Fear cannot win.

These past few days have been difficult for planet earth and her inhabitants. Horrifying acts of terrorism in Orlando, Istanbul, Dhaka and Baghdad have taken hundreds of innocent lives to the grave, whether it be through deranged gunmen, suicide bombers or car bombs. The objective of these miscreants is to strike fear into the hearts of people. The worst thing that people can do at this time is believe what certain politicians would like us to think, refugees fleeing these areas are the enemy. People who are not Americans are the enemy in the Middle East and we must return hate with hatred. This is not what we need. We must show the likes of ISIS that we are stronger than them and embrace all that is good around us and resist the forces of evil.
To that end I am glad that a few days ago I was able to attend an iftar, the traditional breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan in New York city along with my friend Evan. The venue was a synagogue, Temple Emanu-El where the attendees were of all faiths and nationalities. This inter faith ceremony attended by people of all faiths and by a large number of New York Muslims and Jews highlighted the efforts of a number of people who are doing their utmost to foster care, understanding and empathy for each other. In these tumultuous times of discord, I think it is all the more important for all of us to understand all those around us, be of open heart and mind to help fellow human beings around us. I urge all of my friends and family to do whatever is in your power to foster love, care and understanding among our community in these testing times.