Iran’s Attack on Israel
5 min read
October 7 has spurred many disengaged Jews to revitalize their Jewish identity. We need to embrace them with support and openness, not condescension and political infighting.
If there is a silver lining to the events that have unfolded in Israel and around the world since October 7th, it is that American Jews are finally waking up. For some, it was the overt glorification of Hamas’ atrocities at protests around the world, and the genocidal calls of “from the river to the sea” by crowds holding posters of Nazi symbols. For others, it was the testimony of ivy league administrators who firmly and proudly affirmed their students’ right to call for genocide against Jews, under the guise of defending free speech.
A growing number of liberal American Jews have been forced to reckon with unprecedented levels of antisemitism emerging from political and intellectual institutions they have long supported, and many are drawing the conclusion that Jewish identity - and support for Israel – needs to play a larger role in their lives.
Based on my own observations, this group shares a few key characteristics in common: they are largely secular, but culturally Jewish, and do not currently engage with Jewish life in any major way. Privately they are pro-Israel, but have historically refrained from publicly supporting Israel due to fear of social repercussion. They have generously supported progressive causes such as LGBT rights and Black Lives Matter, but feel abandoned by progressive institutions on issues of rising antisemitism.
If the overflowing attendance at my local synagogue is to be taken as evidence, this group’s newly realized engagement with Jewish life represents a revitalization of Jewish identity at a spiritual, social, and cultural level - but only if these individuals are properly received and supported.
Instead of embracing these young Jews, some people are mocking, belittling, and castigating them, caving into the ancient human impulse to say, “I told you so.”
Instead of embracing these young Jews, some people are mocking, belittling, and castigating them, caving into the ancient human impulse to say, “I told you so.” And a heated discourse surrounding the political future of American Jewry has added additional friction within the community.
Since October 7th, some of the most flagrant antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric has come from individuals affiliated with the progressive left, under leadership from the so-called “squad.” The political reaction from left-leaning Jews since October 7th has been split, with some claiming to have left the Democratic party, and others vowing to reform the antisemitic elements of the group. There is a vocal group of Jews promulgating views that conservative political allegiance - particularly to Donald Trump - is an obligation for all Jews who truly care about Israel, given the historical pro-Israel support from that side of the aisle. Efforts to mobilize Jewish voters, born out of a desire to protect and defend, have devolved into a sort of political litmus test which creates barriers to entry for left-leaning Jews. As some friends have confided to me, many Jews feel caught between a rock and a hard place - unaccepted by the radical anti-Israel elements of the left, but equally rejected by Jews on the right.
Such political infighting serves only to divide our community. A better course of action would be to extend a welcoming hand to all those with the courage to speak up for Israel, and to recognize that support for Israel on both sides of the aisle is politically advantageous.
A second, equally crucial priority should be for Jewish educational and cultural institutions to develop a long-term strategy focused on embracing a new cohort of non-religious Jews with no current foothold in Jewish life. This means increasing the availability and accessibility of Jewish day schools, religious programs, and camps. For the first time, secular parents alarmed by the growth of anti-Zionist narratives in American public education will consider placing their children in Jewish schools, but the current preponderance of orthodox institutions will not meet the unique needs of this community. Institutions will need to bridge the gap between secular “cultural” and orthodox expressions of Judaism if they are to properly integrate this new community. So too should synagogues extend new community groups and classes for newcomers joining the fold, who may be unsure of where to begin.
Now more than ever, there is also a need for fresh leadership within the Jewish community which can identify with this community. The time is ripe for emerging leadership from Jewish influencers, professionals, celebrities, and students - individuals both inside and outside the religious sphere who can provide guidance on how to get in touch with one’s Jewish identity, as well as how to meaningfully support Israel.
Fifteen years ago, my bat mitzvah speech focused on Pharaoh's fear of a strong Jewish nation, and how this concern has led to repeated persecution of the Jews throughout history. Looking at this same text again, one line from the Torah stands out to me in light of recent events. “The more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.” That Jews are embracing their Jewish identity even under intense pressure is a testament to the resilience of our people and not something that should be taken for granted. Extending a welcoming hand to all those in our community is a small but crucial step towards the continued flourishing of our people.
I love my fellow as myself. Period. However, as a politically-conservative secular Jew who now lives a more Torah-observant life, I have been viciously attacked - most often by non-observant Jewish leftists. I was told I wasn't a real Jew because of my political philosophy. I was made to feel less-than by people who claim to be open-minded, accepting and tolerant. So yes, I am willing to forgive my fellow Jews who spat horrible, hateful comments to me; who excluded me from their "community." However, Hashem only forgives when forgiveness is sincerely asked for, and true repentance is expressed so likewise we should forgive and accept our Jewish brothers and sisters who were misguided but have recognized their error, taken accountability for their actions, and sincerely ask for forgiveness.
I mostly agree, but it's crucial to defeat the Democrats in November; if that means voting for Trump, then true Zionists must do so. We can see the pressure from "progressive" Democrats on Administration treatment of Israel now. Tragically, "progressive" Jew-hatred is obviously the future of the Democrat Party, because they're young. If the Dems win in November, the party will turn against Israel and America will become even more dangerous for Jews.
Coming from a Chabad background the concept of a Left-Right dichotomy dividing Jews is false construct. If one could distil a single message from the Baal Shem Tov it was that G-d loves every Jew unconditionally no matter their persuasion. On the contrary, it is those Jews who reject Jewish Laws and Ethics who have turned their backs to Hashem. And this does spill into political life in that the Radical Left - who now run the Democratic Party - have embraced a system of morals and ethics that are antithetical to Judaism.
I earnestly look forward to the day when there will be no Jews in any Woke cause.
Do not help or support people who hate us.
Re: The term woke. It is much more broad than the media would have you believe. Nothing is new under the sun. Decades ago it was referred to as consciousness raising. Imo being woke = taking the time to THINK.
Most of the elements of attracting unaffiliated - estranged Etc., Jews that were mentioned - are desperately needed. The old guard religious leadership - HAS TO EMBRACE CHANGING the old MINHAGIM of BEING OVER FEARFUL & OVERCAUTIOUS - AND FENDING OFF JEWISH RETURNEES & CONVERTS. We also need to share with ALL JEWS - these reminders: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
~ George Santayana, Ph.D. Harvard University; Cambridge, MA, USA
(P.S.: Sourced from the walls of Auschwitz. Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller WROTE: When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent; I was not a communist. When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; Cont. below:
When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a trade unionist. When they came for the Jews, I remained silent; I wasn't a Jew. When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out.
We need to beware of & prevent these kinds of social movements. Because - As did the Nazis to the Jews - your ASSIMILATION - WON'T SAVE YOU!
Liberal Jews need to remember one thing :
"It's us or them."
That's the mood in Israel now.
Liberal or conservative, all Jews need to remember this.
This is one of the better articles that I've seen on this site. Thank you!
Unlike others, you correctly identify your target: "non-religious Jews with no current foothold in Jewish life". Yes, some of us are "non-religious", by which we mean that we do not have the same belief in God (perhaps no belief God) that Orthodox Jews have. Nevertheless, we are still Jewish. This is the reality and it has nothing to do with "liberalism".
However, there also needs to be an awakening of Orthodox Jews. When we see how Hamas is motivated by their beliefs in God, it would be appropriate for believers of all faiths to re-evaluate what it is that they believe. How can we de-escalate the violence that is fueled by religious differences?
I'm not optimistic.
It sounds as though you're making some sort of comparison between Hamas and Orthodox Jews; I hope I'm misunderstanding you.
I wouldn't say Hamas is motivated by their beliefs in God; rather, they're motivated by hatred of Jews and others. Religion is simply their excuse. But their beliefs and the beliefs of Orthodox Jews couldn't be more different.
Hear! Hear!
Hamas is just one of many Islamist groups who are motivated by hatred of Jews and all others. All of these groups are sincere when they proclaim "Allahu Akbar" as they carry out their violent acts. You need to understand what is in their religion and where the hatred of Jews is coming from. You don't see non-violent factions of this religion disavowing these groups except when they are attacking others of the same religion.
Of course, this sort of ideology does not exist in any way in Judaism.
However, I have seen arguments for the annexation of lands based on religious texts that some Jews believe give them entitlement. Although it is obviously a false equivalence, it creates the situation where both sides are wrong and is something that can be exploited against Israel.
I strongly recommend that you read or listen to the addresses given by "The Son of Hamas". Growing up in the West Bank as the son of the founder of the Hamas Movement he came to appreciate at a very early age that Radical Jihad members are filled with, driven by, and intoxicated with the hatred of Jews. That's their religion, which I hope you'd agree is no religion at all. In contrast, it was Hillel, one of the authors of the Oral Torah, who proclaimed that "Judaism has a single tenet - love your neighbor as yourself - and the rest is commentary". The Son of Hamas came to learn this as a teenager and is now living under protection in the United States as a secular Christian.
I hear your points.
I guess it comes down how you define "Jewish life." If on the one hand, it simply means the life of anyone who is born or identifies as Jewish, then everything goes. But if "Jewish life" means a life of Judaism as it has been defined and survived for the over 3 millennia since God gave the Jews the Torah, that's something else entirely.
As for the Hamas comparison, to blanketly lump together and condemn all "religions" and "believers" due to the misguided evil of one, is like condemning all "political systems" (i.e. democracy, etc.) due to those which are repressive and totalitarian. Each must be examined on its own merits.
We don't live in a world where everything that is not white is black.
We can believe that the Torah is not of divine origin and still study it for the wisdom that it contains, for its folklore, for its poetry and so on. Studying it objectively should only increase your appreciation for it. Also, don't be afraid to study objectively the New Testament and the Qur'an and any other book that adherents claim to be divine.
You are agreeing with me that each must be examined on its own merits. I am reacting to comments in this thread and others which I find appalling and, I hope, not reflective of what most believe. I wish that more people were pushing back on these. I am horrified when I hear that sort of rhetoric coming from Israeli officials.
Very nice article...if it results in concrete action.
I am ultra orthodox and while I'm keenly aware of how some Liberals perceive us, i would happily extend my hand to anyone who would like and know many others in my circle who would feel the same if they knew there was a need.I would be happy to help in any way that I could be of use.I think hamas has made it pretty clear that they consider All Jews to be one family.Which is flattering when there so much dissidence and infighting.
Am yisroel Chai ❤️🇮🇱✌️
It’s not just the young liberal Jews but also the older and old Jews who need to be Sought out and included. We might be using a “net” that is too small.
Wonderful piece!
I’m an Orthodox Jewish liberal Democrat. I have no contact with the far left that is anti-religious (that’s actually the case with some of those who are anti-Semitic: they are secularists who are also anti-Xtian.)
The mainstream Democratic Party (which is most of us) supports democracies, including Ukraine and Israel; supports laws to protect women and minorities, and a social safety net including Social Security and Medicare (important to me as a disabled person.) It is a diverse party. The “squad” are half a dozen leftists. It’s the right of their constituents to elect them. It’s every citizen’s right to financially support their opponents.
And yes, as the children’s book says, “It’s a mitzvah to love every Jew, no matter what and no matter who.”
Vote for $14.3 Billion Emergency Aid to Israel:
Republican: Yea 214 Nay 2
Democratic: Yea 12 Nay 194
Vote to Condemn Antisemitism on College Camuses:
Republican: Yea 218 Nay 1
Democratic: Yea 83 Nay 125
Vote to Censure Representative Rashida Tlaib for promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the State of Israel:
Republican: Yea 212 Nay 4
Democratic: Yea 22 Nay 184
If it was just the six "Squat" members of the democratic party that hated Jews, wouldn't these votes be different? And how about Obummer's disgusting moral-equivalency comments? Do you consider him "mainstream"? Unfortunately, your party is not all that diverse when it comes to Jew-hatred.
Bravo! Excellent read and thanks for the reference to our ancestors in Egypt. Once again history repeats itself.
I couldn't agree more. As someone who lasted but is now re in gaging I think it is important to have new programs that specifically targets this group. I have stared with daily prayer 🙏. A group allowing people to contact with each out would really help..
I completely disagree. Many of these leftist Jews abhorred the rest of Judaism because they wanted to fit in. Their ideas and thoughts and affiliations are toxic to Judaism and is no different than the Erev Rav that left Egypt and enticed Jews to rebellion several times in the desert. I say let these "woke" Jews languish in the bed that they've made instead of dragging the rest of us down.
I don't think that's true at all. At least, I don't think it's true of the ones discussed in this article - the ones coming back.
It is appropriate to pray for all our brothers and sisters to return to G-d, not
" languish"! Most liberal Jews have never had the joy of being exposed to the richness of authentic Torah Judaism ( and thus are far from Erev rav- who were exposed to Torah and rebelled knowingly!) This is different from the majority of secular American Jews, who in an attempt to bring meaning to their lives have channeled the inherent spirituality in their DNA into social justice.
There appears to be some sweeping generalisations plus some strong, emotional & even possibly vindictive allegations without facts or evudence. I'm not sure that making allegations like this, or writing people off to languish, who express a desire to turn towards G--d & community is 'un-toxic' to Judaism.
Well said. American Jews must not continue to replace Judaism with liberalism.
Both parties have their problems. I NEVER thought I'd become a conservative. Their espousal of 'traditional values' seemed so small minded, arbitrary and restrictive. Only once I discovered that most of those values were rooted in the Torah and far from being arbitrary, they had deep spiritual implications, did I do the 'unthinkable' :>
And interesting to me, as a christian, is that some many of my jewish friends who hated the christians in congress for their scary values, have not seemed to notice that it is, indeed, the christians in all parts of society who are on the side of israel, and the jews who are being vilified. I speak only for myself and my own experience.
I am an orthodox Jew who grew up in a Reform, politically liberal family. The Democrat Party identity was as strong if not stronger than the Jewish identity. I gradually adopted conservative political views after I became religious because they were more aligned. I long noticed the cognitive dissonance my family members were exhibiting due to their Israel support and love for politicians like Obama who was clearly anti-Israel from day one in office. I know this current moment has been particularly hard for them. But I say, "Welcome home!" rather than "I told you so." Every Jew is precious and plays a significant role in Am Yisrael. We need each other. I love you all.
To those Jews who have been unreservedly pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel, I've always said:
"when they come for the Jews, they will not say: not him, he's a good Jew."
Case in point- most of those murdered and abducted on the kibbutzim on Oct 7th were peace activists...Someone reflected " They came for us in the clothing we gave them."
I agree with you. I am a liberal and a GENUINE progressive. Until 9 years ago, I had been a lifelong Democrat. But it is obvious that this party has been hijacked by the Nazis of the left, so I cannot be a part of them. HOWEVER, I hate the GOP. Yes, for the most part they are pro-Israel, but they are greedy, self-serving, and fascistic. As a result, when I talk with those who are strong supporters of Israel, as I am, I try to make the point that many Jews cannot align themselves with the GOP. Genuine progressive values, and, certainly, liberal beliefs, are anathema to the GOP, which is also extreme, though at least not genocidally so. I can no longer be a Democrat, but I also cannot be GOP. Never has the lesser of two evils been a worse dilemma.
I don't know which GOP your talking about because wanting people to be self sufficent, self productive, self able, AND not dependent upon the Federal Government, nor dependent upon a political party to handicap them. I would say thats called a Party of Freedom that wants people to be able to stand.
Its like the ole saying goes. Would you rather have someone have you come to them each day and get a fish, OR, have someone teach you how to fish and get your own? Sounds kind of like the whole GLEANING thing in the Tanach. ):(
I used to feel the way you do. I realized that all political parties are very compromised. I became a conservative when I witnessed the destruction the progressive left participates in. The loss of freedom and liberty. The deep state goons who imprison their political opponents. The way the democrats lie about MAGA, slandering and demonizing people who believe in our constitution and stand against those who want to destroy our constitutional Republic. The blockage of a former president from any ballot is a prime example of real voter suppression. In the meantime they cry about democracy
Wake up people.
I would still chose the GOP over the Democratic Party for many reasons. As one person replied, our society needs to live without getting handouts. I am all about supporting those who are disenfranchised and in need. But the expectation today is very different than just a helping hand. Also, although I live in a great country (USA), my focus at the polls is NOT domestic policy. As I have been saying for decades (and has been proven just three months ago), as a Jew, my focus must be Israel. Because if I, as a Jew, don’t support Israel’s interests, nobody else will. And if that means I vote into office someone who is greedy and self serving, well, for me (and for Israel), that’s the lesser of two evils!
Excellent article- I live in a senior community and see the same thing.
I’ve been encouraging and teaching women how to light Shabbat candles. There is a hunger to learn about Yiddishkeit and do mitzvot and I agree we need to provide the means to satisfy it.
too bas it takes so many lives so the "liberals can understand they are jews " jews will be be always persecuted and killed every jew must undertand it nio matter what!!! 5000 years of history and they diod not learn?, the liberals will doom us
Fabulous article. Very timely and very needed.
I think the correct response to liberal Jews is "welcome; we have babka and whiskey."
I am a liberal Jew who does have an active Jewish identity and practice but thought I could vote based on domestic issues and also really cringe at the idea of the political right supporting Israel as some sort of apocalypse fantasy. Today, I am wearing more Judaica, saying Tehillim daily, and brushing up on my Hebrew. I am also armed. I still believe in a woman's sovereignty over her own body and that education is less expensive than incarceration. So what's a Jew to do?
There's no need to be rude to us. We are keenly aware that the people we thought cared about us do not. We need to know you do because we care about you. And we only have each other.
I agree with you 100%. I was raised in a Secular/Reform Jewish home by parents who never voted Republican. Both sides need to truly LISTEN to one another without engaging in name calling. I am now the only observant member on both sides of my family, and my bookshelves reflect a person who is making up for lost time in her Jewish education.
I can only imagine how painful the unmasking of "friends" must be...
It has been very painful. And FWIW, I grew up in a very observant, conservative family and attended Orthodox day school. I am not a unicorn. A lot of dem Jews have connections to Judaism, strong connections.
I think you are right. Chabad provides an excellent outreach to many. I hope others will follow up on your essay.
I hope all liberal Jews rethink their political priorities and the parties they vote for.
Never, ever be involved in parties, campaigns, movements or causes that are full of people who hate us.
Doesn’t leave much over.
Though I agree with you.
We have plenty of real friends on both sides of the political spectrum. I know less about the Republican side, but on the Democratic side John Fetterman and Ritchie Torres have been amazing supporters. Torres is my Congress Member. 🙂 I am sure that others can mention Republicans who are equaly strong for us.
Take a look at the recent lineup at the RJC conference. You would be amazed.
In fact there is every bit as much anti-Semitism on the extreme right as on the extreme left. Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Nick Fuentes....Folks like this are absolutely NOT our friends. Fuentes was recently quoted as wanting a death penalty for Jews! Yet Donald Trump, who has often spouted anti-Semitic garbage himself, dined with Fuentes at Mar-A-Lago.
Even people who are supposedly normal aren't really our friends. A lot of Jews liked Elise Stefanik when she grilled the three university Presidents. But a year earlier she was all-in to support a congressional candidate who was a well known bigot and praised Adolf Hitler. The defense of the Hitler praise was "context". I wish I were making this up.
We need to counter anti-Semitism on the left and the right.
I agree with this wholeheartedly. There is no more right or left for us, there can only be individuals. Neither side likes us or supports us. "Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right."
I just hope they don't realize their common ground.
President Trump is not anti-semitic.
His daughter is married to a Jew.
He moved the US embassy to Jerusalem.
He got several Arab countries to make peace with Israel and sign the Abraham Accords.
President Trump is one of the greatest friends that Israel has ever had.
He also:
Eisenhower and Nixon must have been rolling over in their graves at those comments. Can you imagine either one of THEM making such statements? And yes, Watergate was Nixon's undoing but he did care about Americans in other ways. Trump only cares about himself.
Recognizing the capital of Israel and the Abraham accord are two great things that Trump did. However there are concerning matters how Trump handles intelligence (some sourced from Israel, others having an impact on Israel), concerns on what Trump says about Jewish people, and a number of other conservative politicians, opinion makers, and Celebrities have said about Jews
BUT, I am sure that you can make a similar list of concerns/issues of liberal politicians, opinion makers, celebrities and others have said about Jewish people.
G-d is beyond the conservative/liberal spectrum. Tanakh does not have a specific political bend.
When it comes down to it, we Jews are a family. We are all descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with all the family implications.