Eruption at Lunch

Seven of us are sitting at lunch, in an upscale restaurant, discussing some recent firm activities. One of the topics was a recent speech given by an older gentlemen we all knew where he spoke about his role in forming the armed forces of Israel soon after the country was born. A woman who had been working with us recently as a contract employee commented that even her friend, who was Palestinian, found the talk very engaging and interesting.

MSB immediately and loudly proclaimed, loud enough for everyone in the restaurant (at least 20 other people)to hear, "You have no right to use that word at this table! There is no such thing as a Palestinian! You can say whatever you like when you are with your liberal cronies and bash Israel in any way that you want, but you will not use the word PALESTINIAN at this table!" She grew progressively louder as she railed and every single head in that room was turned toward her by the finish.

No one knew what to say. We all wanted to ask how exactly we were supposed to refer to those people should the subject come up again, but it was clear that we were all too shocked by the sudden outburst to ask the question. There was little talking the rest of the meal and the contractor left the job the next day. I was asked twice "Wasn't it weird how she just left like that without even a good-bye?"