Aisha is a Muslim woman who lives in one of the countries of Asia.
She joined White Tiger as a programmer more than two years ago, and today she is our lead programmer.
Aisha is an exceptionally talented programmer. She writes clean, well-organized code and handles even the most difficult and complex tasks with great efficiency.
I have never met or spoken with Aisha — all communication between us is conducted in writing only. I assume that as a married Muslim woman, this is the norm in the culture she comes from, and I fully understand and respect that fact.
When I sent her a greeting this year for the start of Ramadan, it came with a pang in my heart.
Ramadan is a month meant for introspection, spiritual elevation, and drawing closer to the Creator.
But as an Israeli father, the word Ramadan foretells death.
As an Israeli father, the word Ramadan represents a month during which I pray that my family will come through unharmed — knowing full well that some will not.
As an Israeli father, I know that during this month I need to be armed when I leave the house, so that I can save lives by taking the life of someone who has lost all control.
Is it right to dismiss this reality by claiming it is the work of a minority? Is there a single Jew anywhere on the globe who celebrates Passover by throwing stones, stabbing people, or carrying out a suicide attack? Is there a single Christian who celebrates Christmas that way? Why is the Jewish or Christian minority not so twisted?
The minority does not represent the majority — but the majority's cultural outlook clearly determines the degree of radicalization within the minority.
If rioting during a holiday meant for spiritual elevation is considered reasonable in the eyes of the majority, then carrying out suicide attacks is considered reasonable in the eyes of the minority. There is no other way to explain it.
And yet, despite everything, Ramadan at its core still represents something beautiful — a pause from material life that gives a person the opportunity to connect with themselves and become better.
So to the good Muslims among us — those who are repelled by violence of any kind, those who preserve the beauty of Ramadan as it was meant to be —
رَمَضَان كَرِيم ❤️💐