EJA44,
Let me explain a little of my understanding why Jews are like that 'not wanting to make waves'...
There is a little thing which we call 'antisemitism' which has cost the lives of Jews in the diaspora for many centuries. In virtually every corner of the globe the Jewish people flourished, the non-Jews grew jealous and angry at us and either killed us or they evicted us.
Could the Jewish people who were small in number and scattered throughout Europe truly 'stand up' and fight? Maybe if they just tried to avoid confrontation the nations would leave the Jews alone. In every country they tried to keep us from becoming too strong so that they would feel like they had to start another pogrom, crusade, or holocaust against the Jews.
In my grandparents era there was rampant antisemitism in America. Even in the north (where my family settled in 1890s) the Jewish people were not permitted membership in certain social clubs, they were not permitted to run for office (usually accompanied by antisemitic propaganda), and were not admitted to certain colleges. Many Jews wanted to lose their Jewish identity at that time.
It is a sad story but one which needs to be learned. There is a good potential that many of these partially lost Jews can be brought back. Im only fourth generation in this country and our family tree is brutally decimated by assimilation. This is the reason I am zealously working to keep Jews Jewish...
I agree with you Muman 100% in your reasoning as to why Jews are the way they are.. You are essentially agreeing with me on these points as to where the mentality of helplnesses and fear has arisen. I wasn't saying Jews are totally to be blamed for how they behave and that their was not outside influences and years of suffering and struggle that have not contributed to the mindset. Sadly, evil political parties like the Democrat thrive on this fear and use it to manipulate Jewish people. They will use propaganda like pictures of Jews having their synagogues burned by "evil white people" or scary men in white robes to try to comfort them and convince them that only they can protect them from these episodes. Sadly, many Jews do not realize that the very people they are supporting (Democrats, Liberals, Muslims) actually are harboring a much greater Anti-Semitism and have a greater plan to weaken, imprison and even wipe out the Jewish people with their agenda. However ,many Jews are too blinded by fear of the past and brainwashing to look at the bigger picture in the current day and year.
Muman, today is not like the past.. Jews are not chased down in the streets of USA and beaten, synagogues are not being burned down by white American people and Jews can join most any club.. As a matter of fact, Jews are perhaps one of the wealthiest groups of people in the USA and we have a lot of power and influence in this country. Jews can pray in any part of the USA, unlike even in Israel, where Jews are restricted to pray only in certain places, since Muslims have more religious freedom in Israel. In the USA, Jews have the freedom to defend their communities , arm themselves , own land wherever they like. Even in Israel, Jews are not permitted to own land anywhere they choose and most land is leased rather than owned. In USA, Jews can buy a huge ranch in Montana , Vermont or even MIssissippi. I know about a Jewish guy who bought land right in the heart of the conservative area of MIssissippi. This was an area the Klan once had power and dominion. Today, a well armed and freedom-loving Jewish man thrives in the heart of Dixie.
Sadly, in Europe (and even in Israel) these bad events are still happening. Jews are being murdered in the streets for simply being Jewish and their synagogues, homes and communities are being attacked and desecrated by Muslims and fascists.
I totally understand where you are coming from Muman, but I hope you can understand why I am saying what I am saying about Jewish people here.. Hopefully, you can understand my reasoning. It is not me trying to condemn the Jewish community, but rather my hopes that they can be strong and overcome tyranny.
BY the way, I am so happy that your mother is rejoicing in your Jewish identity. I hope you can be a great influence on your community and family with your own vigilance and strong heart.