My son and I recently visited the Schwarzman Center where I explained to him that of this man's significant contributions, the gift of Zibby Owens has been the most impactful. Thank you for the accountability and for speaking up.
Thank you Zibby for your unadulterated unbridled truth about the cancer of anti-semetism. We get it from the woke left, and definitely from the right, and often it's weaponized by people and administrations that are not our friends. I've heard it said we're the only group that gets attacked from both ends of fundamentalism. I was horrified when CNN reporter Sara Sidner had the audacity to back down on Jonathan Epstein who witnessed the shooting by Rodriguez that killed that wonderful couple had the same look in his eyes as the Columbia protestors. She was so "woke" to caution that perhaps he was conflating "free speech" with a murderous act. He pushed back and said that it's the same attitude and spirit of violence and annihilation. We are being whitewashed from the left and attacked from the right. Your piece is so damn straight on. I normally would not have said this, but I truly hope Rodriquez gets the death penalty. While he'll be seen as a martyr it's a wake up call around culpability. I LOVE "On Being Jewish" and I've bought about 10 copies for friends maybe more. It made me laugh and cry. Yup you're right. We're the smallest number of people who have experienced systemic genocide from day 1, and have made a disproportionate contribution to the world in so many industries. I will NOT apologize for who we are. I've let go of many people in my life. One person was so tone deaf around anti-semetism that I basically want nothing to do with her for the rest of my life. I hear you. I can't wait to visit your book store when I'm in LA next month. Thx for who you are and all you do! Lois
Zibby, I read this years ago and it has never left me. While I am not Jewish , my Catholic faith is based on your religion, your faith. Over the years I have had many Jewish friends who have meant the world to me. Some are gone now (that happens when you’re 77!) … gone but never forgotten. Elaine, Stan, Susan, and all the others who shared their life with me; loved and never forgotten.
Pastor Martin Niemöller, a German Lutheran minister and theologian who initially supported Hitler but later became an outspoken critic of the Nazi regime. Though not Jewish himself, Niemöller’s words have often been quoted in Holocaust memorials and Jewish remembrance literature because of their haunting moral clarity.
The most famous version of his quote is:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
This quote is often paraphrased or remembered as: “Who will speak up for us?” or “There was no one left to speak for me.”
It’s a deeply sobering reminder of the consequences of silence and complicity, and a call to speak up for the vulnerable, even (and especially) when we are not directly affected
There are no words for the way I feel about what is happening to the Jewish people in the U.S. When I was growing up we were taught about persecution and violence and how that was not the way problems get solved. We saught out peace. People are choosing to believe things spewed out over the social media, especially young people. Popularity is based on a number of followers. I am very saddened by the people who are trying to undo all of our hard work from the past. It will never be perfect, but it should never be like this.
We seem to live in a time when somehow "forgetting" history is ok, even condoned, as we move toward repeating it. So incredibly dangerous. Your message is beautifully articulated and clear - and courageous. Thank you.
Zibby what a brave stance you have taken! Your courage to speak the truth is nothing short of bravery! I 💯 agree with you. I hope this reaches those who need to hear it! Ty
My son and I recently visited the Schwarzman Center where I explained to him that of this man's significant contributions, the gift of Zibby Owens has been the most impactful. Thank you for the accountability and for speaking up.
This made me cry.
Thank you Zibby for your unadulterated unbridled truth about the cancer of anti-semetism. We get it from the woke left, and definitely from the right, and often it's weaponized by people and administrations that are not our friends. I've heard it said we're the only group that gets attacked from both ends of fundamentalism. I was horrified when CNN reporter Sara Sidner had the audacity to back down on Jonathan Epstein who witnessed the shooting by Rodriguez that killed that wonderful couple had the same look in his eyes as the Columbia protestors. She was so "woke" to caution that perhaps he was conflating "free speech" with a murderous act. He pushed back and said that it's the same attitude and spirit of violence and annihilation. We are being whitewashed from the left and attacked from the right. Your piece is so damn straight on. I normally would not have said this, but I truly hope Rodriquez gets the death penalty. While he'll be seen as a martyr it's a wake up call around culpability. I LOVE "On Being Jewish" and I've bought about 10 copies for friends maybe more. It made me laugh and cry. Yup you're right. We're the smallest number of people who have experienced systemic genocide from day 1, and have made a disproportionate contribution to the world in so many industries. I will NOT apologize for who we are. I've let go of many people in my life. One person was so tone deaf around anti-semetism that I basically want nothing to do with her for the rest of my life. I hear you. I can't wait to visit your book store when I'm in LA next month. Thx for who you are and all you do! Lois
Thank you, Lois!!!
Thank YOU Zibby for who you are and all that you do!
You are absolutely right. There is no place for violence. We need peace everywhere in the world.
Zibby, I read this years ago and it has never left me. While I am not Jewish , my Catholic faith is based on your religion, your faith. Over the years I have had many Jewish friends who have meant the world to me. Some are gone now (that happens when you’re 77!) … gone but never forgotten. Elaine, Stan, Susan, and all the others who shared their life with me; loved and never forgotten.
Pastor Martin Niemöller, a German Lutheran minister and theologian who initially supported Hitler but later became an outspoken critic of the Nazi regime. Though not Jewish himself, Niemöller’s words have often been quoted in Holocaust memorials and Jewish remembrance literature because of their haunting moral clarity.
The most famous version of his quote is:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
This quote is often paraphrased or remembered as: “Who will speak up for us?” or “There was no one left to speak for me.”
It’s a deeply sobering reminder of the consequences of silence and complicity, and a call to speak up for the vulnerable, even (and especially) when we are not directly affected
Thank you.
You are speaking the unspeakable truth to power. Don’t ever stop. Thank you for your courage, tenacity and bravery. Am Yisroel Chai!!!
Thank you so much! I don't know how so many people have lost the plot. When you speak up, you give me strength to do the same!
There are no words for the way I feel about what is happening to the Jewish people in the U.S. When I was growing up we were taught about persecution and violence and how that was not the way problems get solved. We saught out peace. People are choosing to believe things spewed out over the social media, especially young people. Popularity is based on a number of followers. I am very saddened by the people who are trying to undo all of our hard work from the past. It will never be perfect, but it should never be like this.
You speak my mind.
Monty Python said it so well. Brian: "No, you must think for yourselves!!" The entire crowd: "Yes, we must think for ourselves."
It's madness, incomprehensible, enraging.
Thank you for writing this.
We seem to live in a time when somehow "forgetting" history is ok, even condoned, as we move toward repeating it. So incredibly dangerous. Your message is beautifully articulated and clear - and courageous. Thank you.
Thank you for writing what so many of us are feeling
Would love to post on my Facebook can you make that possible!
Yes! Just post this link. Actually I should post it on my Facebook too (haha). Will do now!
https://www.zibbyowens.com/p/opinions-my-own
Zibby what a brave stance you have taken! Your courage to speak the truth is nothing short of bravery! I 💯 agree with you. I hope this reaches those who need to hear it! Ty
All of it. Every word.
I agree 💯
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🌹🌹🌹🌹