Fighting antisemitism, I've been here a year, a no-veggie pot roast, and perspective shift aids
November 2, 2023
What’s Going On?
I just went down a multi-hour rabbit hole while trying to discover which organizations are best at fighting antisemitism and hate crimes in general. This is in response to the growth of antisemitic and anti-Muslim activity coming after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, with antisemitic actions, especially, on the rise. Although, how does one compare pain and atrocities, regardless of how many of either or any group are attacked?
Since the attacks by Hamas, antisemitic threats in the U.S. have reached “historic levels,” the agency’s director said. Threats against Muslims have also increased.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/31/us/politics/wray-threats-us.html
At the end of one research thread, I found a compilation of possible two-state solution in the context of the current situation with a conclusion that made sense to me at first read, but now I can’t find the source. Sigh. I will find that page again, but obviously not today if you are reading these words. So many opinions out there…
It is all confusing, and frankly, I often feel as though I don’t know what to think about anything political these days. But I do know that I am greatly worried about the safety of my Jewish and Muslim friends.
What to Do?
My first thought was to recommend supporting the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Although originally created early in the early 1900s to combat antisemitism, even then their mission was and is to:
“To stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” (My emphasis)
(https://www.adl.org/about/mission-and-history)
In fact, my first direct experience with the ADL took place due to Mathew Hale of the white supremacist group formerly known as the World Church of the Creator making a visit to my hometown of Wakefield MA, renting a room in our public library (libraries can’t say no due to free speech) for a “meeting” on September 14, 2002. You can read all about this lovely organization via the writeup about them on the Southern Poverty Law website.
They quickly responded to my request for help and provided invaluable support and materials for the segment of our counter-meeting that included education on both racism and freedom of speech.
BUT, part of my above-mentioned rabbit hole research adventure included coming across a number of articles coming out against the ADL and their support for Israel in light of the ongoing conflict with the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
If you are concerned about the ADL’s stand on Israel, here is a webpage with information by the ADL defending many criticisms of their organization and a second link that directly addresses their take on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
ADL Letter to Amnesty International Regarding Hostility Toward Israel
To take action with the ADL, click HERE to see if there has been recent antisemitic activity at a university you are affiliated with, where you will find the following instructions:
Click the name of the university with which you are affiliated to email the administration and urge them to take action to protect the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students on campus. Share the link with people you know who also have a connection to the school.
Support Jewish Students on College Campuses | ADL
You can also sign a petition that will, as stated on the page, “Urge the U.S. Department of Education to Make Colleges Safe from Antisemitism.”
If instead, or also, you want to give financial support to an organization helping victims of this conflict or that work toward peace, see this article from Harper’s Bazaar:
Israel–Palestine: How to Help the Victims of the Deadly Attacks
The article’s subtitle is “A list of organizations offering relief to those in need and working toward peace.”
It’s a good list. Check it out.
What to Read?
Okay - I need a brain break. I just might take some time this evening to peruse Harper’s Bazaar. As of the afternoon of 11/2/23, the lead article is “Priscilla Proves There Are Always Two Sides to a Love Story: Cailee Spaeny on playing Elvis’s young bride in Sofia Coppola’s new film.”
Not my usual cup of tea, but hey, my brain is in need of something completely different. Perhaps yours is, as well. Or perhaps this article is your cup of tea. If that is the case, you’re welcome.
Of course, you can also check out any of my previous newsletters that you may have missed by going to wendydennis.substack.com. I can’t believe I have been doing this for a year! Yup. The first issue was published on November 4, 2022.
What's Cooking?
Okay - on a totally different note, but related to this section, the cookbook I am working on is getting REALLY close to being ready for self-publication. Really. Finally. Really. 😊
But, I need to get totally focused on it, thus the brief What to Read section. I have NO time to read novels or much of anything else because I want the cookbook out in time for holiday shopping. I will suggest that you keep in your mind that a short, quirky, but useful and entertaining cookbook will soon be available to help you fulfill your gift list. 😊😊
As part of the marketing effort, I will also be revamping and adding regular posts to wendysfoodblog.com, which will also be taking up my time.
No fear! I will continue with my weekly missives, albeit they may not be quite as “missively.”
But, because sharing recipes and writing about food makes me smile, I will always make time to do that. So, here is a recipe that I found when I had a chuck roast on hand but realized that I really don’t care all that much for the traditional pot roast cooked with potatoes and carrots but wanted to use the slow cooker versus use the oven.
Moist Slow Cooker Roast Beef Without Vegetables
This totally worked for me, although I adapted it since I don’t typically have Lipton Onion Soup mix in the house.
In lieu of the soup mix, I added a thinly sliced onion, putting half on the bottom and half on top of the roast, and added in about 1/8-1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, celery seed, and paprika and a good tablespoon of dried parsley. I checked it after 4 hours and it was ready by then.
Oh - also, I did not use cornstarch but instead used the liquid to make a flour-based gravy.
I have also used this recipe with stew beef and it works fabulously. Just adjust the ingredient amounts up or down, depending on how much beef you are using.
What Else?
When I need to remember that it’s not all about me, the USA, or even our world or planet Earth, I go NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day.
It’s a great antidote to bad news.
And, so is Gracie Rose.
May there be peace,
Wendy