Contact The Harry Potter Alliance at the email address at end of post and tell them:
The Spell of Love can break The Spell of Silence.
Domestic Violence Can Be Defeated.
My message today is in response to the beating and death threats by her own father and brother against the star of Harry Potter movie, Afshan Azad, who plays witch Padma Patil:
http://wonderwall.msn.com/movies/potter-star-patils-dad-and-brother-charged-with-threatening-to-kill-her-1559329.story
Q: What's the spell to cure domestic violence?
A: Any speaking/talking/revealing/ending of the deathly dangerous silence.
As the first coordinator for the Coalition Against Jewish Domestic Violence in the Delaware Valley (that is, metro or ‘Greater Philadelphia’), I found that there were (and still are) some who would rather magically sweep it all under the rug or respond in a hush-hush manner behind closed doors to preserve the mythic image of the "supportive loving Jewish family." This issue did not have "cache" or "classy" image appeal for me and the volunteers. After all, who would want to volunteer services to such a group? No opportunity for plaque and glory or even cool T-shirts much less compensation or professional advancement.
I understand why Afsham Azad was not in the court room and why she pleaded for the charges against her dad and brother to be dropped. I have listened to women like her who finally, at first timidly and later with increasing bravery - talk.
Those minority communities which have begun to say and teach each other what needs to be said to break the evil spell of that violence which is visible as well as verbal need to reach out to other minority communities to give courage and support and serve as coaches who can model the spell that changes this ugly dynamic.
I understand this dynamic as a leader in the Jewish community. I have heard the leaders of other communities talk about this extra reticence to speak out. The women of minority communities have taken upon themselves an added burden in the ongoing suffering of domestic violence. Their fear is real. As as the witch Padma Patil in the Harry Potter movie, she is brave. Today, Afsham Azad's fear is real.
There is a spell that can change this scary reality of Padma's and so many of her sisters and brothers 'round our global home. That loving spell must be talked out loud in safety and among friends and family and in the public square. I offer to Padma and all who wear this cloak of shame my rabbinic friendship: to listen and . . . when she is ready . . . to speak. I will be honored to draw back the curtains and open the windows so that all might hear the truth.
The spell of change, dear Padma and all sister witches, is your own voice. Happily, that sweet sound spoken resolutely breaks the spell of evil and the code of silence and the reign of terror.
Shalom - Salaam - Pax - Harmony and Balance - Justice, Liberty and Love will flow when the words, her own words -- from her own heart, her own lips -- come forth.
May Padma Patil begin soon. May Padma "go from strength to strength."
Dear Sister - "Be strong and of good courage" and know that you are not alone. I am with you along with so many others from my community, your own community and so many other communities to hold your hand and listen. Tell me your story.
The twin witches both join Dumbledore's Army, whose mission it is to learn self-defense. Who will defend Azad today? It is Parvati who duels with the Death Eater, Travers, during the Battle of Hogwarts and it is Parvati who attacks Antonin Dolohov with a Body-Bind Curse. Who will help bind the hands of those who strike Azad with fists and words, leaving both visible and invisible wounds.
If Azad is Padma, where is her Parvati? I volunteer. Will you?
Dear Muggles and Witches and Wizards, please contact The Harry Potter Alliance and urge them to use THE weapon - The Ultimate Spell - LOVE - to surround and embrace Azad so that she may utter the spell that will break the spell, i.e., her very own words - her very own voice. This spell will also help her brother and dad along with her immediate family to rectify, cure and heal the ancient history of domestic violence learned and taught from generation to generation under The Spell of Silence.
Let now there be The Spell of Love. Put your hat on. Go to the screen and wiggle your finger and move your hearts.
Cast your conscience. Cast your love. Write today. And donate your efforts for good.
The contact address for The Harry Potter Alliance (http://www.thehpalliance.org) is info@thehpalliance.org
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