Hana Epstein, a high school student living in Katonah, NY recently received something in her mailbox that wasn’t mail- but instead a painful reminder that hate is still alive in the world.
In the early morning hours of January 25, Hana’s father went out to get the mail out of the family’s mailbox. He realized their mezuzahs had fallen off near the front door.
Hana’s dad continued to the mailbox where he discovered a white object that he thought was some kind of food lid.
After further inspection, he suddenly realized what it really was; a white square covered in swastikas. The name “Hannah” is also written across the square, with the last h underlined twice with a blue pen. The connection suddenly became evident.
“I was basically numb, I couldn’t really let it sink it just yet,” Hana Epstein said. “I’ve always heard of hate crimes being committed against Jews, but never in a million years did I think this would happen to me particularly.”
Hana lives in a neighborhood that is predominantly Jewish, so it was very unusual for something like this to happen.
“I had a wide array of emotions,” Hana’s mom Mara Gross Epstein said in a phone interview with RISE NEWS. “I was upset and angry and concerned for my daughter’s well-being. I was also amazed that this happened in Katonah, of all places.”
It took time for Hana to realize that there are hateful people in the world.
The entire episode created a sense of unease in the young student. She wasn’t able to sleep in her own house that night.
She looked around her room, looking at her Israeli flags and other tokens that reminded her of who she was. She said she could never understand why someone would do this to her just because she was part of a different religion.
Hana was so upset she went to her cousin’s house and missed the next day of school.
Eventually Hana said that she realized there is a lesson to be taken away from this.
“I always have been as proud to be Jewish as I am,” Hana said. “I don’t hide the fact that I’m Jewish, Judaism means the world to me. Now, more than ever, it’s essential that I stand up for who I am.”
Hana wants to spread awareness about the terrible crimes committed by anti-semitic people all around the world.
She posted a picture on social media of her wearing a Tallit (a holy garment) on top of Masada in Israel; the caption was “I’ll always be proud to be Jewish.”
Hana Epstein wearing a tall it on top of Masada in Israel. Photo Credit: Submitted.
Starting in September, Hana will be spending a year abroad in Israel where she hopes to share her experience.
The family said that they have reported the incident to local police.
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in public affairs. Anyone can write for us as long as you are fiercely interested in making the world a better place.
Cover Photo Credit: Submitted.
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What Young People Can Learn From Muhammad Ali
By Mashal Mirza
Is it the three heavyweight championship titles? Is it his leadership for the Nation of Islam? Is it his famous line, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee?”
Muhammad Ali demonstrates leadership in a multitude of ways.
His athleticism and character leaves an enormous mark on history. He inspires sportsmanship and standing up for what you believe in; he is an icon of physical and mental ability.
But here is what I think is Muhammad Ali’s greatest lesson is to people like myself, a twenty-first century American college student:
Muhammad Ali once said, “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.”
Some may think this is extremely conceited.
I say that this phrase should be something we all embrace for our own individual journeys.
As a college student, you are always aware of someone who wants your dream and who is better than you: better grades, better resume, better recommendations. It’s easy to stop believing in yourself and your pursuit to achieve your goals when you begin to think that you’re not good enough.
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Here’s where Muhammad Ali comes in: his belief in himself and his capabilities is what lead him to be one of the greatest athletes of all time and a leader in a historical movement.
People say that he never gave up on his dreams. You know what? He never gave up on himself.
His confidence paved the way for his life, both inside and out of the boxing ring.
Without his self-assurance, he would have never achieved his status in the sports world and would have never spoken up for what he believed in.
Great leaders know they can change the world. It is that knowledge that allows them to push boundaries and create a revolution. It all begins in self worth.
Again, people may think that Muhammad Ali was arrogant.
Yet he eventually knew his place in life: when addressing his disease, he once said, “God gave me Parkinson’s syndrome to show me I’m not ‘The Greatest’ – he is.”
His experience of battling with Parkinson’s humbled him, demonstrating that while he was aware of his abilities, he was also aware of where his abilities came from.
While Facebook statuses and Instagram posts are great ways to pay tribute to this phenomenal man, the best way, I believe, to honor Muhammad Ali is to look to his confidence.
His words are not just good for captions on photos- they are valuable lessons that can apply to everyone.
We could all learn a thing or two for someone who left such an impact on the world around him.
So today, look to Muhammad Ali for inspiration, because he was a man who made his dreams into a reality.
It all began with his belief in himself.
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in public affairs. You can write for us.
Cover Photo Credit: Gonzague Petit Trabal/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
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VIDEO: This Pastor Went On A Hatefully Epic Anti-Gay Rant
Kevin Swanson is a right wing radio host and a pastor based in Elizabeth, CO.
He is also not a big fan of gay people. Actually, I think its fair to say that he hates them.
His bigotry was in full plume this past weekend at the Freedom 2015 Conference held in Des Moines, Iowa. The conference, which Swanson organized was a gathering of conservative Christian leaders and activists who believe that the United States is on a path to moral decay.
“The Supreme Court of the United States recently legalized homosexual marriage in all 50 states in the Obergefell V. Hodges decision,” a statement on the conference website read. Are you ready to face persecution for opposing the homosexual agenda?”
Swanson’s remarks on how he would handle the news if his son came out as gay is pretty hilarious and scary.
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Cover Photo Credit: Right Wing Watch/ Screenshot
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16 Year Old Boy Leads Police On Multi County Chase In South Florida
Update: 1:53 PM EST
A 16 year old boy had been leading police on a wild two county chase for the past hour in South Florida.
The chase finally came to an end at around 1:50 PM EST after the suspect was arrested in Miami Gardens.
The chase began in Southern Miami-Dade County after the boy allegedly stole a Chevy Suburban.
More to come.
Video from WSVN Channel 7 in Miami.
WSVN-TV – 7NEWS Miami Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco
Cover Photo Credit: Traffic Camera/ WSVN (Screenshot)
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