I am a Jew and a proud one at that, I wear my kippa everywhere I go, day and night, alongside that I wear tzitzit fringes day and night and yeah I get stared at a bit, but I think that’s because I’m so good looking. Actually, I see people of all races glare and snicker at me, some wonder what the heck I am, some know and just have misconceptions or conspiracies about Jews, none stop me from being a proud Jew in the Diaspora. Nothing gets under a hater’s skin more than being you and doing you regardless of their ignorance and even in spite of it!

Being outwardly proud to be Jewish is an act of love and their hatred does not defeat love, it only emboldens that love. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

It’s important that we show our pride in being Jewish, that we don’t keep it hidden out of trepidation, that we express who we are regardless of the hate or bigotry we might face. Why you might ask? Because it will help “out” the ignorant, it will expose their ugliness to the world and to the people around them. It removes the mask they wear and shows just who and what that person is, while we are simply being who and what we are. 

Another reason for being outwardly Jewish and proud is to show other Jews that they can be the same and that they are not alone. Jews are one of the smallest minorities in the world and in America only comprise around 6 million, while the population is around 350 million. Worldwide, Jews only comprise around 14.7 million people, so no matter where you are, this sends a message that it’s okay to be a proud Jew. 

I will never let ignorance and hate lessen my pride or cause me to hide who I am, I am Jewish and proud and will forever be such!