“The only thing necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing. ” This profound and well-known quote begs the question: What are we doing?

Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan, was assassinated last week. Think of her life: privileged upbringing, tragic family history, as well as continuous doubt over her political motives. Whether or not you agree with her politics, one thing is clear – Bhutto did not have to return to Pakistan to run again.

On NBC’s Today show, she stated there was no real difference in being elected prime minister twice or thrice. As previous interviews aired, I found myself learning more about this woman, mother, wife and leader. Something deep motivated her. Perhaps the oath to her father, pledged in his death cell, to carry on his work; a chance to bring democracy to Pakistan; or the belief that fundamentalism would continue to grow and destroy her country.

But, how does the death of a former Pakistani prime minister matter to us in St. Louis, Missouri anyway? Why should we care about this country and its turmoil that is 7,822 miles away? Does it really matter that her party and photos suggest gunshots, while the government maintains that Bhutto hit her head on the sunroof?

Perhaps you’re not feeling the effects in our city today, but an important voice has been silenced. Her message was universal. We’re at a critical and historical period. Intolerance and extremism are everywhere. What if Pakistan determines that, for its country’s survival, an alliance with fundamentalists is better than with the United States? This definitely affects Israel. What about here? As a mother with teen/tween sons, I can tell you the prospect is terrifying. I don’t want my children to live in fear of terrorism, face a draft, or worse believe that removing yourself from the problem is better than being part of the solution.

Consider our ancient teachings – the commitment to make our lives a blessing and repair the world. We know from Pirkei Avot, the work is not ours to complete. Our requirement is to participate and not desist from taking it on. Isn’t it our sage Hillel who asks “if not now, when? “

Around me, I see complacency and apathy. Where is the outrage? Shouldn’t we be discussing this and other critical international, national, local topics everywhere? Instead, stories of winter vacations replace political fury. Fear of retribution or offending someone paralyzes us. Is it easier to complain quietly and not make waves? Fatigue from growing world problems makes us reticent to take on yet another issue. Why try to make a difference if it doesn’t seem to matter?

There’s significant sacrifice in the tasks at hand, though today most of us will never experience the trauma the Bhutto family has endured. It takes effort to have your voice heard and be part of a democracy. Will you choose to be silent and allow others to determine the direction life takes in 2008? Talking about current events at dinnertime, taking children to meet elected officials, attending social action meetings with them, sharing your values allows your children and theirs to carry on your family’s vision for a better world. Let this moment in time lead to something. Our community understands what happens when good men do nothing.

Cynthia Kramer is a board member of the St. Louis Jewish Light, and chair of its Editorial Committee.