Rashi explains va’yisyaldu as, “They declared their lineage.” This means they brought documents proving their lineage (as part of Am Yisrael). Kedushas Levi presents an alternative explanation in which the word va’yisyaldu is translated literally as indicating leidah, birth. As is well-known, the nations of the world trace their lineage matrilineally, after their mothers [Rus Rabbah 2:13]. Rabbi Meir comforted Avnimus HaGardi when his mother died. However, a short time later, when Avnimus’ father died, the gentile was not actively mourning his father. Rabbi Meir explained that from the standpoint of lineage, a non-Jewish idolater has no status from his…