But My Eyes Still See

At synagogue today, a group of us where discussing whether Israel does or does not practice apartheid - this in light of Judge Goldstone's recent article in the NY Times.

I argued that Goldstone had missed the point, at least re the West Bank, and that indeed Israel's policies there where very apartheid-like. (And even more so in East Jerusalem where Israel has formally annexed the territory and still denies the Arab residents the right to vote) In the end the others in the discussion did not dispute this, but they insisted one shouldn't use the A word, since it was hurtful and only shutdown meaningful discussion (sic - IMHO).

On the way home, I heard the song "Silence Is Golden" on the radio. I was struck by the lyrics, and how, with only a bit of a re-write they fit the situation of people like me, so well. Do you tell the Jewish community the truth, even though it hurts, and even though they will say "I lied", or rather do you "Mind your business, don't hurt her, you fool."

Silence is Golden

Oh don't it hurt deep inside
To see someone do something to her
Oh don't it pain to see someone cry
How especially if that someone is her

Silence is golden, but my eyes still see
Silence is golden, golden, but my eyes still see

Talking is cheap people follow like sheep
Even though there is no where to go
How could she tell he decieved her so well
Pity she'll be the last one to know

How many times will she fall for his lines
Should I tell her or should I be cool
And if I tried I know she'd say I lied
Mind your business don't hurt her you fool

Silence is golden, but my eyes still see
Silence is golden, golden, but my eyes still see

The song was originally recorded by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, but became a hit in this iconic version by the Tremelos (see above.)