A Passover Message from Fran Putney

Passover’s story of the Exodus and the theme of freedom is especially poignant this year, as every day that passes without the release of the Israeli hostages in Gaza is a tragedy. At our family Seder, we will remember them. And guided by our Jewish values, we will also remember all who are not free anywhere or who are suffering because of wars and natural disasters, and those who are targets of hatred and discrimination. Sadly, that’s a lot of people, and our simply remembering them will be but a momentary awareness.

Earlier this week, I saw a woman and her sweet dog, along with belongings in trash bags, sitting near the entrance of my gym. She wasn’t bothering anyone, but she paced about and seemed in quiet distress. From inside, I noticed a few people speak to her and pet the dog. I hoped perhaps she was waiting for someone. I felt very concerned but had no idea what I could do. I worried if I called the police to help her, it might make her situation much worse, so in the end I did nothing and went home. The next day, I was relieved to learn she and her canine companion were assisted in finding temporary shelter in a hotel.

None of us can solve all the world’s problems, but it did make me think harder about what more I can do in my own small, personal way to make a difference. So much can be done to make our world a more humane and healthier place. On this Passover, my prayer is that we can each be inspired and led by our beautiful Jewish values to do something.

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Fran Putney works on the editorial staff of the Atlanta Jewish Times and is on the small but mighty team of the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust.