The targeted attack on the Jewish community is a despicable act of hatred. The ongoing antisemitism that plagues our society is heartbreaking. I worry for Jewish communities worldwide, as this vile prejudice can infect the minds of the young and impressionable, leading to irrational and illogical behavior. As news of the Bondi terror unfolded, I thought of a remarkable Jewish elder I once had the privilege of meeting – Joshua A. Fishman.
Fishman was a renowned scholar dedicated to the revitalization of minority languages. With thousands of languages facing extinction by the end of the century, his work was crucial in preserving these vital aspects of culture and identity.
Yiddish, the language of Fishman’s childhood, held a special place in his heart. His father would ask him daily, “what did you do for Yiddish today?”, highlighting the importance of language in maintaining cultural heritage.
Language is the essence of a community, a culture, a race. It is the foundation of communication and identity, and its preservation is paramount. Fishman’s efforts to reverse language shift and save endangered languages have left a lasting impact on countless cultures around the world.
I had the privilege of meeting Fishman during his visit to Christchurch in the early 2000s. His dedication to language revitalization inspired me to pass on my own language, Māori, to my children.
Fishman’s legacy lives on through his work with minority groups and endangered languages. His compassion and commitment to preserving cultural institutions have left an indelible mark on the world.
As we remember Fishman and his contributions, our hearts go out to the victims of the Bondi Beach tragedy. An attack on any race is an attack on humanity itself. May peace and healing find all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
