When Arson Strikes, Jews Polarize.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Holiday, Florida, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) December 13, 2011 -- When arson strikes, Jews polarize. Too many recall similar experiences in their own personal journey; although separated by decades, thousands of miles or generations. So was the case upon hearing how arsons destroyed The Holy Land Judaic Bookstore in Hollywood, Florida this week. The proprietor, Rabbi Michael Katz has received offers from friends and soon to be friends as many rally around him.

One such anonymous businessman called his synagogue rabbi 40 miles away and asked him to act as a go-between, lest Rabbi Katz not be embarrassed by the help. "Give him our own products to sell, offer him our workers to clean up from the fire, offer him money to feed his family, offer him storage and warehouse space to receive merchandize, offer him use of any of our trucks, ask him to tell you what he needs. Chanukkah is coming, he must be able to do business!"

It wasn't too long that Rabbi Katz put it all together, when he was handed a case of Hamsa Perfume, at no charge and was told: "Sell this, whatever you bring in you should keep". Printed on the back of the perfume box was the name of the company of the kind donor and suddenly the mystery was no more.

When asked by the store keeper what prompted the donor to come forward in such a way, his synagogue rabbi explained briefly of the donor's history; "It wasn't that long ago that his own family lost everything they had in Libya - but in their case they lost their lives too." The memory of anti-Semitism is still fresh in his mind although it happened 4 decades ago. "It is not his style to stand by and do nothing to help" it was explained.

And today, 6 days after the fire, a book store that sold primarily Sacred Books, has so many other Chanukkah items to sell because of the kindness of strangers. May the memory of anti-semitism fade quickly in the minds of the shop owner and the anonymous donor; for together they shared a common experience separated by generations and miles.

More information can be found online at http://www.hamsa-perfume.com

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