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I’ve got one for everyone: how did little jihadi know my daughter was Jewish? She doesn’t wear a yellow star; no overt religious acts, unless one counts missing certain days.

They were not in the same class; jiahdi girl was unknown completely to my daugter.

It is apparent someone took the time to identify my daughter to her.

This, to me, is by far the most troublesome point.

But, school is over.

Off to tennis and swim and theatre camp, then Israel to see grandmother!

I was thinking about that. The first reaction was that she was extremely outspoken concerning her faith. This can be understandable if your family adhere to orthodox Judaism. Even the issue with respect to the anecdote you cited concerning the Christian child.

However, I got to thinking, how overt can any of these children be concerning their religion. They are 6 years old for crying out loud. At that age their actions are quintessentially that of innocence with respect to virtually everything. With regards to the Christian child, what concept do kindegartners have pertaining to Jesus, except possibly the Babe lying in the Manger. Certainly they’re not actively proselytizing the Gospel, and preaching fire and brimstone, etc. and thumping a Bible. Or, for that fact, your daughter would wrap herself in the Torah and proclaim Mosaic Law to anybody within earshot.

The only way that one’s religion can become an issue would be if the children in question are acting in a haughty, arrogant and condescending manner (as bigoted snobs). But I have a hard time grasping that 6 year olds can act in such fashion as to receive a backlash of such vehemence as you describe.

It is difficult to see how a child’s religion can become such an issue of contention until well after the age when belief in Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and other childhood fairy tales, etc. become the object of ridicule and scorn by children’s own peers.

I believe a very reasonable and plausible explanation is that the girl was incited to this behavior, either by her family at home, or perhaps older siblings in the same school (or perhaps neighbor of hers who attend the school).

Good job following up on the threat to your daughter. I am so sorry that some people are evil.

The only other thing I might do is document everything that happened for future reference. Hopefully, this event is behind you forever.

God bless you and your family.

"...Off to tennis and swim and theatre camp, then Israel to see grandmother!"

As it should be in a six-year old's life.

Let me reiterate again how outrageous this particular situation of yours was, especially in the context of a more visible rising Islamist presence in American and the campaign against Israel in the wake of the Gaza blockade run.

Nevertheless, it reminds me of my daughter's early years and the many conversations we had about how sometimes it's difficult to have to stand alone, even in the face of the majority going; doing things the other way -- are even threats. My daughter faced a scenario like that in her sophomore year in high school and went a little wobbly, but she finally prevailed in mind and heart and her adversary was inevitably expelled (from the whole district!).

Pastors/Rabbis will counsel men that their daughter's views and relationship with G-d will be directly influenced by their relationship with their earthly fathers -- our compassion, patience, approachability, and grace modeling her view of Him.

Likewise, the solid comfort that if threatened by little street goblins and dishonorable men in any way, snarly-a**ed DAD will be there like a hurricane to bring down the pain.