4/7/2023

My dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Maundy Thursday – I’m not as conversant as you are about the events that happened on this day in Jerusalem (J) 2000 some odd years ago. I know Jesus washed his friends’ feet. He broke bread with them & prophesied his own betrayal. The communion ritual comes from this occasion, but I’m not a fan of ritual so have neglected to educate myself about its significance. I learned today that folks made a special effort to get to J to celebrate Passover because it was a place of salvation. What else should I know?

            J must be a magical place with some special vibes. Have you been?

            I am troubled that Israeli forces stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in J’s Old City this week. Firing stun grenades & attacking Palestinian worshippers in a place of worship should be avoided at all costs. I worry that this might be Bibi’s strategy for deflecting attention away from his error of trying to remake Israel’s justice system. David Ignatius opining in the NYT calls that move a political disaster. I’m sure you feel the same.

            It’s too bad that when Ramadan, Easter & Passover all coincide, folks couldn’t stay calm so we could all celebrate in peace.

            As you head off to Camp David today, please remind my fellow citizens that we all have a divine spark & should love our neighbor whatever their beliefs might be. Please give a special shout-out to the Rohingya who continue to suffer as stateless people.

            BYBS,