Many Jews feel that the current climate feels like Germany of the 1930’s. People worry that we, like those who came before us, are oblivious to the signs all around us, and are too comfortable and complacent in our conviction that “it can’t happen here.”
For the first time in my lifetime, there are those who no longer believe in the uniqueness of the American experiment, and its relative safety for Jews.
But I don’t think the parallel of 1930’s pre-war Europe is the proper metaphor. I think this era more closely resembles Fin de Siecle, the end of the 19th century in Western Europe, when the infamous Dreyfus Trial brought to the surface antisemitic hatred that had been festering under the radar throughout the post-Emancipation era.
Edouard Drumont – the Tucker Carlson of his time, a rabid antisemite – wrote a scathing two-volume book attacking the Jews of France for their supposed influence on politics and culture. Jews and Jewish places of business were attacked and ransacked. And the era even had its Zohran Mamdani – Karl Lueger, the virulent, openly antisemitic, who was elected mayor of Vienna, a city with a population that was almost 10% Jewish.
Perhaps we can take solace in knowing that – as is true throughout our history – the Jews survived. Jewish history is replete with examples of times that seemed impossible to survive, and yet we did.
The question for rabbis today is: how do we combat the current onslaught and provide the necessary survival skills now, in what feels like an unending assault on our very existence?
We can look to those who came before us for guidance, for fortunately, rabbis have often provided leadership during difficult times. In the 1890’s, Rabbi Zadoc Kahn, the rabbi of the Grand Synagogue of Paris, whose congregation included the Rothschild family, used his position to educate and help awaken Edmond de Rothschild’s interest in the Yishuv, the Jewish settlement in Palestine.
He also introduced him to one of the great religious Zionist leaders and thinkers of that time and one of the founders of the Hovevei Zion movement – Rabbi Shmuel Mohilever.
This era, in which it is no longer unfashionable to publicly express hatred of Jews, also demands leadership, courage and clarity from rabbis. We need to dispel the negative myths and lies spread about Israel, remind our people that being Jewish is a gift and something we should be proud of.
During this High Holy Days season, rabbis need to educate our fellow Jews about Zionism – its origins, its history, its rationale, our connections and long-standing ties to the land of Israel, and that we are indigenous to it. We must explain how Zionism was a response to the virulent antisemitism and emerging nationalism of the time and the historic longing of our people to be free in our land. Teach them this, and they will better understand the justification for Israel’s existence and be more confident in their support.
At a time when support for Israel is challenged, rabbis have three choices: We can avoid the topic. We can contribute to the gap and widen it. Or we can lead in a way that draws Jews closer to our people.
And make no mistake about it – that does not happen when rabbis pontificate about the shortcomings and moral failures of Israel or express their personal disdain for the current government and its leaders and policies.
The only people affected by those words of criticism are those who hear it – and it will neither garner affection for Judaism, nor will it change Israel’s policies. Rather, it leads to distancing and alienation not just from a particular policy, but from affinity for Israel and Judaism.
Let us have the courage to speak the truth about the harm done by those who oppose the existence of the Jewish state and who deny it the tools and right to be able to defend itself – even when it includes calling out Jews who side with Israel’s enemies.
Younger generation less supportive of Israel
Many Jews wonder why young people are less supportive of Israel than the older generation. The obvious reason is the bombardment of unfiltered negative images about Israel, portraying its people in harsh terms, both in traditional and social media. But it is also because many young Jews grew up hearing rabbis preach sermons critical of Israel.
We must listen to young people in our community. But we also have an obligation to educate them about history they surely are not getting from TikTok. Let us not forget, the Torah commands, “v’shinatem levanecha: You shall teach your children” – not the other way around. Let us not shirk our responsibility.
That story we tell includes the inspiring resilience and determination of the Israeli people. But more than that, what constantly amazes me when I speak with Israelis is the lack of anger, the lack of desire for vengeance, the absence of a sense of victimhood.
The Israeli people are proud and confident that they are on the right side of history, and we must have the same conviction.
During the war – signs around Israel were ubiquitous, and some are still there, reading Yahad Nenatzeach: “Together, we will win.” I prefer to translate it as “Together we will prevail.” Let us remind our people in America that Yachad means together, which means and includes us. When we are together, united with our brothers and sisters in Israel, we will prevail.
The writer is chairman of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, representing more than 2,000 rabbis from diverse American congregations of all Jewish denominations committed to supporting Israel.