The War Against The Jews

Key Findings:

The war that erupted in Israel on October 7th was not just a war waged against Israel and its civilians, but also a war waged against global Jewry. The rise of antisemitism around the world presented itself as a beast of its own– a war waged against the Jews of the Diaspora. 

The global response to the October 7th attacks consisted of displays of glorification of terror, calls for the annihilation of the state of Israel, and verbal and physical acts of antisemitism against Jewish individuals and institutions. These took place in online spaces, on college campuses, at protests, etc. The author points out that the enemy of the Jewish people during the war is not just Hamas, but anyone who sympathizes, glorifies, and aligns with their ideology. 

The author argues that the Jews of the Diaspora should recognize that they are at war as well, and actively respond as such. He urges Jews around the world to mobilize and fight back against their enemies on all fronts, securing safety and security for times to come. 

“If we build our forces, work together, and shift from fear to war-making, it will be the Jews’ power rather than our suffering that will secure our safety.”

Recommendations for Diaspora Jews in retaliation to the war against global Jewry: 

1. Protecting Jews everywhere through security measures in Jewish institutions as well as mental health resources for Jewish individuals. 

2. Recognizing that those who glorify Hamas and their actions share the same ideology as them, and are therefore an enemy.

3. Recognizing the power within the Jewish community and the ability to come together,  mobilize for support, and create positive change during a challenging time.

4. Shifting the balance of fear by emphasizing that those who are to be afraid and ashamed are individuals taking the side of terror.  

5. Recognizing friends and allies. 

6. Demanding the right to be protected under law such as any other religious or ethnic group. This is specifically relevant to the treatment of Jewish students on university campuses, for example.

7. Adjusting philanthropic priorities to also support the Diaspora war effort and Jews abroad who are dealing with social media, campus, and community. 

8. Fighting the long term ideological battles now in order  to reframe Jewry to the world. This consists of investing in Jewish culture (books, media, film, etc).