Are You Afraid?

Just as the 9/11 attacks changed our lives forever, so too, the Paris attacks have changed Europe.  I was glued to the TV for several days after the horrific events in Paris, wanting to hear all the details.  The goal of the attackers, besides creating chaos, is to make us all fearful.  That was my first response, and I suspect the first response of many people, but after a bit of time, I started to feel angry.  How dare these cowards decide that their way is the only way.  We need to fight back in a number of ways, but most importantly, by continuing with our way of life.  That seems to be what Parisians are doing.  After the initial shock of November 13, Paris is bustling with shoppers, lovers and café goers again.  Sure, we need to be vigilant, but no, we're not, and Europe is not, going to change their way of life.

One week after the Paris attacks I attended a fund raiser for the Israel Defense Fund.  There were many Israelis present, and I had an opportunity to talk to some.  They have been dealing with terrorists since the country first began, so they are used to searches on busses, at stadiums, on airplanes and in many public places.  It's part of life for them, and it will become part of life for Americans and Europeans. This inconvenience does not affect their way of life, though.   It doesn't mean that any of us will stop going to football games, concerts, demonstrations or traveling.  It means we will have to endure searches and questioning that we heretofore never did.  We will do everything we can to stay safe, but we will not give up our way of life.  Israelis have found a way to balance the possibility of terrorism without giving up their way of life.  Americans and Europeans will find a way to do this too.  We will not let them win.  We will not let fear change us.  That's what they want, and we won't let them have it.