2025 Year-End Ponderings and Wishes

As 2025 comes to a close, it feels like a year spent at the Mad Hatter’s tea party, full of illogical conversations and chaotic absurdity that reflects the confusing events around the globe. In 2025, the U.S. faced mass and targeted shootings, including the recent tragic event at Brown University. Even minor differences between us seemed to provoke violent reactions, highlighted by the recent passing of Rob Reiner and his wife.

This December, tragedy also struck in Australia. During the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, celebrants gathered to light the menorah and enjoy traditional foods, and were greeted instead by 2 shooters. Our thoughts are with the families affected by all of these events.

As the year ends, let’s not allow these incidents to desensitize us. We need to discuss how we often judge people based on stereotypes rather than their true selves. Stereotypes oversimplify our perceptions and distort our understanding of others. They can lead to unfair treatment of those who are different from us, such as seniors, immigrants, and marginalized groups. Such thinking can rationalize irrational acts, including violence.

Instead, we should strive to bring light into the world and make changes to overcome the darkness with love. This type of change starts with one person’s commitment to making a positive impact in a challenging world. When we build inclusive communities, we can foster empathy and understanding, making it harder for stereotypes to thrive and, consequently, preventing violence. My hope for 2026 is that we start conversations to acknowledge our differences, celebrate our common ground, and move away from stereotyping to create a better world.

Elizabeth Macnab, Executive Director, OSSCO