Thank you for this deeply moving piece, Jessie. Your reflections on history, identity, and the weight of inherited trauma resonate with me profoundly. Like you, I have always believed that understanding history isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a responsibility, a way of ensuring that the lessons of the past do not fade into oblivion.
For me, growing up with a deep connection to Afghanistan, I’ve seen how history can be rewritten, erased, or ignored depending on who holds power. I understand what it means to watch traditions, language, and culture be destroyed under the weight of conflict and displacement. And I also know the importance of preserving them—not just as memories, but as living legacies that shape our futures.
History must be more than remembrance; it must be a guide to how we act today. What is happening in Palestine is devastating. What has happened to Jewish communities, time and time again, is also devastating. Two truths can exist at once, and the moment we refuse to acknowledge that, we stop learning. We stop listening. And that is how history repeats itself.
Thanks Jessie for such an insightful read. Your son’s schooling situation, that just about had me in tears. How awful for you all. I truly hope he enjoys his new school. Thank you too for the book suggestions. I cannot bring myself to read about, pretty much anything online, i need a reliable source. Now that I’ve got them I can educate myself.
It’s been a very sad time but I’m hoping he makes some new mates. I’m glad you found something in this post that you may find directional. Lots of love x
I went to the book launch last week. Ittay is an Australian-born secular Jew who works in a Jerusalem organisation for kids called Kids 4 Peace. He promotes peace through dialogue, and has Muslim, Jewish and Christian members. He's also working with parents. Amazing guy.
I still have my copy of Once that I reckon I read at the same time and age you did. It had a very profound effect on me and I hope kids are still reading it.
Thank you for this deeply moving piece, Jessie. Your reflections on history, identity, and the weight of inherited trauma resonate with me profoundly. Like you, I have always believed that understanding history isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a responsibility, a way of ensuring that the lessons of the past do not fade into oblivion.
For me, growing up with a deep connection to Afghanistan, I’ve seen how history can be rewritten, erased, or ignored depending on who holds power. I understand what it means to watch traditions, language, and culture be destroyed under the weight of conflict and displacement. And I also know the importance of preserving them—not just as memories, but as living legacies that shape our futures.
History must be more than remembrance; it must be a guide to how we act today. What is happening in Palestine is devastating. What has happened to Jewish communities, time and time again, is also devastating. Two truths can exist at once, and the moment we refuse to acknowledge that, we stop learning. We stop listening. And that is how history repeats itself.
Thank you for this beautiful message Shabnam xxxx
Beautiful Jessie. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thanks Jessie for such an insightful read. Your son’s schooling situation, that just about had me in tears. How awful for you all. I truly hope he enjoys his new school. Thank you too for the book suggestions. I cannot bring myself to read about, pretty much anything online, i need a reliable source. Now that I’ve got them I can educate myself.
It’s been a very sad time but I’m hoping he makes some new mates. I’m glad you found something in this post that you may find directional. Lots of love x
Beautiful Jessie. Have you seen Ittay Flescher's book, just launched? It's called The Holy and the Broken.
No I haven’t!!!!
I went to the book launch last week. Ittay is an Australian-born secular Jew who works in a Jerusalem organisation for kids called Kids 4 Peace. He promotes peace through dialogue, and has Muslim, Jewish and Christian members. He's also working with parents. Amazing guy.
What a wonderful share…. Two things can be true at once. Thank you too for the book recommendations for kids too.
Heart-touchingly written, and so brave 💚🖤❤️ thank you for sharing this with us!!
Thank you for sharing this Jessie 🩵
I still have my copy of Once that I reckon I read at the same time and age you did. It had a very profound effect on me and I hope kids are still reading it.