The Time for Hiding Is Over
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Antisemitism is rising in Britain and many Jews are quietly leaving. Here's why one London rabbi is staying — and what he believes Jews must never forget.
As a rabbi in London, I hear that question more and more frequently. And I see some quietly voting with their feet as well.
But for me, the answer remains a resounding “No.”
Or perhaps more accurately: “Not yet.”
I grew up in Liverpool 50 years ago, and antisemitism then was, in many ways, worse than it is today. I remember arriving at my new school at around nine years old and being welcomed by a boy calling me a “dirty Yid” before placing chewing gum in my hair for good measure. Later, while attending Jewish secondary school, there were intermittent physical attacks as well.
Jews have always slept with one eye open and, in recent years, it has been opening wider.
Perhaps naïvely, I believed Britain had changed for the better in the 21st century; that antisemitism belonged largely to the past. But after October 7th, something shifted. We have seen violent rhetoric on our streets, attacks against Jews, and a level of hostility many believed unimaginable in modern Britain.
So naturally people ask: where does this end?
The truthful answer is that none of us knows. We find ourselves on a slippery slope with no visible bottom. Jews have always slept with one eye open and, in recent years, it has been opening wider.
Yet despite my concerns, I do not believe Britain today resembles Germany in the 1930s, as I hear some suggesting. It’s not even close. I say this not out of naïveté, but because I have spent decades studying the rise of Nazism and leading educational trips to Poland’s death camps.
The comparison, while emotionally understandable, is historically unsound.
Britain’s liberal democratic culture evolved gradually over centuries — from the Magna Carta through the Glorious Revolution and onward through the Great Reform Act and beyond. Germany’s democracy, by contrast, was young, fragile and lacked deep liberal roots. Antisemitism there was not merely tolerated; it had long intellectual, political and cultural foundations that became increasingly embedded within the state itself. At the time of Hitler’s Beer Hall Putsch, Germany had been democratic for less than ten years.
Most importantly, the British state today remains fundamentally and vociferously opposed to antisemitism and antisemitic violence.
That distinction matters enormously.
Recently, a colleague of mine took a group of Jewish children camping. He casually mentioned the trip to the Community Security Trust (a charity that protects the Jewish community). Unexpectedly, local police proactively contacted him in advance to say they were aware of the visit and had assigned officers to help protect the group.
In 1930s Germany, the police were not protecting Jews. Increasingly, they themselves were the perpetrators. And the government stood behind them.
Britain today is still very different, thank God.
That does not mean things cannot worsen. They can. We are clearly living through a period of growing extremism, polarization and increasing anger. Jewish institutions require significant security. Many Jews feel uneasy in public in ways they did not only a few years ago. Those are realities and must not be minimized.
But panic is not a wise guide for decision-making.
I like to make decisions based on the reality before me, not hypothesised futures. And the present reality is this: Britain is a country governed by law, with institutions that, imperfect as they are, seek to vigorously protect Jewish life.
Above all, though, I believe Jews must not lose sight of our deeper mission.
More than 3,000 years ago, we were charged with the task of becoming “a light unto the nations” – to build lives rooted in holiness, justice, compassion and responsibility. Judaism brought into the world revolutionary ideas: love your neighbor, the sanctity of human life, moral responsibility, universal education, peace as an abstract ideal and the dogged belief that humanity will ultimately find its way.
At our best, Jews remind societies that human beings are capable of something more elevated than the pursuit of power, violence and self-interest.
And so, my response to antisemitism has always been this: become better.
Hatred that leads to hatred leaves only more hatred in its wake.
The great Jewish weapon has never been the sword. It has only ever been the moral vision and the stubborn refusal to give up hope for a better world.
Yes, Jews must defend themselves, vigilantly and vigorously. Yes, Israel must remain strong. And yes, Jews living anywhere in the world must avoid naïveté. If we have learnt anything from history, surely it is this.
But ultimately, the great Jewish weapon has never been the sword. It has only ever been the book, the idea, the moral vision and the stubborn refusal to give up hope for a better world.
Antisemitism reminds us that our work is not yet finished.
So no, I do not believe it is yet time for Jews to leave the UK.
That day could come. Jewish history teaches us never to dismiss such possibilities. But we are not there yet.
For now, I believe my task is to remain, to contribute, to help build a stronger culture of morality, responsibility and decency.
Israel is my homeland and my future, and I support it with every fibre of my being. But at present, I feel that my responsibility is to Britain and to its Jewish community.
I remain hopeful and optimistic.
And, like Jews throughout history, I sleep with one eye open.
this article is full of apologetics and misguided reasoning.
maybe britain isnt like germany in the 1930's. maybe.
but the rationale shouldnt be, that the police are vigilant and protective.
the question should be, why do jews need protecting at all?
it's a shame that not only is the rabbi misguided, but he's using his warped defensiveness to persuade others. shame.
The years leading up to the Holocaust or later, the head of the Roschchild family send his sons to different parts of Europe and maybe other countries, that whatever happens during the Holocaust at least part of his family would stay aljve
I have 17 relatives, by blood, married-in (non Jewish) and their descendants. None are planning to leave.
OTOH, if you're haredi, Israel awaits. You should go there.
What I find ironic is that to the extent that Jews aren't safe, or comfortable, in Britain is the fault of a. The extreme left Miliband brothers, who convinced Tony Blair to abandon British identity and any notion of border controls; and, b. the ISRAELI far lefts SEDITION during judicial reform and the FAR LEFT ISRAELI SECURITY ESTABLISHMENTS, stupidity in the face of Hamas.
Another aspect to consider is - If your leaving England - America - France - or elsewhere - - just to escape the horrible Anti-semitisim - or other uncomfortable surroundings - & events occurring in your life - & coming home to Israel. UNLESS - you ALSO - return to KEEPING G-D's Written Torah Commandments & Laws - as HE said to do. According to G-D 's word - even here - there will be NO RELIEF from the afflictions He has said HE will place upon us.
Imagine how hard it was for Jews to leave Poland, Russia, etc at the turn of the 20th-century. Imagine how hard it was for Jews to leave Iraq, Egypt, etc. when Israel was declared a Jewish State. So, it's still hard to leave a country that's been your and your family's home for decades and even centuries. But sometimes circumstances develop that demand doing something that hard. Pogroms like those in the Ukraine aren't what happens in places like England and other countries in Western Europe that demonstrate that those circumstances have, indeed, developed.Pro-Muslim policies in England, Belgium and others have made it worse than daunting to assure the safety of Jewish children, businesses, synagogues, etc. And those on-going policies have done their horrific damage so it is time to go.
I am very surprised to hear the Rabbi's we cant afford to wait any longer.
Now is the time to join the Nation of Israel to grew strong and courageous NOW.
Time for all Jews to come together.
Time for Jewish billionaires and millionaires to step forward so that even poor Jews can make aliyah.
Look within.
Yikes! 124 comments! Just shows that thankfully, we can express our thoughts, feelings and opinions without fear of repercussions here.
I wish I could make aliyah to Israel, but I am a 77 year old single women with no relatives and little money. Please, there can be many reasons why it's not feasible to make aliyah. Please show some consideration and reality for those of us who can't.
Daily life for Jews in the UK is great. Very few people are planning to leave.
So Jews need to learn self defense, and get legal fire areas to protect themselves from terrorists, that puts their life in danger Jews need organizations to help protect Jews from danger from dangerous terrorist Muslims
The U.K.,North America and Europe no longer deserve us or our taxes.
Here in Canada we have police calling Israelis settlers. Jews are arrested if we are attacked. I grew up in the U.K. and it is not the same country. We make a contract with governments. We get peace and good order, they get our taxes, during war even our lives. The contract is broken in North America and Europe. Time to leave while we still can.
You should open both eyes.
Now Jews have a place where they are always welcome. A place to build a good meaningful future .A place where their roots lie.
You have a choice.To be a free people in your own land which you can contribute to or to remain an outsider .
Choose wisely.
Yes!.. Israel is a blessed land
Stop fearmongering.
It is unbecoming the Jewish Nation.
Why not be a light on to the nations from Israel itself? If that is the only reason you stay in chutz l'aretz, you can make a bigger contribution by spreading light here. That light will then be spread throughout the world. It doesn't say anywhere in the Torah where you must do this! Join Israeli society and share your influence through goodness, kindness, and unity with your brothers here in the land that G-d has given us! Let's work on our "family" and ultimately, be able to lead through example that way.
Amen. May you go from strength to strength.
Come along.
This is a psychological war by terrorists/radicals/extremists small in number, with no authority from HaShem, using the media to magnify their presence, and their power.
Reading what many have written, their winning, because you have let them in your head space, where they do not belong, but is precisely where they hope to wind up.
Stop watching so much news.
Stop operating out of fear.
HaShem gave you a mind, and a heart to operate using wisdom, and understanding.
The whole world is HaShem's, no matter where our feet land, and we are not to allow ourselves to be chased out.
Stand tall. Stand proud. Stand strong. Stand steadfast.
Be the light you are intended to be, in all the nations, and in all the lands; and, do not submit and bow down to bullies.
In a now-deleted reply to me, you wrote: "They are not authorized by HaShem" and here you wrote: "with no authority from HaShem".
One of the greatest challenges of monotheism is to understand what is knowable and what is not.
You wrote: "HaShem gave you a mind ..." YES, that is knowable because we have evidence.
You also wrote: "The whole world is HaShem's ...", YES, that is the fundamental belief of monotheism.
However, a claim to know that something is not authorized by HaShem is a claim to know the unknowable.
Nice words are one thing, but how do we protect the people actually being attacked? It's painful to see the police targeting Jewish individuals while ignoring those spreading hate. We have to acknowledge the victims, like the Holocaust survivor who was killed at a rally for Israel. We need more than just words—we need safety and fairness.
Watching the NEWS - & don't bury our heads in the sand. It HELPS US KNOW - what EVIL - is ASSAILING the JEWISH NATION & the rest of the world. So that we know that - we NEED TO PRAY TO G-D - & ask HIM TO FIX - & protect us ALL FROM it. Because - we are not the only people CREATED IN G-D's IMAGE & LIKENESS. THOUGH - WE ARE THE ONES - G-D GAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO - & ENTRUSTED - TO BE A LIGHT UNTO THE WORLD - TEACHING HIS WRITTEN TORAH & COMMANDMENTS TO ALL. We should take this PRIVILEGE & RESPONSIBILITY SERIOUSLY. So that G-D - will answer our PRAYERS - & bring total PEACE - to all MANKIND FOREVER!
you are so right and on the correct path.
This article completely ignores the central
issue of Muslim expansion into the UK, bringing with it a rabid form of antisemitism that the government is unable (perhaps unwilling) to curb. This makes the UK’s previous morality irrelevant and creates a clear parallel to Nazi Germany. I think this article is irresponsible and misleading for the Jewish community of the UK
This is profusely racist. Assuming that all Muslims are antisemitic and that they have grandiose plans to take over the UK
If they are religious Muslims, then the answer yes, they do have grandiose plans to take over the UK and the rest of the world. Read what the Muslims write and say.
Enlighten me
Read the Koran and the messages of Bin Laden or Cailiph Baghdadi who both quoted from a Speech of Mahommed to fight all till only the name of Allah is accepted as true religion. Very arrogant attitude to other people's languages and culture,
Then there are the Koran verses that "Jews kill prophets" without any: time, place, who, or context.
Read what they say, or just go to MEMRI where they translate what’s said to English.
You need to enlighten yourself by reading the Qur'an. You don't need to read every verse; start with the ones which mention Jews ("People of the Book" or "Children of Israel"), or the Torah, or the various prophets (including Jesus) which Muslims claim as their own prophets. You will then be able to judge for yourself if their religion is antisemitic or anti-Christian.
What would you say the mission of Islam is?
Sorry, but at this point, silence is a form of complicity.
Ironically, terrorists/radicals do not operate on a mutually exclusive platform. They are not anyone's friend.
They are small in number. The world should have no problem rising up, and overcoming them.
Theirs is a psychological war, utilizing media to magnify their power, and presence. Yet, in truth, they are small in number, and have no real power.
Don't let them in your head space. They have no business being there. They are not authorized by HaShem.
I read recently that the radicals start small and then go into the main stream, the brown shirts( that turned into the Nazi( Y"S) started small too) and then they came into power and destroyed 6 million Jews and 5 million non Jews, and other groups like that stared small then took over and destroyed countries like with communism, this lesson must of been in my reading material for Shabbat, and unfortunately it is true and people have to watch before it is to late, it happened before in history with something called the Holocaust
Nobody is saying that all Muslims are antisemitic. But since there are a Billion+ Muslims, if only 10% are, then that’s a significant number. Combined with the FACT that Muslims are taught to hate Jews in their holy book, then the accusation is justified. Religious Muslims leave their countries to do jihad. And they’re now in the west.
They don't need "grandiose plans to take over the UK". They're being allowed in by the millions. Along with many other European countries.
I think you are naive. They are already 23% of the world population and continue to propagate. They loathe Jews and it’s in every one of their tracts.
I think you should get a crash course in learning Arabic, if you knew the language of the enemy you would learn it is more then taking over the UK, they want to take over the world and make everyone Muslim, any Jew that knows Arabic will agree with me, because they don't tell the truth in English and in Arabic they speak the truth, anyone that is Jewish that knows Arabic will say it is very bad for the whole world and Jews especially
The interesting thing in England and any place else there are Muslims, first they will start with the Jews, and smart person will realize after the Jews they will start with other religions, this is what exactly happened in the Holocaust first they started with the Jews, and after that slowly they started with everyone else, the saying is " the Jews are the canary in the coalmine " when the canary is danger eventually everyone else id jn danger too, according to Douglas Murray and Melanr Phillips " The Builder's Stone " ( not only are Jews in danger from Muslims but non Muslims and western values and society are in danger too)
Good that someone finally mentioned Melanie Griffith, the astute Jewish Brit journalist, who has her finger on the pulse of antisemitism, especially in British politics. Her writings are supported by facts and insight, and worth your time for truths sorely overlooked in 'mainstream' media.
Unexpectedly, local police proactively contacted him in advance to say they were aware of the visit and had assigned officers to help protect the group.....WOW . you really do not get it .How can this be a positive example? There is only one place in the world for Jews and that is Israel, for so many reasons. The main reason is clearly stated in the Torah...its about the land we were given. Shtetel Mentality has failed the Jews far too long.
We’re in exile
When Jews leave a country the economy collapses, exception maybe Germany, but exceptional circumstances re that country.
Israel is your Homeland ONLY when you LIVE there!
We’re in exile
Israel is the indigenous homeland of ALL Jews. That half are in diaspora is irrelevant.
Im confused, is the only reason we decide to up and leave the galut is because they are chasing us out?
You can debate the level of anti semitism in your country and if it compares to Nazi Germany from here till tomorrow. However, the real reason to high tail out of the UK is because you belong in a different place, you belong in the land ה miraculously gave us. Our final redemption according to the sources is when the Jews come back!
Perhaps our entire history is being delayed by those who keep pushing it off.
Come home.
The redemption will come when the Jewish people remember their mission and come together. It’s nothing about Israel, Israel is a red herring. In fact, in probably makes things worse being that it creates such polarisation between Jews…
Aside from the fact that many say it is a mitzva to be here, ignoring what G-d has done in the last 78 years is astounding. The Jewish people do need to come together and Israel is where they do that. The future of the Jews is being written in Jerusalem not anywhere else.
You completely ignored what I said. Thanks
Since when have the Jewish people NOT been polarized?
Straw man argument
The people that went through the Holocaust told their descendants to watch out for rabid anti semitism will rise its ugly head again, so after the mini Holocaust of October 7, 2023 the volcano of anti semitism erupted only because Jews and Israel wanted themselves and their citizens, it looks like the epidemic of anti semitism erupted with loads of Muslims invading the world, and unfortunately the Muslims in my picture are trying to continue were the Nazis( Y"S) left off, to make the world and Israel "Judenrein " ( free of Jews) and in Gaza and Muslim Arab countries and terrorists have the book called " Mein Kenif " ( my fight or my struggle) by Adolf Hitler( Y"S), I believe the atmosphere in the world is like in 1930s/ 1940s in Nazi ( Y"S) Germany,
Terrorism, by its very nature is a diminishment of all humanity, and requires it be rejected.
Cowering in the face of existential threat will not make that threat disappear.
It is not just Jews living in fear. All humanity, by degrees is being forced to live in fear.
This is beneath you.
It is time to get real angry folks with bullies operating directly against HaShem, and stop cowering in your shoes.
As someone living in the UK, I don’t accept that the danger is necessarily less than it was in Germany. The government not being hostile to Jews is an insignificant factor, as we are faced with a hostile and rapidly growing Muslim population with increasing numbers coming unchecked from dangerous places, perfectly willing to stab Jews in the street, and the government doesn’t know how to handle the situation. Worse still, the Met Police announced this week that they do not have the resources to protect Jews. In the end, none of this matters as there is ultimately a plan for many of us to return to the Holy Land prior to moshiach. This was a promise made over 3000 years ago. It was inevitable that it would take difficult circumstances to prompt many European Jews to leave.
Also, the Islams are JOINING the government and doing so fast.
Do you even live in the UK. How are you saying this 😂
Sharia courts are active in Britain, though they are superseded by British law.
The government knows exactly what to do, but they let in a bunch of people knowing nothing about them. They are afraid - and rightfully so - that the Muslims will riot and burn down the city. And they will. They will need to involve the military if they want mass remigration, and no telling what damage they might do in their way out.
This is just racist and a vile stereotype of Muslims.
I guess you don't really know how racist and vile stereotype Muslims are, the truth is they have the same goal as the Nazis ( Y"S) did to make the world and Israel " Judenrein " ( free of Jews) is that enough racist and vile stereotype for you, and also the best seller among Muslims are/ is " Mein Kenif " ( my fight or my struggle) by Adolf Hitler ( Y"S) a hate manifesto, so wake up and smell the coffee it looks like you would defend Nazis( Y"S) too, there was alliance before between Nazis( Y"S) and Muslims before what was called " the final solution " ( which turned out to be the Holocaust) so what was October 7, 2023 against the Jews and Israel,
Being bullied by people you do not know, and you have done them no wrong, is never fun to deal with; but, you can rise above it, by choosing to.
Life is not perfect, nor "fair." Get over that, and you can deal with anything.
Today's problems are born of psychological warfare. Recognize it, to appropriately deal with it, and strategize opposing it.
We are many in number, and we are everywhere.
This is our strength.
Our strength is not in our numbers. To say otherwise is the antithesis of Judaism
No, you are not correct.
Your criticism implies we should not acknowledge our existence, or our numbers; it conflates Jewish self-awareness with antisemitic mythology. And that's actually a trap we fall into too often. We self-censor out of fear that simply acknowledging our own existence or strength will feed into hateful narratives. But that's not how it works. The issue isn't what we say about ourselves; it's the intent and context behind what someone else says about us.
We have dispersed communities, we're represented across all geographies and professions, and therefore we have collective strength. That's a statement of resilience and visibility.
Can't hide.
Even non-Jews are living in fear, and cowering in the face of existential threat won't help them either.
The author writes that our strength emanates from Judaism's lofty moral vision, not weaponry. We are to be a light unto the nations. Our survival also depends on our ability to fend for ourselves. Joshua, David and Judas Maccabeus were warrior leaders skilled in the art of war. They led revolts against the Romans, Canaanites, Babylonia and the Philistines. Do not forget the Bar Kokhba revolt, battles of Jericho or Masada. Our forefathers killed the men of Shechem after Dinah's rape. As the author states, there is a time to build a stronger culture of morality. We no longer have the luxury of relying on our laws to protect us. This is a time when we Jews must seriously consider being armed.
We can never fend for ourselves. God is the one who fends for us. Our strength is never to be found in weapons. It is sheer arrogance to say otherwise.
The claim "we can never fend for ourselves, God is the one who fends for us" sounds pious. It sounds like faith. But there's a fundamental confusion buried in it, and it's dangerous.
There's a real Jewish idea, called bitachon—trust in God. And bitachon does mean you're not the center of the universe. You're not in control. God is. But—and this is crucial—bitachon doesn't mean you sit still. It means you do your part with complete integrity, and then you trust God with the outcome.
What you have written, that's not faith. That's abdication. It's also arrogance dressed up as piety—the arrogance of thinking "I'm so spiritual I don't need to do anything."
When it comes to antisemitism, when it comes to defending yourself and your people, it is your God-given responsibility.
Parshat Beshalach 14:14: "Hashem yilachem lachem viatem tachrishun" "Hashem shall do battle for you and you shall remain silent."
We have our hishtadlut-our effort and then we step back and let Hashem come in. We must commit to action and yet, understand that Hashem brings the outcome to fruition.
Exactly, but we are also not supposed to put ourself in danger knowingly. The question is, does living in the UK count as putting yourself in danger?
That’s foolishness. In the US, many people rely on the police to protect them. Yet if someone comes into your shul or a Jewish neighborhood, the cops are only going to be there to take the body count for statistics. The sea may have parted for Moses, but not until someone first went into the water up to their neck. HaShem often requires us to take action.
Tell THAT to the Juhuru.
Seems there's an important point being overlooked here: on the whole, the UK (ugly kingdom?) has a dismal history of antisemitism. Few leaders have nobly risen above the masses, and the fact that decent people can be found everywhere does not warrant feeling safe in a radically Islamic environment!
The masses of the UK are British nationals who are in full support of the Jewish people. There is no leader that needs to ‘rise above the masses’, he just needs to be a normal Brit. The UK is not an radical Islamic environment, that is 0.01% of the population - thank God
But then there are the leftists and progressives and Green voters, too.
You are correct
Yes, root of the 'blood libel' myth.
I am always amazed how British Jews minimize the long history of antisemitism in Great Britain. Hundreds of years before Germany became a country Jews were expelled from England by Edward the First in 1290, 100 years after Jews were massacred in York after a blood libel. Not to mention the gross mistreatment of the Yishuv during the British Mandate and the failure of Britain to oen the borders of the Mandate to allow Holocaust victims to escape Hitler.
The silence of the Brits in response to Muslim attacks on Jews in Britain reflects centuries of British antipathy to its Jewish community.
Judging England based on a ban proclaimed 1000 years ago is ridiculous. As for Mandatory policy, the British were trying to prevent another war after World War I. The attempt did not succeed; fear of Soviet communism, belief that Hitler didn’t really mean his threats, and thinking that a war stretching into the Middle East would be unwinnable, all conspired to keep British pacifism in place throughout the 1930’s.
We contacted an immigrant assistance group some years ago. They recommended previsits, including lining up potential jobs in advance. The recommendations were beyond our means and probably those of many other middle class families.
You're conveniently neglecting the mention of recent history!
My comment was ended bc it was too long. I know of the terrible attacks on Jews in recent years. I think the UK should permit certification of armed, private guards for places that may be endangered. Bringing murderers to trial after they commit murder is better than letting them go, but more prevention is better still.
Very true ...
By the grace of Hashem, may it not get worse.
This article and the many responses brought a deluge of thoughts to my mind.
First, this week, in my own community which I thought was/is so safe, we received an email from my congregation that we would be making numerous physical security changes and procedures to our building. Then, I had this weird thought - please bear with me -
If we ALL make aliyah to Israel, then some entity with a large enough bomb can destroy us all at one fell swoop. Sounds crazy, yes? But look at what happened to the Japanese cities of Hiroshima of Nagasaki. Hmm.. and frankly, I feel if we all emigrated from where we live now, we are letting the antisemites win. If we are to be a light unto the nations, we should live among them and show them what that means.
I think, we should remain vigilant. And pray
No need to worry. Israel is Hashem's Home and he watches over us at all times. Don't let the comforts of the diaspora blind you.
Agreed
I love that
Would you not rather live in אֶ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ דֹּרֵ֣שׁ אֹתָ֑הּ תָּמִ֗יד עֵינֵ֨י יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ בָּ֔הּ מֵֽרֵשִׁית֙ הַשָּׁנָ֔ה וְעַ֖ד אַחֲרִ֥ית שָׁנָֽה?
I'm sure Hashem, who is full of rachamim, would never want or allow his entire people to be wiped out in one fell swoop chas v'shalom.
And maybe the time for living among the nations is coming to an end and they are incapable of receiving any further 'light' that we generate.
No. This is a tunnel vision way of viewing this and precisely the terrorism and psychological warfare desired end result.
See instead: the circle of the world, then the general human population, then the proportionately smaller circle of actual terrorists/extremists.
This is more to reality and what the use of media, and media itself helps warp.
How this works: ex: America has approximately 342 million persons.
Less than 0.1% equal shooters.
Approximately 1% equals the muslim population.
Media completely warps presence and power.
To say: Its all in your head, isn't and understatement, and please don't intentionally misunderstand the comment intent. The point is: The war is being fought first using your head space.
Maybe Hashem - who, after all, is in charge of absolutely everything - actually wants our headspace to be invaded/warped like this in order to prompt us to leave
No.
HaShem does not operate by "warp."
He is 100% clear.
Just learn Chagai Ezra,Nechemia , the prophets who came back at time of the 2nd temple, while Jews who had been exiled to Babylon got comfortable and stayed in exile...all sorts of justifications...and guess what they didnt even return when the 2nd Temple was built..
I'm not suggesting all of Britain's Jews to up and leave, yet, if there was a massive wave of Britain's Jews to leave perhaps more would be done to protect their Jews. Think about it, we're predominantly doctors, lawyers, businessman and women. Can you imagine if they made aliyah en mass? They would be shocked. We are by and large not violent people. We build societies that function and aid the society at large.
We're not the troublemakers.
This happened years ago in France. The leaders in the country saw their Jews leaving by the thousands in a short period of time.due to serious acts of violence.
Of course they knew who they'd be left with- a wild group of uncontrollable fastly multiplying invaders mostly living on welfare from the state provided by the tax payers...
True, I live in France. The state became more helpful.
.Let's see how long that lasts!
(The French largely dislike anyone who's not a Frenchman, and even relatively recent history shows that Jews are at the top of their "Je ne t'aime pas" list. But they've received their reward for this: radical Islam in their midst!)
And the Jews that stayed moved out of heavily Muslim areas and took their kids out of public schools. And started voting for Marine LePen.
Exactly this!
Gemara says the reason we are scattered in exile is so that we cant be destroyed in one fell swoop.
Even yaakov split his family into two groups so that if esav attacked one the other would be saved and be able to continue his dynasty...
To think we are safe all in one country without mashiach is just not taking into context anything the sages or rabbis have ever taught. the only time israel or any other place will be 100% safe for jews will be after the full and final redemption.
Until then its all much of muchness
Israel can never be destroyed because they are G-D's chosen people
Historically - along with other European countries - this is not the first time - England & the others have turned on the Jews. In the article it said: "Hatred that leads to hatred leaves only more hatred in its wake". Maybe that should read - UNCHECKED HATRED - will lead to more hatred (for JEWS) in it's wake. We need to assert & protect ourselves aggressively - by teaching the historical truths - as well as - aggressively defending ourselves. Don't forget that - *The Written Torah from G-D & Prophets - tells us that - YES - ISRAEL did USE THE SWORD - QUITE EFFECTIVELY in destroying our enemies. Keep your eye open - an escape plan & your DIDDYMOU BAG packed - just in case. Let's PRAY together as a Jewish Nation People together - & ask G-D for help!
Jews are not coming from the UK or America because they are afraid that it's hard to live here in Israel, not as convenient, salaries are lower, things cost more, and it's a huge change from what they're used to. Thus they deny that Jewish life outside Israel is a sinking ship. I really fear for those I love in the UK and US. I moved here to Israel 40 years ago, as a single woman with $600 to my name, no job prospects, no friends, no relatives to speak of, no Hebrew beyond what I had learned in Hebrew school, but with the faith that since God wants Jews to live in Israel, God would take care of me. And He did.
Very well said and inspirational Sara Yocheved!
Right on the mark as you often are
You were brave to make this move but this is not to say everyone should or can follow your example. Faith is vital, but I do not think it is good advice to tell anyone to make such a major move without funding, a job offer, a place where you are likely to fit in and thrive and all those other considerations it makes sense to think about. Yes, everything might work out but for everyone that succeeds, many more are going to be wrecked. We got married with just a few thousand pounds and no job. We were naive. We went through a really tough time including a period of homelessness. Yes, in the end I think we had Divine assistance to pull through. Would I recommend others act so recklessly? No.
Can't compare what happens in Israel to elsewhere!
By now everyone (except, perhaps, the spiritually dead) can see that there's special hashgachah in the Holy Land.
I am 84 and have had a good life BUT if I were now single and between 15 and thirty making decisions about my life I would pass every exam possible and go to Israel; take year in as a kibbutz volunteer or bottle washer or whatever to learn Hebrew and do IDF service to become Israeli and make a career in Israel.
The real question is do you wish to bring up children in Britian as it now is?
Thank you Frank!
I am 81 yrs old and Thank You Frank
I left London with my family a few years ago
A family with 6 children we were friends with, left last year.
We live a satisfying life here in Israel. Why wait?
Rabbi, your words seem to say that whole point of living in Israel is ..."in the future"...if i need to run there...when I do....
The Holy Land is the Jewish peoples home then ,now and always. Hashem's eyes are on the land 24/7,He pushes us there and many times we reject Him with all sorts of excuses...all sorts...the spies etc etc......and even when we are being pushed ...we still find reasons to say no...its not good enough...i need to be a light to the nations outside the Holy land..
Every day we pray ,3x, in amida, taka bshofar...4 stages Jews returning...those who come quickly..the minute they can..and those who keep pushing it off and will have to be saved..help your people come home a.s.a.p for the best reasons..
I agree with every word!
PREJUDICE is everywhere you go. There is no place with total ACCEPTANCE!
As a so-so observant Jew, I meet rejection. As a lifetime Democrat, I get rejected.
Voicing any criticism of the US Pres is a no-no with many I meet. Closed minded ?
"Blind Man at the Cafe" 2min YouTube video, by Rabbi Hillel Eisenberg
Let me recommend this new video on YouTube, for Aish.com people, Thanks
youtube.com/watch?v=AXRmoE2B4GI
(Here is the link for this wonderful 2min lesson on PREJUDICE, by H. Eisenberg)
Assimilate which you couldn't do in Nazi Germany or live in haredi ghetto or come home to Israel seem to be the options at present. Seems to me Israel is calling for positive reasons not just to escape anti semitism
The rabbis in Europe said the same in the 1930s. Not now, everything will work out fine, often fearing they would lose their members, but in the end most perished in the death camps. Then there was this attitude- We are untouchable said pre-war Reform Jews as we are more German than the Germans. Arrogance and/or denial of the reality was part of this response. Today one must realize even if there is one more life lost , the blood will be on the hands of those who advised them not to leave, when the people asked them for advice. The same attitude affects our Canadian Jewish leaders who have responded with "hush, hush, do not make waves or they will hate us". They already do while our so-called unelected Jewish leaders pretend money for security will solve all the hatred.
Dear Bonnie,
As far as the "Rabbi's" in the European pre-holocaust period is concerned,
I FULLY AGREE WITH YOU!!! I'm not afraid of people who will reject me cause of
this "heresy"...I suggest the following balance;everyone should strive to move to Israel and from time to time after the Alyia has been successful to show up
temporarlily(!) in the diaspora for various reasons (such as business or vacation etc.) with the
goal to show that the gentiles didn't succeed to get rid of you...
This is the best thing you can be a light into the nations!!!
Nothing can happen without HaShem's will.
I think the reason why HaShem allows anti-semitism to exist is that it acts as a constant notice to all Jews to make aliyah.
It's time for all Jews in Britain and America to start making their plans.
Rather, we learn that antisemitism exists to remind "reluctant" Jews that they're Jewish and to live up to the challenge of their destiny.
With regard to aliyah (with a lowercase "a" because uppercase is reserved for the more special kind, the raison d'etre of our peoplehood and the reason Hashem gave us the Land), note that the majority making aliyah are observant Jews.
Others (religious or not) delude themselves into thinking that their resented / detested presence elsewhere is somehow important. What wasted "idealism"; let's hope they wake up before it's too late, cv"s!
I would never suggest that 10/7 was the will of G-d: evil is perpetrated by evil people.
He didn't say that. Although I do wonder if Gd didn't permit it to happen because the noose was tightening around Israel's neck and Israel was asleep and might have perished Gd forbid in a bigger simultaneous attack from all sides, as we see from the tunnels we find that that was planned.
There isn't one God for Good and another for Evil.
There is only HaShem and He permits evil and anti-semitism to exist.
I believe He does so as an admonition to all Jews everywhere to make aliyah to the Land He gave us.
The idea that a believing Jew should say they don’t know where this ends portrays the endemic lack of emuna in Jews outside of Israel. We all know where this is going, it just depends on Hashems rachamim
Rabbi Rosenblatt.. I am perhaps a little older than you.. and a Londoner.. yet my parents came from Europe.. and I always thought what can fulfil my Jewish life. I never considered anti-semitism a primary factor in where or when I should flee from somewhere.. I only thought about where a Jewish identity, culture, language and society can flourish. And that's where I wanted to be. I came on Aliyah more than 40 years ago and I am very happy with my decision. I was proud to study here and serve in the IDF. Nearly 50% of world Jewry live today in Israel which is incredible compared to the figure, 50 years ago. We see with our eyes many miracles, the most apparent is kibbutz galuyot. So I feel I have to disagree your entire perspective. A fuller life as a believing Jew.. is only here.
This is all rhetoric. You gave no reason for why a fuller life as a Jew is in ONLY Israel…
Can you please not call them Polish death camps. They were German death camps. The fact that they are talking about Jews having to leave Britian is scary enough. That the same question will soon be asked of Jews in the United States should be terrifying. It's time to stop the Islamization of Western Civilization.
The author said Poland's death camps- in reference to their geographical location. No other meaning was intended by him. This, by the way, is not to overlook the truth that Poland's Jews constituted more than half the victims of the holocaust and placing such camps there was both convenient in terms of proximity for killing and the hostile outer society that made escape from ghettos and so on, very difficult and not feasible. Moreover it needs being stated that hundreds of thousands of Polish Jews (not in camps or ghettos)were harmed by Polish complicity in their suffering and death. You obviously have been much taken in by Polish nationalist narratives with your misinformed comments. Don't make that mistake please. Of course the CC camps were German camps- and your comment remains inane.
Starmer's playing politics by allowing just enough pro-Hamas ( which are akin to pro-Nazi rallies) demonstration to appease lest the far-Left gain too much power. Instead of letting the sh**te into your country, which isn't helping anybody, why not take Hungary and Poland's lead and shut the flow. Rupert Lowe is what's needed asap.
I don’t know the extent to which British law confers free speech and assembly rights. However, in the US, all speech except that which threatens or incites violence is permitted under the First Amendment. Similarly, peaceful protests are permitted. If Britain is following its laws, they are unlikely to prohibit demonstrations.
You're OK with Rupert Lowe banning kosher slaughter? "There must be one rule for all, with no religious exemptions."
Those on the far-right who hate Muslims usually hate Jews, too, you know. All of the worst atrocities committed against Jews that I know of were committed either by far-right "Christians" or by fanatical Muslims. Have I missed something?
Rabbis are in very influential positions, they assume roles as our leaders.What they say,congregations listen.....Historically,there were only a couple of Rabbis calling for us to leave Germany,.....(before WW2).....Maybe the answer is not to influence us to stay in Britain,but teach what the verses in the bible warn us about...for example the Fishers and the Hunters...also,the reason why we are in the diaspora,....but that ultimately,Gd calls us Home......There is such a sense that I think we all feel deep down....as Jews....we are living in a new era now.....after 7th October....It is time ....for serious discussions to go Home......We need to open conversations,especially support groups,to help us all find possible ways to go home......Before doors start to close.....
Very well said Rabbi🙏
No mention of the rising and dangerous moslem population. Should we trust these people?
One can only trust that the core of Islam---and the fiery core of Islamist militant plans---will be anything but a conducive environment for Jews, and ultimately all Western civilization. To think otherwise, or to elude such a discussion is purely sticking one's head in the sand (wasteland desert sand at that).
Totqlly agree
I agree with you Rabbi in all respects and in answer to some comments here. There are many interfaith groups and a vast majority of ordinary people and parliamentarians who support us and are horrified by what has happened.
We will have to see how it pans out in the future as I am not immune to the danger of mass Muslim immigration.
I agree with your main conclusion, but perhaps for different reasons. First of all, my impression is that the situation has definitely worsened for Jews in the UK. 50 years ago, Jewish schools and synagogues did not need guards.
I think that for some UK Jews, emigrating to Israel is a good option, but only if they are idealists and have independent funding.
In my opinion, most English Jews are not cut out to emotionally survive life in an Israeli development town or a hilltop community. To live in an Anglo neighborhood in Jerusalem costs a small fortune.
You also need to consider whether the risk of being stabbed in London is more or less than the chance of getting hit by an Iranian missile in Haifa. It has to be a move of faith & commitment
Steven.. Don't worry.. I came to Jerusalem from London more than 40 years ago. You have nothing to worry about here.. It's our society.. come here and we all strive to make it better.. Of course there are challenges here, but there are challenges that we face, as Jews, in our country.
The same article could have been written under the title"Turn the Other Cheek." (Full disclosure: I live in Israel.)
If Israel is indeed every Jew's home, come home already.
I am trying to get back Home......