I wanted to share with you a significant time in my life when I felt compelled to take a stand. When Trump ascended to the presidency, I found myself deeply engaged in activism. I took part in marches and protests, wrote letters, made countless phone calls, and dedicated myself to writing tirelessly. I joined many others who were equally passionate about safeguarding the values that we hold dear in this country. Your mother, aunt, and uncle were right there with me, leading chants like “hate won’t make us great,” and though I couldn’t show you pictures of their youthful selves at ages 7, 5, and 3 due to the march falling on Shabbat, I still have their signs, which you cherish.
However, we also discussed the challenging aftermath. It was hard to comprehend how a refugee ban could be instituted on Holocaust Remembrance Day or how a racist individual could be confirmed as attorney general at the start of Black History Month. I admitted to you that I struggled to understand it all, and I still do. I often reflect on those who faced dire consequences during that period, and it weighs heavily on my heart.
You asked if I felt scared, and I answered, “Yes.” My fears were for the future of our nation and for the lives that were in jeopardy. The rise of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination left me unsettled. I was troubled by threats against the press and the alarming acceptance of “alternative facts”—which, as you rightly pointed out, are merely lies. I worried for our planet, too. You even inquired about snow, which made me smile but also stirred a sadness within me, as I wished for you to experience its beauty.
Crucially, I emphasized that while I was frightened, I wasn’t directly in danger. I felt fortunate to have the freedom to protest and advocate for those whose lives were truly at risk due to their identity or beliefs. My fight extended beyond myself, aiming to ensure that everyone could find refuge here, away from persecution. I wanted to maintain the promise of safety and acceptance that the United States represents.
I hope this sheds light on why I fought passionately, even when I faced skepticism from others who labeled me a conspiracy theorist or a party pooper. Beneath all the chaos, what drove me was the thought that one day, you would ask me about my actions during that tumultuous time. I wanted to be able to look you straight in the eye and say, “I fought for you.”
With all my love,
Savta
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Summary:
This heartfelt letter from a grandmother to her future granddaughter reflects on the activism she engaged in during Trump’s presidency. The letter captures her fears, motivations, and aspirations for a better future, emphasizing the importance of fighting for the values of acceptance and safety for all.