A Jewish Seder Can Inspire Latinos to Create Change

Oppressed Jews in Egypt

Oppressed Latinos during the Bracero Program

Friday was Passover as well as Shabat. Jorge (my husband) and I have a mutual Jewish friend named Sam. The three of us are so close that we share our cultures with each other. Thus, our plan this year was to attend Sam's Passover/Shabat seder on Friday and celebrate Easter on Sunday. During the seder, there were several passages read that I was left pondering. There is an undeniable connection between the Jewish and Latino - they both understand oppression. I could not help but feel that the oppression the Jewish people experienced during the days of the Egyptians is what Latinas in the United States are enduring currently. This all sounds depressing, but it inspired me. If the Jewish community can become successful, so can Latinos! Oppression can inspire a population to improve their situation. For example, states like Arizona, that pass legislation which directly hurts the Latino community, are poking a sleeping giant. Think about it, Latinos are so numerous, if we became inspired by the oppression we endure, we could become successful and improve our condition. So the next time I read, hear, or experience something that is racist, rather than growing morose, I am going to channel that hurt into inspiration and work even harder.                        

Being Latina is complicated and beautiful.

Current racial prejudice disguised by 9/11 fears.