The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © David Stewart
November 9 marks the 85th anniversary of the pogrom known as Kristallnacht or Night of Broken Glass. It’s hard to capture the horror of it in a mere one hundred words. Could it happen again?
Genre: Hysterical Fiction
Word Count: 100
WASH. RINSE. REPEAT.
“Tomorrow is November 10th, and I will be six.” Shifra kissed Papa as he tucked her in. “And all my friends will bring presents to my party.”
“Sweet dreams, my birthday princess,” said Mama.
Without warning a brick crashed through the window. Mama shielded her from shattering glass. Trembling in terror, Shifra clung to her.
Papa looked outside, tears streaming. “They’ve set the synagogue on fire!”
****
October 7th. A month shy of her ninety-first birthday, Shifra clung to her great-grandson. Outside she heard the screams all over the Kibbutz. Trembling, she bowed her head and braced herself for another Kristallnacht.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
So tragic and a sign that humans never learn from their past experiences.
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Dear Sadje,
Sadly, we don’t learn. Hence, history repeats itself. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very unfortunate.
You’re welcome
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Why have things not changed in 85 years?
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Good question, Reena. 😦 Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And yet again, we say “never again”
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Dear Neil,
And again…Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s impossible to capture such a horrific event in 100,000 words, so often it is that small personal take that makes it more real. And, yeah, don’t we all wish it was safely just part of history?
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Dear Trent,
And the disease goes merrily along. And If we don’t put a face on the atrocities, it’s easier to ignore. thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can’t help thinking as long as there are humans, there will never be peace. We all claim to want it, yet time and time again, those with power (officially or otherwise) do the very opposite.
As ever, Rochelle, you’ve shone a light into a single life and in doing to, illuminated the world.
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Dear Jen,
I’m afraid you’re right in your assessment when it comes to humans. Thank you for your validating words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The modern “Kristallnacht” is not just the violence against Jews in Israel, but in other nations including ours. All that plus the general hatred people now feel free to express against Jewish people everywhere because of the “genocide” Israel is supposedly committing. People think it’s okay for Jews to die but resent it when they defend themselves and try to live.
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Dear James,
You’re speaking my heart and mind. Not to mention feeling a bit tense being Jewish in the States. Thank you for speaking up.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome. So many more people need to do the same.
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“Never Again” echoes from the past. . . . .
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Indeed, Linda. Sigh.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I first learned of Krystal Nacht back in elementary school. I remember asking Great Grandpa if it was true. With teary eyes, he told me it was. I think that was my first intro to the Halocaust. I also remember being so afraid to go to church that Sunday, and how Grandpa assured me he would be in the car watching and keeping Grammie and I safe. I haven’t felt that afraid in church in years, but lately…. Sigh. Thankfully, because of recent threats we now have two officers assigned to our church, one is outside and one inside. Great story and so fitting for our current times.
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Dear Bear,
Sad and frightening times we’re living in. Thank you for sharing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for putting words to horror, history to these days, when there is so much to not repeat.
Le’shalom,
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
I can’t help but write these stories. There is much to not repeat. Thank you, my friend.
Le’shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
In your inimitable way, you have perfectly told this story. It is heartbreaking to be witness (thankfully from afar) of yet more horrors.
Shalom and lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Thank you for your validating and encouraging comment. Of course there will be more stories to come. Enjoy your week.
Shalom and lotsa loving hugs,
Rochelle
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Of coursee there will 🙂
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Heartbreaking and haunting, I cannot imagine having to repeat that horror. The poor woman and the fear she must have for her great-grandson.
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Dear Lisa,
What’s happening now is terrifying. The fact that the media villifies Israel for defending itself I find even more terrifying, if not appalling. And antisemitisim is on the rise. Last week my ten year old Hebrew student was told by one of her classmates they couldn’t be friends because she’s Jewish and stands for Israel. SMH.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I can’t be forced to “choose sides” beyond the innocents caught in the crossfire. I’m against hate crimes and will stand up to the bullies — in peace. Eye for an eye only blinds the world, and I know that’s a cliche’, but it is true.
With love in my heart and peace on my mind,
Shalom,
Lisa
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Very touching and tragic story, Rochelle. I hope you’re staying safe. It’s a sad irony that the present violence has increased hatred against both Jews and Palestinians around the world. I wish we could all see each other as humans first and nationalities second. I’m praying for peace soon. Have a good week.
David
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Dear David,
I agree with you. What the news media doesn’t tell you is that the oppressed Palestinians use their children as human shields. Israel doctors treat their children pro bono. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Most recently, (I posted it on FB), my young Hebrew student was told by a classmate they couldn’t be friends because she is Jewish and stands for Israel. If this isn’t sounding like 1938, I don’t know what is. Thank you for your encouraging comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m alarmed at history repeating itself. It’s always civilians who suffer. No body should live in fear.
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Dear Tanille,
It is alarming. Thank you for chiming in.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is so tragic and such a hopeless state of affairs.
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It is indeed, Dahlia. I for one am a bit frightened. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Poor Shifra. There will be many like her, suffering again from the tragedy of the holocaust, as the current horrors take place, even those who weren’t born in that earlier time. Future generations continue to feel the effect of such traumas.
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Dear Margaret,
The sad thing is that there were Holocaust survivors murdered in Gaza. thank you for your kind and validating comments. Sorry for the late reply.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
A powerful story about a horrific period in the lives of so many.
Shalom,
Adele
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Thank you for the words of encouragement, Adele.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Will things ever change? We can only hope, as we have in the past. A touching tale which I know is close to your heart, Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
This is indeed a subject close to my heart. And as an American Jew, I’m unerved by the antisemitism rearing up its ugly head here and around the world. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am so sorry we are talking about the horror of the last month. I deplore the ignorance spread by the propaganda where people do not understand the underlying cause of the upheaval. Every peace proposal rejected and assassinations of those who dare challenge the sick ideology of unjustified hate.
The UN should lower their heads in shame.
Stay safe Rochelle.
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Dear James,
Your comment needs no reply. Only a hearty AMEN! Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Will humans ever learn? I think not.
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I’m afraid I agree, Connie. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have never understood why religious differences make people fight.
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Neither do I, Anonymous. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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or how long can we say, never again? i suppose until we learn to accept each other in this diverse and interconnected world.
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Dear Plaridel,
Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? If only people could realize how alike we all are. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
Yet another tragic story of the innocence of children destroyed.
Sad … we seem to be like the road runner … standing in place while his feet race. Touching and sorrowful
Abrazos y Carino, mi amiga,
Izzy 😎 ❤️
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Querida Izzy,
Brilliant anaology. Gracias para tus palabres.
Shalom y abrazos, mi amiga,
Rochelle
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For those of us who have never experienced war or violence or death, it is unimaginable, impossible to fully comprehend how terrifying it is. Children are not supposed to grow like this; parents are not meant to outlive their children. How unspeakably sad is this never-ending inhumanity? My heart grieves for the people of Israel. Shalom, dear Rochelle. Shalom. ✌🏼❤︎
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Dear Nancy,
Your comments say it all. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That wasn’t funny at all. I think I interpreted “Hysterical Fiction” differently. Nothing good can come from labeling and grouping people, and then focusing on our differences instead of our commonalities.
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Dear Nobbin,
Very astute of you. Most definitely NOT funny. This is where I was going with hysterical: irrational from fear, emotion, or an emotional shock.
In a perfect world…
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The truth of this is what makes it so devastatingly heartbreaking.
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True. Thank you, Dawn.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh
Oh
Beautifully written
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