The violence of masked and armed agents continues in our neighborhoods. J.D. Vance visited the city yesterday and bemoaned the fact that citizens are just not cooperating with the agents. But Mr. Vance, we don’t believe what you say–that you are merely ferreting out murderers and rapists. And oh, you emphasized that there is no racial profiling happening. We don’t believe that. And what a ridiculous answer you had to the reporter who questioned the abduction of a five-year-old child and his father (who had no criminal record nor an order for deportation). He needed to be with his father (and sent to Texas), you said, justifying it with “We couldn’t just leave him out in the cold, could we?”
The ICE officials’ press conferences are distressing. The response to any questions about the appropriateness of ICE agents, say, detaining citizens, using pepper spray, or putting guns in people’s faces and asking for proof of citizenship, is, “But we got that really bad guy. Do you want that bad guy on the streets of Minneapolis!?”
Knitters are responding with their needles. I know I will be seeing these red hats everywhere soon, based on a cap worn by Norwegian resistors during WWII. Money from the sale of this hat pattern will be given to the LynLake community of businesses who will distribute the funds to those impacted by the actions of ICE.
Minnesota has a lot of Scandinavians, and they are wonderful allies in standing up for all our neighbors. I live near Lake Street, where there is a lot of ICE activity. Traffic to local businesses and restaurants has dropped, so I’m doing my best to put my shopping dollars there. Last Saturday Mike and I stocked up on olive oil, couscous, and grapeseed oil at Bill’s Imported Foods. Of course it is no hardship to eat great Mexican food. This taco shop in Mercado Central serves the best tacos I’ve ever eaten; it’s run by three siblings.
Ingebretsen’s Nordic Marketplace is a block away from Mercado Central. Their meat market is great. I bought Swedish sausage, as I have for decades. They were giving away free whistles on a ribbon; you could choose from Norwegian or Swedish flag colors. I wasn’t sure how to link to this eloquent statement on their Facebook feed, so I will add it here.
We typically refrain from commenting on politics at Ingebretsen’s, our policy has always been to respect varying points of view, as it should be. As many of you know, our family is very closely connected to our own immigrant story, and because of that, we feel strongly about the importance of making a statement of support for the immigrants currently helping to shape our community. 95 years ago, our market was opened to serve the specific culinary needs of the vibrant Scandinavian immigrant community that surrounded us, much like the bodegas and halal groceries that surround us today. Our relatives began their lives here with limited to no ability to speak English, with few resources, fiercely dependent on each other’s support for survival and sense of family and community, holding tight to the traditions that helped them feel connected to their distant homes. They dedicated themselves to learning, to growing, and to participating in the health and prosperity of our neighborhood and our democracy, a sacred tradition that extends today through the 4th generation of Ingebretsens. Today, while the countries of origin of immigrants have changed, the same basic principals of starting a life in America have not. It is long, it is challenging, it is hope filled. Over the past 30 years, we have had the good fortune to see our community enriched beyond measure by the presence, dedication and big hearts of our Latin@ and East African neighbors, among many others. We are constantly struck by how similar our relatives immigrant story is to many we hear today. We are so thankful to continue to be part of this diverse group of new, not so new, and indigenous Americans who truly want a happy & healthy life for themselves and their families- who are working so hard to make that happen. So in the wake of an undeniably divided vote in this nation, this afternoon, our reality of connection feels important to share. What is truly great about this country is the opportunity to live and work side by side with so many. Let’s not miss trying to connect to the myriad of things we have in common, even when it feels uncomfortable, especially when we think we disagree. Let’s not forget to see the beauty and potential in one another. Let’s always strive for compassion. Let’s never forget kindness.
, The Ingebretsen Family
Temple Israel is a couple of blocks from our home in Minneapolis. This morning I attended an amazing interfaith service that brought together downtown clergy, visiting clergy from around the country, elected officials and concerned citizens. Rabbi Zimmerman began with, “We do not gather in fear but we gather in hope, trust and love.” One of the songs we sang was written by Holly Near, “We are a Gentle, Angry People.” If your chest is filled with too much of the “angry people” part of that song title, I recommend watching the full service.
It was festive, heart-warming, peaceful, and cold. Three times along the route people were handing out hand warmers. I wanted to take out my phone to capture many of the clever signs, but it took so much time to remove my leather chopper mittens and reach in my pocket that my hands would freeze up. One OK shot shows a portion of the Minnesota flag and a woman who represents how well-covered the marchers were. I’m sure I knew other people in the march, but it would be quite hard to recognize them. The temperature was -10 degrees F (-23 degrees celsius), but the wind was still. An American flag shone in the sun.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Veronna