Nuremberg Tour 2
I reread Savitri's email.
"Dear Rachel:
"The news story of the synagogue in Toronto being spray painted made me think of you. Yes, I know geography, know it's a way away. But I also know things spread from the center. Like here, trends in Georgetown come here with a time delay.
"Underlying it all has to be the question of your sense of identity in Canada or Guyana. It was a whole lot simpler in Guyana. Your father was not a rich Jewish businessman, but a rich white one.
"As I see it, if any real trouble starts there, you have two options. Should you choose to remain in Canada, a simple name change should do the job. Some German surnames are obviously Jewish, some obviously not and some could be either. With the right name and your appearance, no one would take you for a Jew.
"You could also consider returning to Guyana. When we were children, you often said it would be nice to own a used bookstore around here. I have big news in that regard. There was only one store in New Amsterdam, it closed, had a clearance sale. The owner was sponsored by relatives to go to USA. If you want to open anything, you have no competition all the way from New Amsterdam east to the Suriname border.
"Every time I see something or other happen in Canada, I've always put off raising the topic. So much easier to simply chatter away.
"You see, Suresh (her husband) is the real reason behind that. He is a nice guy and he remembers and likes you from school days. It's just I didn't want to pressure him. He would undoubtedly agree if I suggested you stay with us for whatever time it takes to get started. The problem is, I didn't know how willingly or not.
"The last news story produced a strange reaction in him. He looked at me, just quietly said, 'that's three incidents in Canada in about a month. Wouldn't it be a good idea to invite Rachel to stay with us? That is, if she feels in necessary.'
"So the one obstacle is out of the way. It's now his idea, so no question you would be welcome. Anyhow, think on it and write back.
"Your best friend, Savitri"
"Dear Rachel:
"The news story of the synagogue in Toronto being spray painted made me think of you. Yes, I know geography, know it's a way away. But I also know things spread from the center. Like here, trends in Georgetown come here with a time delay.
"Underlying it all has to be the question of your sense of identity in Canada or Guyana. It was a whole lot simpler in Guyana. Your father was not a rich Jewish businessman, but a rich white one.
"As I see it, if any real trouble starts there, you have two options. Should you choose to remain in Canada, a simple name change should do the job. Some German surnames are obviously Jewish, some obviously not and some could be either. With the right name and your appearance, no one would take you for a Jew.
"You could also consider returning to Guyana. When we were children, you often said it would be nice to own a used bookstore around here. I have big news in that regard. There was only one store in New Amsterdam, it closed, had a clearance sale. The owner was sponsored by relatives to go to USA. If you want to open anything, you have no competition all the way from New Amsterdam east to the Suriname border.
"Every time I see something or other happen in Canada, I've always put off raising the topic. So much easier to simply chatter away.
"You see, Suresh (her husband) is the real reason behind that. He is a nice guy and he remembers and likes you from school days. It's just I didn't want to pressure him. He would undoubtedly agree if I suggested you stay with us for whatever time it takes to get started. The problem is, I didn't know how willingly or not.
"The last news story produced a strange reaction in him. He looked at me, just quietly said, 'that's three incidents in Canada in about a month. Wouldn't it be a good idea to invite Rachel to stay with us? That is, if she feels in necessary.'
"So the one obstacle is out of the way. It's now his idea, so no question you would be welcome. Anyhow, think on it and write back.
"Your best friend, Savitri"
posted by afghangirlscifi @ 10:01 AM
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