Zenobia stood up to the bullies of 3rd century Syria

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about bullying. Believe it or not bullying

was an issue even in 3rd century Syria. Here’s a excerpt of Zenobia dealing

with bullies.

Zenobia- Birth of a Legend, chapter sixteen:
 

 Zenobia began to jog back to the spice market. On impulse she decided to take a side street to see more of the city. As she passed a narrow alley, she heard a boy’s voice say, “Just leave me alone!” She turned back and saw three boys who looked to be about fourteen bullying a smaller boy. One of them pushed the weaker boy to the ground. A fire started to burn in her and she walked slowly into the alley.

     One of the attackers saw her and yelled, “Hey, we’ve got company!”

     The three all faced her and a second one addressed her, “I haven’t seen you around here.”

     “I’m not from around her,” she said simply.

     “What do you want?” asked the third one.

     “Justice.”

     The first one laughed derisively, “You must be crazy, girl! I’ll give you the beating of your life!”

     She smiled slightly and said nothing. “She’s got a sword Demeter!” the second boy said.

     Zenobia sized up the situation, noting the narrowness of the alley. The bullies would not be able to surround her. Next she looked at the boy on the ground and asked, “Why are they after you? Did you steal from them?”

     He shook his head. “They told me not to walk in this alley. They hate me because I’m a Jew.” No contradiction came from the three youths…

      “I’m first!” claimed Demeter, and he advanced on Zenobia, rubbing his hands in anticipation. She was as fast as a cat and fifteen seconds later he was on the ground, screaming in pain.

     His two comrades ran at her together… In short order they joined their companion on the paving stones, writhing…

 
Zenobia uses her fist but there are plenty of other ways to stop bullying. We encourage you to resolve
bullying in a more peaceful manner.

Stand Up for Others:

When you see bullying, there are safe things you can do to make it stop.

• Be kind to the kid being bullied. Show them that you care by trying to include them. Talk to them at school, or invite them to do something. Just hanging out with them will help them know they aren’t alone.

• Tell the bully to stop. Not saying anything could make it worse for everyone. The kid who is bullying will think it is OK to keep treating others that way.

If you are being bullied, tell them to stop and make it clear that you don’t appreciate it. If you don’t feel comfortable in saying something get an adult involved.

   

More information can be found at:  http://www.stopbullying.gov & http://nobullying.com/

Be a hero like ZENOBIA