Hansel and Gretel: good. The wicked witch who entices them into her house: bad. Snow White: good. Her wicked stepmother: bad. For goodness’ sake, in case we have any doubts the witch and stepmother even get labeled as “wicked.”
Alas, the real world doesn’t usually divide into black and white. Even when the sides seem clear—think Nazis vs. Allies or the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp in Iran vs. the protesters, decent people – especially those bombarded by propaganda – are frequently confused.
Heroism is not a default. Regimes that are willing to torture and murder wield powerful tools. I have never faulted anyone for not sheltering run-away slaves in the 1850s or for not hiding Jews in Nazi Europe. Putting your own life and the lives of your family members at risk is an earth-shattering decision. It demands a very clear understanding of your role on earth, one swayed by factors that rise above normal human concerns.
Those brave souls erupting onto the street of Tehran, Shiraz, Mashdad and other cities are under no illusion. Torture and death are real options should their cause lose and may strike them as individuals even if their side triumphs. They have nothing in common with camera-wielding, social-media posting, pat-themselves-on-the-back protestors in the United States.
As I write these words, estimates for civilians murdered in Iran range from 500 to 20,000. Little documented information is making it out. I don’t know what role America can or should play in supporting those working to overthrow an evil rule. I do know that Americans are being shown a clear example of what happens when Islamic ideology takes over a country.
Go get a map. Find Iran on a globe. Review at least the past hundred and twelve years of history, a very specific number chosen to go back to World War I.
While I pray that Khameini’s evil regime is overthrown, I can guarantee that among the protesters are those who are participating in the uprising only because they want to be Supreme Leaders themselves. I don’t believe that they are the majority, but they exist.
The Shah of Iran, who was a friend of the West, did not have blameless hands. He was not a Washington or a Jefferson (who themselves were human and imperfect).
The choice is not between supporting an innocent and perfect fairy tale character or a completely despicable group of thugs. It is on which side we take a stand.
Ahmed al Ahmed, a Moslem, risked his life when gunfire targeting Jews erupted on Bondi Beach. He is, without question, a hero. Had Australia closed all mosques, banned Islam, and expelled all Moslems on December 13, 2025, one day before the shooting, he would have been exiled as well. Australia would have lost the services of a good and noble man. Nonetheless, his valor does not override the actions of his co-religionists who are obeying the dictates of their faith while he is not.
Outside of fairy tales, we are not unerringly able to identify good and bad. Whatever we choose, innocent people will suffer and blameworthy ones will benefit. That doesn’t excuse us from recognizing evil creeds and protecting principles that we cherish.
At the moment, Americans and Europeans are not being called upon to take to the streets while bullets hurl towards them. But to not reach the point where that happens, we need to be clear where we stand from the comfort of our protected and comfortable easy chairs.
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Although I am not as articulate as you are, I know well put thoughts when I read or hear them. This article was excellent so your tough time writing it was worth the labor. It was not only a visual presentation of the point you made, it was right on! Thank you, Susan.
You are extremely right. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Shalom
Susan wrote in reply:
Thank you for writing, Bonnie.
Demonizing the Islamic faith is not a productive endeavor in my opinion. The answer lays with the art of listening. The poet Rumi, Jewish Kabbalist, Christian mystics, and hindu yogis teach that we are all part of humanity. Rabbi Daniel Lapin teaches the difference between these two ways of thinking:. You win I lose (zero sum game); or You win I win (growing the cake). Right now in the Middle East – Israel is not following Rabbi Daniel guidance. Israel is invested in the zero sum game. What the world is experiencing is the inevitable consequence of Netanyahu choices.
Susan wrote in reply:
Considering the the Hamas charter calls for the elimination of all Jews from Israel while Moslems in Israel can be and are citizens, doctors, lawyers, and members of the Knesset (Parliament), I would say that the one-sidedness is on the other foot.