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The Post-Oct. 7 World of American Jews

(Newsweek) Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch - Oct. 7, 2023, forever changed Jewish history. Time froze on that day. It is still Oct. 7. We are unable to move on until the most intense fighting ceases and the danger is lifted. For American Jews, the past year exposed the persistence of Jew-hatred constantly bubbling under the surface of Western societies that we thought was mostly suppressed. We are beginning to hear eerie echoes of Europe, the haunting howls of hatred that brought our ancestors to these shores in the first place. How naturally does hatred of Israel mutate into hatred of Jews. How easily do anti-Israel passions lead to violence against Jews and Jewish institutions. According to Israel's enemies, to struggle against it is to struggle for freedom, goodness, justice and righteousness. This is classic antisemitism, always centering on the collective Jew. Atheist, secular, religious, ultra-liberal, ultra-conservative, advocates of two states and opponents of two states were all slaughtered and kidnapped on Oct. 7. Israelis who devoted their lives to coexistence with Palestinians, who advocated and acted on their behalf, were also brutally murdered. It didn't matter what they actually believed. No one asked. American Jews will not debate whether the Jewish state, of all the countries of the world, has a right to exist. We will not debate whether we have a right to national dignity and self-determination. If we cannot persuade you to leave us alone, we will defend ourselves. What other choice is there? We have already tried everything else. We are open to all discussions related to coexistence. We will not debate with you national suicide. The writer, senior rabbi of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York City, served as executive director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America.
2024-10-08 00:00:00
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