We were so happy our granddaughter was coming to visit us along with her folks and dog. That was such a gift after more than a year of health woes.
We had planned family dinners, celebrating her third birthday early and she was totally into it.
Balloons and gifts scattered around our home, filled with the contagious laughter and squeals from her excitement. She is so very special. A Baba and Zaida delight!
The weather had forecasted rain, but we were delighted by 5 perfect days of sunshine. Mother Nature was cooperating.
The first day they arrived, we decided to go out for dinner. My daughter was desperate to go to the Bridge Drive Inn for ice cream. I warned her of a long lineup. We went regardless and were pleasantly surprised how quickly they handled customers.
And as most folks do, the mandatory walk across the bridge, yes even with dripping cones, was welcomed.
I didn’t see it coming. We were free as birds, not encumbered by the daily horrible news accounts around the world, but we were in a “Deja vu” land of remembering taking our own kids for ice cream on a summer’s night.
My eye landed on the silver railing left side of the bridge. With a black marker someone had written “f**k Isal” spelled incorrectly. This was followed by more offensive graffiti. “ISAL #1 cause of children deaths”.
Well, this certainly changed the mood instantaneously. We all were sucked back into a void of Jewish hatred and misinformation.
Can you imagine how many souls cross that bridge all summer?
We had been told a camera crew with stars were filming that day at this location.
Antisemitism is alive and well and can show up in the most unexpected places.
I looked at my granddaughter and wondered what her future would hold. Will she one day run into vile graffiti, denouncing her existence just for being Jewish?
We continued to walk across the bridge but of course upon our return that horrible commentary hit me once again, as if I had seen it minutes before. It is real. Someone took the time and put in this effort to convey their hate.
In turn, I put the time and effort into reporting it to the police. They were going to send someone out to remove it. But I suspect, it will be quickly replaced by more of the same.
I’ve lived in Winnipeg for 66 years, and don’t remember ever having to deal with written statements of loathing.
Should you encounter similar incidents, know that I found the police very accommodating and empathetic. So do not hesitate to report anything.
It was a sad moment in Winnipeg. I’m so glad my granddaughter still can’t read such words craving her extinction.
Stand with Israel
