The Persistent Scourge

You know, anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism) is a peculiar thing. Jews have been hated for being rich and for being poor, for being capitalists and for being Communists, for clinging to tradition, and for being cosmopolitans. It’s not a belief – it’s a virus that mutates and adapts, finding new excuses to justify its existence.

An Immune System for Hate

The human body has an incredible immune system that develops defenses against viruses, but anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism) keeps finding ways to penetrate and spread. It mutates, and that’s what we’re witnessing today. We can no longer bury our heads in the sand and assume this will pass. Sure, if things calm down in Israel, maybe the rest of the world will follow suit. But these past few months have shown us that those who hate us hate us far more than we ever imagined. No matter how calm things get, we can’t afford to be complacent anymore.

Unexpected Allies

But here’s the flip side, and it’s important to acknowledge this too. A few weeks after that fateful October 7th, I was walking in London’s West End when a big, burly, tattooed guy carrying coffee in both hands called out to me. I braced myself, thinking, “Here we go.” But he said, “It’s really terrible what’s going on out there, isn’t it?” I agreed, and he added, “I’m really sorry about that.” I was so pleasantly stunned that I thanked him and told him how much I appreciated his support.

The Silent Majority

At that moment, it occurred to me that we have a lot of friends out there too. In fact, I genuinely believe that those who like us actually represent the majority. They may be silent, but they’re there, and they like us more than we realize. So while the virus of anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism) keeps mutating, finding new ways to justify its existence, we mustn’t forget that we have allies too – unexpected allies, and a silent majority who stand with us.

Confronting the Virus of Anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism)

Anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism) is not a belief, but a virus that mutates and resurfaces throughout history, fueled by irrational hatred towards Jews. Recent events, such as the war with Gaza, have exposed the uncomfortable truth that anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism) has always been lurking beneath the surface, waiting for an opportunity to rear its ugly head once again. While overt anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism) is no longer socially acceptable, the hatred has taken on new forms, such as criticism of Israel and Zionism, which often blur the lines and target Jews themselves.

The Silent Majority of Allies

Despite the resurgence of anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism), there is a silent majority of allies who support and appreciate the Jewish community. These allies represent the majority, but their voices are often overshadowed by the vocal minority of haters. It is crucial to recognize and amplify the voices of these allies, fostering a sense of solidarity and strength in the face of adversity.

Strengthening Jewish Identity

The most effective way to combat anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism) is not by trying to weaken the enemy, but by strengthening ourselves and enhancing our Jewish identity. When Jews embrace their heritage, celebrate their traditions, and hold their heads high with pride, the world will respect them more. Programs like the Sinai Scholars Program, funded by George Rohr, are excellent examples of initiatives that fortify Jewish students with knowledge and conviction, enabling them to proudly represent their identity on university campuses.

Investing in the Diaspora

While supporting Israel is crucial, it is equally important to invest in the Jewish diaspora and ensure its survival. The threat of anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism) targeting Jewish identity in the diaspora is an existential threat, just as physical enemies pose a threat to Israel. A strong diaspora is essential for a strong Israel, and investing in the future of the diaspora is an investment in the future of the Jewish people as a whole.

Embracing Difference and Pride

The ultimate response to irrational hatred is to embrace our Jewish identity and celebrate our differences. As Queen Esther declared, “These are my people,” we must proudly proclaim our Jewishness and the values that define us. With every provocation and attack, we must stand taller, wave our banner of pride higher, and remind ourselves of the privilege of belonging to a nation, religion, and belief system that fosters optimism, faith, and resilience. In the face of resurgent anti-Semitism (Jewish Racism), we must choose to invest in our people, teach them with understanding, and instill a sense of pride in our Jewish identity. By embracing our differences, celebrating our heritage, and standing united, we will ensure that the Jewish people live on forever, defying the hatred and prejudice that seeks to diminish us.