long as the prejudice is not directed towards us?

(80) Anonymous , July 31, 2008

What scares me is it's us.

Anyone here who has said 'it's okay because she's a Muslim' has almost certainly missed the point. That could just as easily have been a Jew in Germany. The fact that there have been real crimes committed against the world by Muslim terrorists does not change the fact that this woman was innocent. She didn't have a bomb strapped to her. She wasn't waving a 'Kill all americans!' flag. She just wanted to buy a strudel. Isn't it wrong to assume that people are guilty before you see that they are? I'm not saying people shouldn't be careful, but seriously, what's she going to do with a strudel? Caution is different from discrimination. This was hate, it was purposeless, and it was ugly.

What's scary is how scared those of us who recognize that are to speak up.

I can see myself staying out of this not because I don't believe in defending those who are unjustly discriminated against, but because I'm afraid of encouraging the shopkeeper's ire. I hope, I pray to G-d, that I wouldn't do that, and I'll work to keep my eyes open so I don't, but I know I've committed that sort of weakness before.

And that's what's really scary. Because that's how the Islamic fundamentalists are able to commit so many horrible crimes when there exist Muslim people who strongly disagree. The Muslims who want to achieve peace rationally are terrorized by those who don't... and they have a lot more to fear than we might from that shop keeper.

We should look to G-d and pray to understand the real meaning of justice and for the strength to uphold it. It's the only way we can have peace in the world.

(79) Filipe Oliveira , June 24, 2008

hell no!

i'm definitely with the lady. this is what the nazis started doing to jews in germany, in the 1930's. we all know were THAT ended. say NO to discrimination!

(78) Anonymous , May 25, 2008

im with the store keeper

the muslim woman should know by now that americans and muslims are at war and to stay out of the mainstream or just blend in as needed

(77) Chaim Shmuel , May 12, 2008

Terrible

It really shows how people think today, and it''s disgusting.

(76) Mati Cooley , April 29, 2008

WOW!

It's the same issue, indifference to hate is just as being guilty of actual hate, one just has a stronger opinion than the other.

(75) Rachel , April 16, 2008

Why

why do some people think they are better than others g-d put each and every one of us on this planet for a reson.

(74) Barbara Gatti , April 15, 2008

As Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'

As Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing' The same thing happened in Europe in the 1940's. As Jews, as people who have experienced this as a large part of our history, we must remain vigilant and stand up against this type of hatred wherever and whenever we see it.

(73) Ron , April 15, 2008

Ethical issue and giving the heads-up to dramatization studies

I am agreeing with David's post: ((1) David 4/14/2008 10:08:00 PM
silence is a mitzvah here).

Ethically, I don't see why the director or people casting this dramatization wouldn't at least tell patrons exiting the shop what was going on.

What may happen as a result is that in the minds of those on the fence of hatred toward another poeple group -- here Muslims -- the hatred or indifference can be reified. This reification of any of the indifferent patrons can be considered swayed more so to the indifferent-camp. I'm hoping people were given a flyer or at least told what was going on after they exited the shop.

Anyone have something to add or another view point along these lines?

(72) Ron , April 15, 2008

From tolerance to love

This comment is in reply/reference to Chaiah Schwab 4.14.2008 3:07:00 PM stated has mixed views: "We are allowed to be suspicious and careful, such as checking around the bus seat where a Muslim man or woman was sitting, since they may have left a bomb."

What is being missed is, we need to move from indifference to love. If we show we concerned when someone was being suspicious rather than suspecting the "other" automatically, simply because "they" are different, then we are acting correctly. Other than that how are we different from the man in the dramatization.

Love is exhibited in action. If I simply wait to love others by waiting until I feel like it or make my mind up, then I'll go down to the grave with never having lifted a finger in making a difference.

If I do something with the understanding that I am moving to genuinly helping someone, love begins to show through. Before it is realized then, actions denoting faith blossom to showing love. It's a beautful picture really. Try it, love someone, do something to edify their life, to encourage them, to show love to our Heavenly Father.

(71) Geerd , April 15, 2008

Correcture: This is a dangerous-stupid video . . .

. . . because (discrimitbating) a dangerous political-power "religion" is not a rassism theme, but in the shown behavior, it seems to be a wrong way. This video is unfair for people of both sides because :
Islam authorities or teachers use especial women to mark their "district" of sharia before possessing the (major) power in a town or state.
- Islam women´s kerchief is not a faith´s symbol, but a political flag of umma power, the advancing kalifat !

The problem is, beneath terrorism, islam uses systematically social control, over families and firstofall women, and when "necessary" personal terror - but everytimes by brain control : For expl. victimizing themselves and starring the unbelivers and even the male sex/ men as a danger (...without wearing head or full packed up clothes; and not to speak about female sexual beahvior rspl. right of enjoy ).
Women with islam kerchief signs, this is verbidden zone,- except you come to umma; if you make critizism, you will offense them ans all of us and if you do this, it migth insult íslam as the whole umma, - and that might be letal for you, or- as the case may be, the juridical proof of a verbidden assault - no criticism shall be said to allowed.
- It is in principle similar to "intifada" front : PLO/Fatah or Hamas snipers or "remote controled bombs" use human chields or carriers; but if israeli shoot them ( to early ) or their steering/ wheelsman, jews are the criminals or murders,- so, though they use civilians systematically, death or alive !
.
Even with other demands and ecactions islam provoves with a kind of one way streets of "respect and tolerance" or a social kind of eel-basket !
And that backed by a religious ideology of disintegration, of disdain us, p l u s, starting 1919/1928, strengthened, by mixing up koran orders with antisemit world-conspiracy faith and propaganda, based on the french-russian(-nazi) so called "protocols of elders of zion". That bears the real, the brain W M D !

So, I cannaot see such ugly kerchiefes of destruction and repression anymore. Big muslim brotherhoods with nazi ideology and saudi arab money are working in USA too. We have to think about methods, to destroy their ale-basket, possibly without such store szenes. Let´s think about positive discrimination and possibilities to speak about that with "flagged" women.

Jews, USA, other democrate states and ISRAEL would do a big mistake, if continouing to spare (political/totalitarian) islam from criticism.
The criticism of weapons (in war against terrorism) can´t on weapon of criticism ( free from Karl Marx )
lets.open.a.new.front.against.antisemit-terrorETemail.de

(70) David , April 14, 2008

silence is a mitzvah here

In Leviticus Rabbah, the commentary on the sacred text which requires us not to curse the deaf teaches us that where someone cannot hear us, we are commanded to keep quiet. Is there no ethical issue in the manipulation by the actors of the emotions of the customers? in the actors' engagement in lashon harah?

(69) Anonymous , April 14, 2008

Turning Tables

I am not suprised people wouldn't say anything; there was once a study that showed that people could watch a murder happen and not do anything.

The scary thing is that just like people could watch a muslim being harassed and stay quiet, how hard is it for the tables to turn from there and harass a Jew?

(68) chaiah schwab , April 14, 2008

missing the point

The central point of prejudice is generalization, for example: "every person who wears a burka is evil," or, "all Jews have big noses." Both statements are false. If I don't want non-Jews to hate me because I'm a Jew, (orthodox), I cannot allow myself to hate everyone who wears a burka. We are allowed to be suspicious and careful, such as checking around the bus seat where a Muslim man or woman was sitting, since they may have left a bomb. But this can be done without hating the individual, who may be a good person for all we know. That is facing reality without prejudice.

(67) Jaclyn , April 14, 2008

SICK

I am an orthodox woman, and I would have definitly made my voice heard if I came across this situation. It is disgusting how many people stood in line and purchased something after hearing the clerk. I would have waited in line, told the clerk my thoughts, and left without buying a thing!

(66) Anonymous , April 13, 2008

This is not right.

There is definitely something missing in the people who ignored the woman. Silence is acceptance.

(65) Yedydyah , April 13, 2008

It is wrong to discriminate against any one. This should be a lesson for the Moslems though, thet are extremely intollerant to others. They protest and argue and make deaththreats against those who doesnt believe what they do. To all Moslems, it is wrong but unfortunately a result of your own religious practising.

(64) velma , April 12, 2008

IT'S VERY SAD THAT PEOPLE ARE LIKE THAT.

ITS SAD THAT PEOPLE THINK THAT ALL PEOPLE ARE ALIKE.THAT PEOPLE CAN STAND AROUND LIKE COWARDS AND DO NOTHING TO HELP SOMEONE WHO IS DOING NOTHING BUT
BUYING AN APPLE. I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE LADY WHAT SHE WANTED OR WALKED OUT WITHOUT BUYING ANYTHING.

(63) Lenny Thaw , April 11, 2008

a quote from Eli Wiesel

It reminded me of something I think Eli Wiesel once said:

"The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And, the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference. Because of indifference one dies before one actually dies."

(62) Yisroel Greenberg , April 10, 2008

Cruelty = indifference

Rabbi Cooper, Rav for many years of North Hendon Adas in North-West London, UK, said this idea:
The Hebrew word for cruelty is achzar. This is made up of two words: ach and zar - which translate as "he's only a stranger."
Indifference = cruelty.

(61) DSL , April 10, 2008

Today we read about how Moslems in Minneapolis have a government funded school which is teaching hatred of non-Moselms. The fact is that the Moslem community in the United States is financed by Saudi Arabia's Wahabbi establishment and teaches hatred of non-Moslems. There is never any condemnation of terrorism from Moslem organizations in the United States and those who are here cheer on those who, in the Middle East and around the world, kill Jews. There have been numerous opportunities for Arab-American leaders to do so but they pruposly have not because they would lose their Saudi funding if they did! Therefore the presence of Arabs here should be viewed in that light.

Some clain that many Arabs came to the United States to get away from the opressive societies they left. If that is so why are the Moslem schools in the United States that teach the Wahabbi doctrine full of students. Further, why is it that law enforcement people in the Northeast, particularly in Democ-rat run New York City, fail to prosecute polygamists here who pop out enough children to form a family baseball team. It isn't only Mormons, folks. A close look shoul be taken at the Arab and Moslem community here--the liberals among you won't like much about it except perhaps for the high Democ-rat majority they produce, e.g. Dearborn, MI; Minneapolis MN; Brooklyn Hieghts, NY and Patterson, NJ.

(60) Anonymous , April 10, 2008

You cannot tell a book by its cover.

While it does disturb me to see Arab women in their garb, I would not have commented, as a store owner or manager unless she was disturbing others. What if a Jew wearing payot, a shtreimel, kappota were to come into the store? Should he be asked to leave because Israel seeks peace and has to fight to get it?

(59) mmendel , April 10, 2008

Storekeeper rights

Every owner of a business should have the right to sell to whomever he wants or does not want to. However, one must not be offensive about it. I would have preferred to leave rather then stay with an ongoing verbal conflict going on.

(58) Steve Skeete , April 10, 2008

For many people the answer was simple

I found this sketch particularly interesting and instructive.

I do not hate individual moslems, but I do not like Islam, and I have a very big problem with associating Islam with peace when global day-to-day events show this to be far from reality.

As some have already said, this scenario is played out daily in Islamic countries where religious minorities and non moslems are daily and in full public view harassed, mistreated and killed and no one comes to their defense.

Actually, I was surprised by the reaction and behaviour of many in the store. My experience has been that people are usually quick to rush to the defence of moslems and are very deferential towards them.

The treatment the moslem woman received was neither right nor fair in a free country and ought not to be condoned. Although some would say we are sowing the seeds of our own destruction by treating individual moslems with kindness, we must still do so, or else we will be living by their code, and that would make us no better than their "extremists".

At the same time no one in their right mind can deny that contemporary Islam is a treat to all modern societies. And it is high time that those so called "moderate moslems" speak out against the atrocities committed by and denounce their so-called "fundamentalist" brethren.

Until this happens, and happens on a regular and sustained basis, sketches like the one acted out could actually become more and more real.

(57) alex , April 10, 2008

my applauds

Indifference might be sometimes amout to hatred; however, it depends on your taste.
I like the appeal. If dont stand against the Muslim fascism today, before the 1933, tomorrow will be the 1933. I'm a Jew from Russia. Four grandparents, two parents, 13 siblings, and ALL the rest of his kin were perished by the very same Nazi in Minsk, 1941. I despise so called Jews (read communists) who are afraid to defend this country, their parents, and their kids.
Shame on you. Follow the Torah.

(56) Anonymous , April 9, 2008

This is OUTRAGIOUS

If you don't stand up for freedom and equality, those who discriminate will keep on doing just that. Yesterday it was the Jews; today it's the Muslims WE MUST STAND UP FOR EQYALITY AND EMBRASE THE DIFFERENCES THAT MAKE US THE SAME!!!

(55) Anonymous , April 9, 2008

It's Worse

People do not always hate consciously; they have often been raised to do so. It is far worse to stand by and do nothing to help another human when you see this occurance happen. What is the hateful salesperson going to do, tell off another customer (you) and risk getting complaints? The proper answer is to tell the man that they must not want your business and leave. I've done it before and it was painless. Chances are, someone else will also have the nerve to join you. Courage is almost as contageous as fear.

(54) Sarah Rut , April 9, 2008

Silence = Agree

We learn from the Chafetz Chaim, on shemirat halashon, that when you don't stand up and stay something it is as if you agree with the lashon hara being said. I believe that in this case the situation is the same. Discrimination should be stood up to, not handled in a passive way.

(53) Anonymous , April 9, 2008

Symbols Associated with Atrocity Become the Atrocity

Put this in proper perspective: if a man wore a World War Two German Nazi SS uniform into that bakery, and was refused service because of what evils his dress represented, no one would complain. This supposedly-Muslim woman, whether the garb represents her personal feelings or not, cannot reasonably expect people to support her choice to remain associated with the evil acts done by others who wear similar get-ups. The once-revered and peaceful symbol, the Swastika, was forever transformed into a symbol of evil and hatred by the actions of a relative few. Muslims who claim "tradition" and "religion" as an excuse for wearing the modern equivalent of a Nazi uniform, whether it be shoufa, burkka or any other Arab traditional clothing, ought to come to grips with this reality, and shun this clothing -- particularly if they are Americans (as the woman in the video keeps protesting), and if they expect respect from their American non-Muslim neighbors. Further, we should not forget that the Quran specifically instructs Muslims, ALL Muslims, what they must do and think with regard to non-Muslims. The fact that a Muslim continues to wear such clothing in America (when a substantial modification as to color and style might do just as well) is a conscious vote of support of similary-dressed Islamic terrorists. Q.E.D.

(52) Bill , April 9, 2008

Indifference is wrong

I believe in calling a spade a spade, and I'll do it right here. Standing there and doing nothing while a wrong is happening in front of you is wrong. It might be justified if speaking up would expose the speaker to a violent retribution, but that didn't seem to be the case here. Wrong is wrong, and that's all there is to it. Allowing wrong to take place makes you an accomplice.

(51) Duane Bass , April 9, 2008

It does make a difference

If you want to have complete religious statement, why is the woman not wearing a veil? It is quasi religious at best, and it is making a proclamation about whom they are. I say make your statement in Mecca, and stay there!

(50) Michael , April 9, 2008

Muslems made there bed now need to sleep in it

Muslems have brought hatred on to themselves. They murder innocent people and there brothers stand by and say nothing. They have made their own bed so now they need to sleep in it, as unfair as that may sound. This is unlike the baseless hatred they have for Jews. The Jews have done nothing to deserve the hatred they face yet the Muslems are murders of men woman 7 children.

(49) Sara , April 9, 2008

So Glad To See This

I'm really glad you put this video up. As a Jewish woman, I'm sensitive to religious prejudice, and I'm concerned about prejudice in any form. While there is certainly a reality of terrorism from the Muslim community, mostly in Arab Muslim world, the great majority of Muslims living in this country, regardless of their dress, are merely living their lives and expressing their religious beliefs. The comment below about "costumes making a statement" is really distressing to me. When I go out with a tichel on my head, I'm showing that I'm a married Orthodox Jewish woman, that does not mean that I'm stating my alignment with Neturei Karta. Not all frum Jews are Neturei Karta, and not all religious Muslims are terrorists. Just because a woman is wearing Muslim dress does NOT mean she is a terrorist, or a terrorist sympathizer.

(48) Cordula , April 9, 2008

I'm not suprized at most of the people, but I am annoyed by it. I'm glad I wasn't there, because I would have gone crazy on the store owner. What really bothers me more is that of course (some) people on here are not going to agree that it is wrong. I understand people have their reasons and we are not all going to agree, etc, but I think the point is that she was a normal person and was trying to show how people have an idea of a group that really does NOT represent all of the people. We all know there are many negative stereotypes about Jewish people, which we don't like and hopefully try to change. Also, I agree with what the person said below me. I could say I'm not a fan of Republicans or WASPy Americans, and I'm not, generally, but I have friends who are, and like they said (as an example) every group has their garbage, its not so black and white as people want to think. I don't understand why its so hard for people to look at the individuals instead. No one wants to be lumped into a category but still many people do it to everyone else. Its the easier way. But if people would just learn to look at everyone as a person, I think they would have a wider, richer circle of friends that would lead to peace. Unfortunately not everyone wants that.

(47) DSL , April 9, 2008

If It Was A Republican Town, Good!

If, as Rebecca is willing to bet, the incident happened in "a Republican town," I say good for those individuals who suppo0rted the actor playing the clrek! It is the Democ-rats who passed the immigration laws that allow those from the Arab world who would destroy our civilization into our nation and these same Democ-rats use the dreded "R" word to censor those of us who stand up to these civilization destroyers. Every enemy of the United States now has a home in the Democ-rat Party. It is a putrid sewer!

(46) Patricia Clark , April 9, 2008

Thank you for this

I was beginning to lose faith in humanity and despair that we had learnt nothing from the past. I know that there are some bad people out there but most people are just trying to survive and we need to help each other not dismiss people out of hand without taking time to know and help them.

A Little Love and Compassion Can Go a Long Way - Hopefully Around the World.

With Best Wishes
Patricia Clark
A London Born Anglican Living in Italy

(45) menahem , April 9, 2008

not like Jew hatred at all

There's nothing irrational about getting upset over moslems. Contrary to what some say, there is no such thing as "Islamophobia." Because a phobia is an irrational fear. I ask you all: Is there anything irrational about fearing Moslems, after all we have experienced by the world's worst terrorists and leaders? Of course I am weary of them and with good reason!

(44) Yaakov D , April 9, 2008

Let's worry about persecution that is really happening: e.g. ethnic cleansing of Jews and Christians from Moslem areas

I'm surprised at Aish. Can we spend less time on the relatively small amount of persecution of Moslems and more on the intimidation, assaults and murder of non-Moslims in Moslim areas? How about a video of a Christian being harassed in a Moslim country, as happens ALL THE TIME? How about Jews who can't be openly Jewish in Amsterdam, as happens ALL THE TIME? How about Rami Ayyad, the Christian bookstore owner who's store was blown up and then was killed because he wouldn't leave. No need for actors...

(43) Yaakov Hammer , April 9, 2008

Another Prejudice

Sorry Rebecca but bigots come in all sizes, shapes, colors, religions, and political persuasions. Your judgement of Republicans is no less prejudiced than statements about all Jews, Blacks, etc. You might want to take a few American history courses. You will learn that the Democratic party created and sustained a Jim Crow segregated society that lasted some 100 years. You might discover that the Kennedys opposed civil rights laws and it was the Republicans who forced LBJ to sign them. (Who do you think Dr. King was talking about, when he wrote is letter from the Birmingham jail and when he wrote "Why We Can't Wait." In all due respect, your repeating something that you have been taught about another group is no different than what we see in the video.

(42) Yitzhak , April 9, 2008

Costumes make a statement

Of course I am sensitive to negative reactions to Jewish Religious dress; but Muslim dress is not merely an expression of religious conviction any more. It is definitely a provocative statement of alignment with jihadists that are on a mission to kill all of us who are "non-believers". Therefore, anyone who chooses to wear the uniform of our declared enemy should not be surprised at our negative respose.

(41) Esteban Alvarez , April 9, 2008

Fear or freedom?

It is not very hard for me to believe the huge amount of prejudice that still exist in the american society, which happens to be extremely ignorant. On the other hand, I would guess that a lot of people did not say anything because there is a common sense of fear. Fear in a country where fredoom is not something you can take for granted anymore.

(40) Hello , April 8, 2008

I see this everyday.
Racism is alive and well everyday in the "great US of A "

(39) Anonymous , April 8, 2008

What do you expect??

I would like to see this repeated with an obviously Jewish person and see if the same thing happens. My bet is that due to the Muslims themselves most of us here just hate them because they have killed so many innocent people...in the name of religion I might add. I instinctively stiffen and feel quite tense whenever I see women or men dressed as Muslims as I am scared of what they are up to. I don't care if a Muslim says they are American...they can all be born here. They still hate the freedom we stand for and it is for that reason as well, that I for one would not rush to defend a Muslim. I especially take great offense at the women who cover up everything except for their eyes. Do we know what is going on under their cloaks. I shudder to think. We would not want the KKK to run around in their hoods. Why do we tolerate these women??

(38) bill , April 8, 2008

What has this country come to?

As a Southerner who marched in the Civil Rights era I am ashamed that this is as far as we hace come. Those who said nothing or who sided with he clerk should be paraded before the public wearing a sign that says " I AM AN IGNORANT BIGOT."

(37) Anna Lee , April 8, 2008

Who knows?

We would all like to believe that we would have acted differently. But would we? I would like to think that I would have stood up for the woman, refused to buy, offered assistance, etc. But would I have had the courage? Would it be honest to insist that I would have? More to the point though, how comforting that it is the younger customers who seem to defend the "muslim" woman. At least we are moving in the right direction!

(36) Sarah Z , April 8, 2008

Support for the clerk is based on misunderstanding...I hope...

Comments like this:
"I belive it's ok to tell our enemies where to go and that we don't have to service those who are against us and trying to destroy us."

and

"Tell all those customers that defended the muslim, to speak to all the grieving families who lost love ones in Irag."

they lump all Muslims together as terrorists. It can be hard to believe, if the only muslims you are exposed to are exteremists on the evening news, but there are MODERATE MUSLIMS who are peaceful citizens of North America and are simply people observing their religion as we observe ours.

It takes a lot of courage to wear a hijab, especially after 9/11.

It is also a challenge to remember that NOT EVERYONE who wears one is a terrorist or wants to kill all the jews.

In fact, I know of a muslim woman who created a website about modest clothing for Muslims, Jews and Christians. It's an incredible service for us Orthodox Jewish women.

It can be hard to not assume the worst about a muslim -- but we must. We must stand up against what the clerk did when we see it. I like to think taht I would have the courage to do so.

(35) Joe Whitehead , April 8, 2008

Devil's Advocate

As one who hates the religion of Islam (and believe me I study it) I don't believe this woman should have been treated that way without knowing anything about her. However, what if that had been Mariam Farahat or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in that donut shop? How do you feel they should be treated? Should we still serve them without any reservations? Myself, I had rather put a bullet through either one of their heads than serve them a damn thing!

(34) DSL , April 8, 2008

I Reject Comparisons With Germany

I totally reject the comparisons of what happened in this store with what went on in Germany in the 1930s. Jews there were law abiding. Jews there did not reject Germany but lionized its civilization. It has been said that the best German in Europe was spoken on the Prague stage for the Jewish audiences. German Jews fought disease and poverty.

What a contrast to what Arabs do in the United States. Every day in every way they reject America! They cheered on the bombings of 9/11. They sneer at our civilization and Constitution. They either participate in or give succor to those who would perpetrate violence here in our country and Israel, e.g. Sami al-Arian now doing time in Federal prison.

In short they should be made to feel unwelcome and, as that actor said to the actress, mount their camels and go back to the dessert where they belong. No need to perpetrate any violence their way but in a million little ways make them feel as if they don't belong in the civilized world any longer!

(33) Rona , April 8, 2008

To be silent is to assent

I believe there is a Gemorah saying this - that if you don't say anything it means you agree. The "I don't want to get involved" attitude is what caused the murders from the Holocaust to Darfur to any other mass murder of innocent people. Confrontation is very difficult for most people even if they
agree that what they see happening is wrong.

(32) Rebecca , April 8, 2008

Republican

I'd wager that happened in a mainly Republican town... I truly don't believe that would fly anywhere there were a large number of Democrats, sorry to say, but Republicans are the equivalant of the Polish/German people.

(31) Ronald M. Landau , April 8, 2008

The bakery is open to the public; she must be served.

The bakery serves the public. The Moslem customer has caused no trouble and must be served in spite of the owner's feelings. It's no different than denying service to a Jew in Germany in the 1930s.

(30) Yaakov Hammer , April 8, 2008

Where is the courage

Hiding behind Anonymous makes me wonder if these people would have the courage to have spoken out in public to defend the young woman. There were many silent southerners who deplored racism and many Germans who deplored what was being done to the Jews. Their unwillingness to take a public stand made it possible for other people to commit attrocities.

(29) J Stahl , April 8, 2008

Who cares WHAT religion you're from. This was sick!

I cannot believe people stood by and let that happen.. but then again I guess I shouldn't be shocked. :(

I certainly wouldn't let it go down near me.

(28) thomas eby , April 8, 2008

hate

Indifference to hate is the same as hate. One cannot say they are indifferent to hate when they see it in their lives.

Sometime we rely too much on the Torah or bible. It should be in the heart and soul of every man to resist hate and prejudice and they need not consult a book for that. If there were no Torah or Bible man would still know how he feels about his fellow man. He knows how he wants to be treated and consequetly how others wants to be treated. As Thomas Paine said in many of his writings all men are born equal under the sight of God. Thomas Paine did not have a religion that he belonged to, per se, but he firmly believed in the God of us all and how we were created.

The simple truth is that all men yearn for peace. Peace is a calming love that endears man to his fellow man and wishes no evil or harm to him.

(27) kerry , April 8, 2008

I belive it's ok to tell our enemies where to go and that we don't have to service those who are against us and trying to destroy us.

(26) Robby , April 8, 2008

Indifference is just as bad as hate!

I would be ashamed at any of my family members if they didn't try to intervene.

I'm glad I live in America, where the press is allowed to expose experiments like this, even when the results are bad!

(25) ruth hickman , April 8, 2008

No onw should say anything but what is stated in the books. Torah/Bible, or their book-the koran. People are silent because they don't know the Book or their book....people perish for lack of knowledge.

(24) Dick Wenig , April 8, 2008

Rember 1933 to 1945

Most did not speak then, and became collaborators with the Nazi's. You need to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and learn.

(23) Hector Perez , April 7, 2008

Speaking for the grieving families

Tell all those customers that defended the muslim, to speak to all the grieving families who lost love ones in Irag. You do not know what pain is untill you lose someone special to you. Being a veteran myself ,I thank Hashem for bringing me back alive.

(22) Tonna , April 7, 2008

sad & disturbing

I believe that the people that stood by & said or did nothing were more disturbing to me than the ones that agreed with the shop owner. Why...because they remained silent. A shop owner, I suppose, may have the right to sell to whomever he/she wants to & by the same token one can always choose to shop elsewhere. Yet, to do nothing, not even by leaving the shop yourself, is very sad. If we don't open our mouths when it is someone else...who will be there to stand up for us?

(21) Susan , April 7, 2008

What Would I Do? I Would Leave the Shop.

If the shopkeeper treated a customer like that while I was waiting in lilne, I would have spoken in her defense, then left the store without a purchase. I would have asked her to leave with me.
She was certainly being insulted and discriminated against, but she stayed there and allowed the abuse to continue the with the exchange of words. She could have put herself in danger by staying there with that man.

(20) Edie J , April 7, 2008

Evil has many faces

My grandma used to tell me that evil wins when good people do nothing. If you don't respond to hate, maybe you'll be the one hated next time.

(19) Anonymous , April 7, 2008

This video is a sad commentary on personal responsibity, and doing the right thing!

It makes me so sad that the majority of adults find it acceptable to walk away, and not speak up against injustices and discrimination. Germany, Darfur, Rwanda, Cambodia and others are current examples of man's injustices, and "its not my problem mentality. We are in big trouble!

(18) Anonymous , April 7, 2008

Take Regional Bias In To Account

If this were to happen in The Quad Cities, the clerk might actually have to defend himself from the customers. I'm not saying that is right either, but rather, that the location where this takes place makes a huge difference.

Also, the video very quickly glossed over the fact that more people defended the Muslim woman than the clerk. We don't really know what the silent majority might have done (bought less, taken future business elsewhere...). This is very typical of modern, mainstream media.

(17) Anonymous , April 7, 2008

Disgust

This was a disgusting and despicable portrayal. As an American Jew, I feel sorry that we have stooped so low that we are now in the shoes of terrorist of any faction. We are still after years of climbing the hill, still showing American racism and religious obnoxia. Time to read the Pentatuch again.

(16) Anonymous , April 7, 2008

I will speak up

It would be very difficult for me but now I know that I must speak up - the store owner's comments were extremely rude and we do need to speak up whenever we see another human being abused no matter what their color of skin is, what their religion or ethnicity is.
Here is a quote from Elie Wiesel:
I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."
- I swear not to be silent...

(15) Anonymous , April 7, 2008

Indifference is definetely the same as hate and it is taught. Children do not hate until they are shown hate by their parents. People should have stood up for the women. She had every right to purchase whatever she wanted. I feel sorry for those people that stood silent.

(14) Anonymous , April 7, 2008

Not exactly...

I wouldn't say indifference to hate and hate is the same thing - indifference would simply be like, "This is not my war, not my battle, I don't care what happens as long as I'm not bothered - I'm not going to get caught up in it." Actual hate would be more like speaking out (or being physical) against the side they hate (the people who hate), instead of ignoring it. It's their war.

(13) Anonymous , April 7, 2008

Germany all over again!

If this doesntrepresent what happened to the Jews in 1935-39 Germany, I dont know what does...Disgusting!!!

(12) Anonymous , April 7, 2008

Being of double minority, I would defend the person. It doesn't mean that I'm not against the terrorist that are causing harm to Israel, but we can not judge others by dress or appearance

(11) Elam , April 7, 2008

This video is likely reflective of how things progressed in pre-war Germany.

This is a very good study in group behavior. The mirror image of this video probably played out over and over in pre-war Germany until the group-minded diatribe to round us up was inspired by Hitler and promulgated to the masses. Keep your eyes and ears open my friends.....and as hard as it may be for some of us.....we should strive to speak out...even when Islam is their target. It could be our very situation instead at any time. History has proven it time and time again.

(10) Hilda , April 7, 2008

we do not have to act as they do

The woman is entitled to shop for her needs and be treated with respect. They would not give us respect in a Muslim country but that is no excuse to act as they do. I would hope that we are different,

(9) Anonymous , April 7, 2008

it is here and we need to take a stand

All these comments against people are offensive and will continue until we, as good people, stand up and say "no." I was shocked that recently , in two fairly large midwest cities , both of which that have diverse populations, both of which are college towns, that I personally witnessed anti-semitic language - both times couched in a half-joking - "well, just between us chickens" sort of thing. Both times I spoke up but I was the only one who did so - the other people in the room acted as if they hadn't heard a word.

(8) Patti Jenkins , April 7, 2008

HASHEM loves us all

I would like to believe that I would Stand for any of HASHEMS creatures that are non threatening to life ,limb ,or my other brothers and sisters in this world there is too much oppression on both sides of the fence,But total indifferance is deplorable!

(7) Ron , April 7, 2008

Yes, but taking a stand can have a prce:

My great grandfather,a Methodist Circuit Preacher, was made to stand on a stump and shot by a Confederate Bush Whackers because he would not preach that Negros were sub human. It is still the right thing to do! Never again Masada, never again Aushwitz!

(6) John , April 7, 2008

They say that evils grows when good men are apathetic. It seems to me that we need to develop courage to stand up for what we believe. It is when people do nothing that evil grows from strength to strength. Case in point Nazi treatment of Jews. If those Germans who did not believe in Nazism had acted against them instead of being silent then maybe so many people would not have been murdered

(5) Nikki , April 6, 2008

Enough of all the taunting!!

Yes!! From the way I look at things, indifference is as good as hate itself..evenmore so. G-d has told us to love our neighbours like ourselfs, if a person does stand up for him/herself, then who are we, what gives us the right to let our neighbours take a fall they do not deserve. Judgement is not in our hands, the abillity to defend one and other is. Religion is no cause for hate, no matter what the past has shown...lets not step into the footsteps of people who have wronged those who believe!! Shalom.

(4) Rosen , April 6, 2008

stereotyping and indifference is easier than tolerance

It's easy to stereotype a religion or culture one does not understand, thereby lumping it as innately sinister, but it can be harder to take the time to listen to their side of the story. Basically, judging is often easier than being more open-minded, because we often have things to vent out and take it out on others who are different. It is sad, though, how people will judge others very shallowly, given why there is so much conflict in the world due to the inability to listen to one another, thereby indifference is inevitable for either fight or flight.

(3) jamie , April 6, 2008

I hope i'd speak up, but experience shows otherwise

most people lack the courage to speak up and break away from societal pressure. That's how basically decent, cultured people put innocents in gas chambers. Not all were evil; many were just weak and not independent enough to stand up and fight for what's right. this video is disturbing

(2) Anonymous , April 6, 2008

the is rude i dnt like hw he treat the muslim lady

(1) Yehoshua , April 6, 2008

I'd shut up

I think that if i were there in America, I would be one of the bystanders who did nothing. I would not admire the shop owner, but would't get too excited about predjudices to muslims. They've dont too much down trodding of others, that it would be difficult for me to summon up an outrage over what this storekeeper did.
I have no problem with that and feel no shame or need to ponder.