Rabbi Howard Morrison

Let me say that I love watching sports.

Let me say that growing up in the Boston area, I always try to catch a Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, or Celtics game.

Let me say that living in Toronto the last twenty one years, I keep my eye on the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Raptors.

Let me say that when the Olympics take place, I would always keep an eye on how Israeli, American, and Canadian athletes are doing.

Now - let me say that I have made a conscious decision to personally boycott the Olympics in Beijing. I am watching none of it. My only interest is my concern for the larger human rights issues going on in China.

Now - I am reminded of the farce which took place in the 1936 Olympic games held in Germany, a showplace of Nazi propaganda. How amazing it was that the world participated in the games while turning a blind eye to the evil that was already fermenting at that time.

Now - I am living during an era where another farce is taking place. How amazing it is that while some countries are boycotting diplomatically, nevertheless, the world is participating in these games while turning a blind eye to the evil which is taking place at this time.

If he were alive, what would Elie Wiesel say? What lessons have we learned from his book, "Night," and his many other books, writings, and sayings? The world continues to commit the sins of indifference and apathy.

I will continue to watch my Boston sports teams, the loyalties of my youth.

I will continue to watch my Toronto sports teams, representing where I live my life now.

But I will refrain from watching anything to do with the Olympic games which have begun this past weekend.

"Human suffering anywhere concerns men and women everywhere." (Night, by Elie Wiesel)

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison