As we enter 2024, it’s crucial to reflect on the Jewish experience, encompassing both our historical challenges and present-day issues. This reflection serves as an invitation, particularly to our non-Jewish friends, to understand the pain, sorrow, fear, and resilience that have been woven into Jewish life for centuries.
Our history is a rich tapestry of survival against the backdrop of relentless adversity. From ancient times to the Spanish Inquisition, from the Russian pogroms to the Holocaust, our narrative is marked by profound loss and unwavering resilience. Yet, it is also a story of triumph, with our culture preserved and our identity celebrated, often against formidable odds.
The Holocaust stands as the most profound tragedy in our extensive history, marked not only by its unfathomable loss of life but also the destruction of Jewish cultures and communities across Europe. The establishment of Israel in its aftermath symbolized a new beginning, offering hope and a place to rebuild what was lost.
Today, antisemitism still persists, manifesting in both familiar and novel forms. On the right, it emerges as xenophobic nationalism, with Jews portrayed as the perpetual “other.” On the left, particularly in progressive, academic, and social justice circles, there’s a concerning tendency to depict Jews and Israel as oppressors. This portrayal is ironic, given our history of persecution and our support for social justice causes.
This theme of Jews and Israel as oppressors is especially prevalent on college campuses and in international discourse. It often conflates valid criticism of Israeli policies with a broader anti-Israel sentiment, blurring the lines between constructive dialogue and biased prejudice. This rhetoric not only oversimplifies the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also unfairly singles out Israel, leading to a distorted view of the Jewish state and, by extension, Jewish people.
Addressing these challenges requires more than immediate anger or demonization of those expressing antisemitic views. Such reactions, while understandable, only exacerbate division and misunderstanding. Instead, changing antisemitic beliefs demands thoughtful action and engagement, recognizing that altering belief systems is a gradual and deliberate process.
Changing belief systems involves education and dialogue to dispel misconceptions and promote understanding. It’s about creating spaces for honest and respectful conversations where the complexities of Jewish history, including the long history of antisemitism, the Holocaust, and the establishment of Israel, can be discussed and understood in context.
For our non-Jewish allies, comprehending the Jewish experience extends beyond the Holocaust. While the Holocaust represents a horrific chapter in Jewish history, it is just a fraction of the 2500 years of enduring antisemitism. To fully grasp the Jewish experience, it’s essential to acknowledge the myriad historical traumas affecting Jewish families and communities.
This understanding goes beyond recognition; it entails delving into the human stories shaping the Jewish narrative. It means recognizing the enduring fears of antisemitism that persist among Jewish individuals and communities and acknowledging our genuine aspirations for lasting peace and security.
Being a true ally necessitates empathy, education, and a stand against all forms of discrimination to ensure that the Jewish experience is comprehended and respected.
Jews must unite in action, not just words. Our diverse experiences and perspectives are strengths that can create a more deliberate and lasting approach to combating antisemitism. We must harness our collective experiences, drawing from the past and present, to forge a future where antisemitism is not merely reduced but eradicated.
Our efforts should concentrate on creating a world where the Jewish community’s fears and aspirations are understood and acknowledged, where endeavors toward peace and coexistence are genuinely recognized and supported.
Many Jewish leaders and organizations have clung to conventional strategies that have proven ineffective. These older approaches mainly focus on highlighting the Holocaust and attempting to evoke guilt to combat antisemitism. While there was a perception that antisemitism diminished after World War II, it sadly never truly disappeared, merely lying dormant.
Regrettably, the Holocaust’s guilt-inducing impact no longer silences contemporary haters, and we are witnessing a resurgence of antisemitism, reaching record levels.
What has been conspicuously absent is a concerted Jewish effort to address the root issue by altering beliefs and fostering a deeper understanding of the entire Jewish experience with antisemitism. This entails imparting knowledge and understanding about how millennia of hatred culminated in the Holocaust. It is crucial to emphasize that the Holocaust did not occur in isolation; it was the culmination of a long history of prejudice and discrimination.
Antisemitic individuals and groups are adept at disseminating false narratives that fuel hatred against Jews, often operating with considerable organization. In response, Jewish leaders have frequently turned to the media to condemn and seek consequences for those who openly express their hatred of Jews. Unfortunately, this reactive approach often amplifies the resolve of the hatemongers, strengthening their prejudiced beliefs.
To truly make a lasting impact, we must shift our focus from punitive measures and demonization toward the more challenging task of changing beliefs. This endeavor is a long-term commitment, demanding sustained efforts, rather than relying on quick fixes or last-minute interventions.
We must heed the wisdom that repeating the same actions while expecting different results is futile and akin to insanity. Instead, we must adopt a fresh and innovative approach that addresses the root causes behind the false beliefs of those who harbor hatred.
The question arises as to whether there are individuals and groups willing and capable of taking on this challenging task.
We can no longer stand by silently while Jewish leaders continue to cling to old approaches that have shown limited effectiveness for generations. It’s essential for others to step forward and challenge the status quo. I refuse to remain passive and witness Jewish history repeating itself yet again, even in the face of criticism and rejection from fellow Jews for my views. You might deem it unconventional, but the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust drives us to do nothing less than what is necessary to build a world without antisemitism.
Who is willing to join me in this crucial endeavor?
Anyone can understand the desire for revenge after the barbaric terrorist attacks of Oct 7. We Americans certainly felt that way after 9/11 and the attacks by Hamas were much more up close & personal in a small nation. I am concerned that Hamas planned on the massive retaliation as a method to sway public opinion worldwide against Israel, making them the aggressor. ( It is possible to be both victim and aggressor ). It definitely put on hold further establishment of diplomatic ties with Arab nations. In the face of Palestinian casualties and destruction of Gaza making it uninhabitable, those who survive will be enthusiastic future Hamas recruits. Maybe the answer lies in beefed up border security ( maybe too much reliance on technology was a trap ) to prevent future attacks instead of urban combat which may make much of the world forget Oct 7 and focus on the destruction & civilian suffering in Gaza.