Bringing out the best in people

Marina Berkovich, JHSSWF President

I was going to use this month’s column to tell you about various ghettos I visited in Italy and to draw parallels between factors affecting the well-being of European Jewry in light of expanding antisemitism, but an event closer to home diverted my plans. Most likely, yours too. Its name was Ian.

As I sat in the stairwell of my apartment listening to the howling winds, I made involuntary mental comparisons to the Italian ghettos I just visited in Bologna, Ferrara, Padua and Venice; The Pale of Settlement; and the September 29-30, 1941 Babiy Yar Massacre, i.e., manmade sequestration, persecution and extermination of Jews. The unstoppable force of nature that was about to descend upon our tranquil little paradise was an act of God over which man has no control whatsoever. In the face of it, we had only one true resource – faith.

The devastating events unfolded tragically for Southwest Florida, leaving many flooded, homeless and scared. You have heard so many stories and witnessed so much heartbreak, I will not repeat. In the aftermath, those of us who were dry counted our blessings. Those who sat atop their roofs waiting for a coast guard rescue, asked why.

Why is one person spared and another drowned? Why was one family left unscarred, but another lost their home, cars, businesses? Why? Who gets to choose? Certainly, not man.

Man can decide to restrict or free another man, to rebuild or move away, to cry or laugh in the face of disaster. Man has no say or power to affect hurricanes or most other events of nature.

Man has the power to not start a war with another man, to elect only the most intelligent and capable leaders, to determine how to treat other men, and if, when and how he will help fellow men.

In the free world, we are not under any obligation to help others. But hurricanes in Southwest Florida also tend to bring out the best in people. They help each other clean up, share meals, feed first responders, applaud the linemen and graciously share shelter and supplies with less fortunate neighbors.

That is how Americans have always impressed me, especially in comparison with the Eastern Europeans, the majority of whom have acquired an indifference to the sufferings of others, largely due to manmade disasters that turned even the kindhearted souls into “not gonna stick my neck out for anyone.”

I have been witnessing the love and respect Americans have for God and the power of his word. Southwest Floridians went to temples and churches Friday, Saturday and Sunday and prayed not only for their own skins but for help to their suffering brethren. There were meals and stories to share, and everyone agreed God is love.

You may now purchase memberships online or mail a check to Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite #255, Naples, FL 34108.

Family membership is $54; individual membership is $36; student membership is $18; and corporate sponsorship is $300.

We can be reached at 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL), www.jhsswf.org or office@jhsswf.org. The Virtual Museum of SWFL Jewish History is located online at http://jewishhistorysouthwest florida.org/.

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a section 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.