Using God as the justification of Falcon’s assault on Jews
Michael is a young boy walking in the streets of New York, and he witnesses a gang called Falcons assaulting a Jewish man. Michael is still a young boy, and he does not know what to do next. When Michael goes home, he narrates the whole ordeal to his mother. Ironically, what the mother could say is that God will punish the Falcons. The mother also tells Michael that he should not worry about justice in this world. Consequently, the mother's advice is not helpful because Michael will grow up fearful, and he will not defend his rights whenever mistreated by the gangs such as Falcons.
Michael’s courage
Michael is growing up, and he is learning more about his religion from Rabbi. However, the Falcons get information that Rabbi is and Michael's family is Jews and plan an attack. When the Falcons come to attack Rabbi, they also attack Michael's mother, a widow. Ironically, Michael gathers the courage and strongly fights off the Falcons. Ironically, Michael, who was told to leave the Falcons to God, realizes that they can be defeated and justice be restored.
The irony of power
Power is symbolized by Michael's strong will to use Kabbalah as a weapon against the gangs. According to Rabbi, believing in Kabbalah is the only way Jews can regain their lost glory and God-given powers. Therefore, Michael decides to use religion as a tool that will give him the power to defeat the enemy and restore his dignity and power. However, it is satirical for Michael to use religion as a tool for restoring justice instead of pursuing legal frameworks to ensure equity and fair treatment of all people.
The irony of religious extremism
The Irish people believe in God, but they view Jews as evil people who should be eliminated from the face of the earth. The irony of religion is that it fuels intolerance, racism, and violence. The Jews are attacked and harassed, but there is nothing one can do to prevent such hooliganism.
The irony of Michael’s decision to pursue justice using religion
The reader might first think that Michael is justified in using his religious believes in dealing with the Falcons. Ironically, Michael is on the same path to religious extremism because he thinks that using the Kabbalah doctrine to defeat enemies is Godly. However, Michael is becoming a religious extremist, which contradicts his earlier objectives.
