This is the text of a speech I gave at the ACLU of Hawaiʻi’s 3rd Annual Community Iftar Dinner: Cultivating Peace and Refuge, on February 28, 2026.
A Word on Resistance
The Duality of Me
While meeting with a couple friends the other day, I was in the span of a minute called both curmudgeonly and warm and friendly. Both I would say are true and accurate. This is the duality of me.
Years of therapy made me face myself, quirks and all. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve internalized them all and have come to accept and be comfortable (mostly) with all the idiosyncrasies that make me, me.
Testifying in Support of a Ceasefire in Gaza
Friday, March 8, 2024
SCR13 / SR6: Urging Members of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation to Support the Ceasefire in Gaza Resolution Introduced by U.S. Congresswoman Cori Bush
Testifying in Support of a Ceasefire in Gaza
Aloha Chair Wakai, Vice Chair Elefante, and Members of the Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee:
I am Jewish. And I acknowledge the goal of Hamas is the eradication of Jews and the Jewish State. But my Judaism will not and cannot excuse Israel’s vengeful over-reaction and retaliation against Hamas for their attack on October 7th.
Happy Belated Birthday to Me
At the end of May, I turned 45. Somehow this birthday seems more of a milestone than 40 did. And though I like to take time around my birthdays to reflect on life, the universe, and everything, it’s been a couple of years since I wrote a birthday post.
This Feels Like the Last Straw
I’m not sure this will ever be published. Or, maybe published, but not “shared”. This is mostly because I’m concerned this post will read as… pitiful. And despite anything else, I am not looking for pity. I never have and don’t particularly like the idea of people feeling sorry for me.
Whether I was looking for it or not, it appears I may have come to a crossroads in my life. Certainly not the first and possibly not the last. I’m not sure how to proceed and I’m not sure how to reconcile my feelings of grief and anger with anything that comes next.
Last week I lost my dream job. One that checked every career box I’d listed for myself. It’s been given to someone else. But, before I get into the details of that gargantuan disappointment, I need to go back. Way back.