I am a Christian who is an ally of Jews and Israel. I will continue to speak out against anti-semitism. I will continue to attend “Walk with Israel” marches.
Thank you for this beautifully written letter. I am deeply ashamed at what has been happening in Canada and the reticence of our leaders to put a stop to it.
Beautifully put... I also have two very close friends whose silence is very telling. Over lunch, a couple of months ago, I mentioned how difficult it was to be Jewish right now. Not only were they silent, but they didn't look at me. Needless to say, I'm reevaluating friendships. Additionally, my niece and I were talking and she said, "I find myself wondering which of my friends would hide me." If that doesn't give you chills...
Many have had this same experience - Oct 7th has changed me. Point on case, Jews must always watch their back, never let your guard down. Unfortunately, that comes at a shock to those who have lived a sheltered life.
The over the top reacting comes from the PM and legacy media when a Muslim is looked at in the "wrong" way. When Jew hatred and violence occurs towards the Canadian Jews, after the continual incitement from the PM and his toadies, as well as by the legacy media, especially the Der Sturmer of Canada, the CBC, there might be a shrug or meaningless words or silence. This is 1930s Germany, Canadian style.
To the outside world, we Jews will always be strange, fascinating, and inscrutable. That’s fine. To really combat antisemitism the Jewish people must be strong, successful, unified, pious, and proud.
Perhaps, but what are we trying to accomplish in fighting antisemitism? Trying to get them not to hate us is one possible objective. Trying to survive and prosper and thrive is somewhat of a different goal. Nothing wrong with trying to explain ourselves to our non-Jewish neighbors, but I don’t know if explaining ourselves to others has ever done anything to reduce antisemitism.
Nothing--NOTHING--will get haters to stop hating us. We've seen that over and over in history, and again now. Haters are dug in. And now, exposing the antisemites does nothing because Jew Hate is going mainstream and *acceptable.* (That Mamdani is going to be mayor of NYC is a big, glaring, flashing sign of that). It is only relatively recently I have come to realize and accept that "fighting antisemitism" is almost futile. We can only try to fight back using the law after Jews are mistreated (at universities, in workplaces, assaults, etc.). Schools used to teach antisemitism to children, but now, major teachers' unions are removing Holocaust lessons and even Israel from maps (it's "Palestine). Kids believe more in Tik Tok Terrorists than facts. And of course, America's educational system is failing miserably. Horrifying fact: 21 percent of adult Americans are functionally illiterate, and they are raising illiterate children. And the adults, too, get their news from Tik Tok and Instagram and the terrorists' massive amounts of hate posts about Jews. I hate to be so negative, but we are now, unfortunately, pretty much where Thomas Sowell said, over 30 years ago, that we would be--and that is in a rapidly declining America. And when a country is in decline, history has shown repeatedly that they go after the Jews. The tipping point (when it becomes shockingly obvious that Jews are in big trouble in Western countries) could come at any time. Think of this: What if Erika Kirk comes out tomorrow and announces that, yes, Israel and the Jews were behind the assassination of her husband? Something like that happening means we should quickly pack our valuables and get on the next flight to Israel.
Oh, yes. The Wall Street Journal had an opinion piece about all that in today's (Nov. 1st) edition. That propaganda is coming from the Right, not the Left).
That’s their problem. Why is it ok for all countrymen to feel nationalistic pride about their respective countries, but not we Jews about Israel? It makes my logical, equality believing head spin ❤️🩹😳🤯
Oh, I agree. But in context, I took the writer to mean that by being "strong, successful, unified, pious and proud," might somehow fight Jew Hate; but actually, haters hate us for our success and survival against all odds (just one of many reasons, of course) . So, yes, keep being proud and successful, but certainly don't expect it to make them like us more.
I think what I meant was we have to be strong enough to live with the antisemitism, successful so that we can flourish and have maximal influence in society, unified, of course we can’t be fighting amongst ourselves, pious because our beliefs and the Torah are the only thing that have enabled us to survive for 5000 years, and proud because we have a noble and exalted heritage to perpetuate.
No, it won’t stop others from hating us, but it will help us to survive in spite of their hate.
Amazing. Feeling scarily similar feelings here in the UK. Just one point " when the Israel-Hamas war began two years ago. We celebrated with literal tears of joy when it ended, and when our hostages were released. That’s all we ever wanted." Yes, I celebrated with glee last Simchat Torah for the miraculous release of our hostages. A high I cannot describe. I'm not a pessimist but there are still 11 families waiting to lay their loved ones to rest. Maybe I expect too much but I feel the war is far from over. The hardest part, which, let's face it, will probably be left to the Israelis because their " muslim brotherhood" don't seem to be interested ( wonder why?) is the 20 or more years of reverse indoctrination that is needed for real peace to ensue. Love Trump for what he did for our hostages but if he thinks it's over????????? We can only hope and pray. A concerned Israeli Brit
A very well written and presented letter. Thank You!
But I hope you don’t think it’s going to make a difference!
These people already know or intuit these points, that is if they care at all
Our aim s/b to equip our young families with the tools and training they are going to need when the first attack happens. Cause it’s going to and as of this very minute, it’s going to come faster than we realize!
This is an eloquent statement, but I guess my problem with it is, yet another effort to explain ourselves to the Gentiles. I can’t help but feel that anyone willing to sit down and read this letter is way too open-minded and rational to be a serious antisemite. And conversely, ignorant hate-filled antisemites aren’t going to sit down and listen to reason in the first place. Yes, we should engage the world. No, I don’t think we can change the mind of an antisemite by trying to explain ourselves to them.
..."we might just find our way back to being the kind of country we thought we were."
Unfortunately Canada never was what Jewish people thought it was. Perhaps, strangest of all is that all this anti-Zionism in Canada was perhaps worse 25 years ago. At that time there was no push back on the leftist victim oppressor narrative. Both sides of the political divide paid homage to it. It was ascendant at that point in history. That narrative cast Israel as the oppressor and the Palestinians as their victims. A president like Donald Trump was unimaginable circa 2000.
The riots were the same; the ferocity in the public was the same; the universities had the same crazed students and riots; the libelous and slanderous media was the same. The only difference was back then there was no push back.
There's a saying about Canada being a country of Two Solitudes regarding the English and the French. I'd say its more accurate to describe Canada as a country of solitudes. A country where a Jew and a neo-N@zi can live side by side as neighbors, barely speak a word to each other other; each one sees the country in a diametrically opposed way; each one feels secure in their way of seeing things and lifestyle in Canada. I suppose even in Canada shit can hit the fan sometimes so that people are actually forced to take notice. But I remember clearly thinking 25 years ago, "if this ends, most of the Jews will deny it ever happened." And it seems I was right.
So I'll say it again, "if this current antisemitic conflagration ends with things settling back to normal, most of the Jews will deny it ever happened."
I know that the "peace now" kibbutzim that were slaughtered want to rebuild....have new members asking to join.....what is their ideology now re peaceful coexistence and understanding the "legitimate" rights of their neighbors and their complaint of collective suffering since 1948. Canada's PM and his recognition of this faux state is despicable. CBC stands with BBC for twisting itself into a pretzel to avoid calling a spade a spade. Meanwhile, I have nothing but angst in NYC. Too many simply don't care or have deep antipathy towards Jews. And their state. Like the presumptive new mayor. And the Jewish or post Jewish celebrities that are grinning that hyena grin right along with this racist for mayor.
You are preaching to the converted. The once who agreed with you before, still agree with you. The once who did not, still don't. Nothing is changed. Israel is still relying on herself only. Even those that profess standing with Israel, are with Israel only while it is convenient and will march away the moment it becomes not so.
"Antisemitism is those same people who are more than happy to weigh in on the evil of kidnapped Nigerian girls, or the genocide in Darfur, but who suddenly can’t find their words to condemn Hamas’ vile actions against Israeli civilians."
When did you ever see your neighbors weigh in (whatever that means) on the evil of kidnapped Nigerian girls, or the genocide in Darfur and Myanmar, the slaughter of nearly 600,000 Syrians by the butcher Assad, the death of nearly 500,000 people in Yemen?
Good luck- because I haven’t found ONE person willing to discuss anything. Their minds are set in stone. Beautiful letter but I believe fundamentally useless. At this point in time I’m done trying to explain, justify, point out, give facts.. The only thing I am interested in now is the survival of Israel and Jews. Not interested in anything else. I’m done with negotiations and explanations.
I am a Christian who is an ally of Jews and Israel. I will continue to speak out against anti-semitism. I will continue to attend “Walk with Israel” marches.
Thank you for this beautifully written letter. I am deeply ashamed at what has been happening in Canada and the reticence of our leaders to put a stop to it.
Beautifully put... I also have two very close friends whose silence is very telling. Over lunch, a couple of months ago, I mentioned how difficult it was to be Jewish right now. Not only were they silent, but they didn't look at me. Needless to say, I'm reevaluating friendships. Additionally, my niece and I were talking and she said, "I find myself wondering which of my friends would hide me." If that doesn't give you chills...
I've had similar experiences with close friends. I'm putting a lot of effort into making new, Jewish friends these days...
Many have had this same experience - Oct 7th has changed me. Point on case, Jews must always watch their back, never let your guard down. Unfortunately, that comes at a shock to those who have lived a sheltered life.
Jews shouldn't be wondering if their friends would hide them. They should be arming themselves and preparing to fight.
The over the top reacting comes from the PM and legacy media when a Muslim is looked at in the "wrong" way. When Jew hatred and violence occurs towards the Canadian Jews, after the continual incitement from the PM and his toadies, as well as by the legacy media, especially the Der Sturmer of Canada, the CBC, there might be a shrug or meaningless words or silence. This is 1930s Germany, Canadian style.
Tragically true
To the outside world, we Jews will always be strange, fascinating, and inscrutable. That’s fine. To really combat antisemitism the Jewish people must be strong, successful, unified, pious, and proud.
Being "strong, successful, unified, pious and proud" is one of the reasons they hate us.
Perhaps, but what are we trying to accomplish in fighting antisemitism? Trying to get them not to hate us is one possible objective. Trying to survive and prosper and thrive is somewhat of a different goal. Nothing wrong with trying to explain ourselves to our non-Jewish neighbors, but I don’t know if explaining ourselves to others has ever done anything to reduce antisemitism.
Nothing--NOTHING--will get haters to stop hating us. We've seen that over and over in history, and again now. Haters are dug in. And now, exposing the antisemites does nothing because Jew Hate is going mainstream and *acceptable.* (That Mamdani is going to be mayor of NYC is a big, glaring, flashing sign of that). It is only relatively recently I have come to realize and accept that "fighting antisemitism" is almost futile. We can only try to fight back using the law after Jews are mistreated (at universities, in workplaces, assaults, etc.). Schools used to teach antisemitism to children, but now, major teachers' unions are removing Holocaust lessons and even Israel from maps (it's "Palestine). Kids believe more in Tik Tok Terrorists than facts. And of course, America's educational system is failing miserably. Horrifying fact: 21 percent of adult Americans are functionally illiterate, and they are raising illiterate children. And the adults, too, get their news from Tik Tok and Instagram and the terrorists' massive amounts of hate posts about Jews. I hate to be so negative, but we are now, unfortunately, pretty much where Thomas Sowell said, over 30 years ago, that we would be--and that is in a rapidly declining America. And when a country is in decline, history has shown repeatedly that they go after the Jews. The tipping point (when it becomes shockingly obvious that Jews are in big trouble in Western countries) could come at any time. Think of this: What if Erika Kirk comes out tomorrow and announces that, yes, Israel and the Jews were behind the assassination of her husband? Something like that happening means we should quickly pack our valuables and get on the next flight to Israel.
There is a certain element that has spread antisemitic propaganda regarding Kirk, blaming the Mosad.
Oh, yes. The Wall Street Journal had an opinion piece about all that in today's (Nov. 1st) edition. That propaganda is coming from the Right, not the Left).
That’s their problem. Why is it ok for all countrymen to feel nationalistic pride about their respective countries, but not we Jews about Israel? It makes my logical, equality believing head spin ❤️🩹😳🤯
Oh, I agree. But in context, I took the writer to mean that by being "strong, successful, unified, pious and proud," might somehow fight Jew Hate; but actually, haters hate us for our success and survival against all odds (just one of many reasons, of course) . So, yes, keep being proud and successful, but certainly don't expect it to make them like us more.
I think what I meant was we have to be strong enough to live with the antisemitism, successful so that we can flourish and have maximal influence in society, unified, of course we can’t be fighting amongst ourselves, pious because our beliefs and the Torah are the only thing that have enabled us to survive for 5000 years, and proud because we have a noble and exalted heritage to perpetuate.
No, it won’t stop others from hating us, but it will help us to survive in spite of their hate.
Yes, I agree.
So, would you prefer to be weak, a failure and ashamed?
No--please read my other responses to people thinking I was thinking that.
Yes, I realize that now.
Just like the wolf packs in our Northern National Parks keep the Deer herd Strong and Robust, so does antisemitism keep us on top of our game.
Prior to 1948 we in the original diaspora acted just like deer and suffered for it. Now we have our own country with guns to protect it.
We in the west must understand that when our teachers told us ‘Violence solves nothing’, they were lying.
While trying to get our heads around the new reality, get a copy of Hesh Kestons book, ‘The Wrong Jew’.
You can do two things at the same time. Do you understand
Hurry!
Amen vamen
Amazing. Feeling scarily similar feelings here in the UK. Just one point " when the Israel-Hamas war began two years ago. We celebrated with literal tears of joy when it ended, and when our hostages were released. That’s all we ever wanted." Yes, I celebrated with glee last Simchat Torah for the miraculous release of our hostages. A high I cannot describe. I'm not a pessimist but there are still 11 families waiting to lay their loved ones to rest. Maybe I expect too much but I feel the war is far from over. The hardest part, which, let's face it, will probably be left to the Israelis because their " muslim brotherhood" don't seem to be interested ( wonder why?) is the 20 or more years of reverse indoctrination that is needed for real peace to ensue. Love Trump for what he did for our hostages but if he thinks it's over????????? We can only hope and pray. A concerned Israeli Brit
A very well written and presented letter. Thank You!
But I hope you don’t think it’s going to make a difference!
These people already know or intuit these points, that is if they care at all
Our aim s/b to equip our young families with the tools and training they are going to need when the first attack happens. Cause it’s going to and as of this very minute, it’s going to come faster than we realize!
And the cavalry isn’t coming to save us!
Need the United States version
Just replace Canada with US. Unfortunately we have to add a lot more awful stuff to the mix right now.
This is an eloquent statement, but I guess my problem with it is, yet another effort to explain ourselves to the Gentiles. I can’t help but feel that anyone willing to sit down and read this letter is way too open-minded and rational to be a serious antisemite. And conversely, ignorant hate-filled antisemites aren’t going to sit down and listen to reason in the first place. Yes, we should engage the world. No, I don’t think we can change the mind of an antisemite by trying to explain ourselves to them.
..."we might just find our way back to being the kind of country we thought we were."
Unfortunately Canada never was what Jewish people thought it was. Perhaps, strangest of all is that all this anti-Zionism in Canada was perhaps worse 25 years ago. At that time there was no push back on the leftist victim oppressor narrative. Both sides of the political divide paid homage to it. It was ascendant at that point in history. That narrative cast Israel as the oppressor and the Palestinians as their victims. A president like Donald Trump was unimaginable circa 2000.
The riots were the same; the ferocity in the public was the same; the universities had the same crazed students and riots; the libelous and slanderous media was the same. The only difference was back then there was no push back.
There's a saying about Canada being a country of Two Solitudes regarding the English and the French. I'd say its more accurate to describe Canada as a country of solitudes. A country where a Jew and a neo-N@zi can live side by side as neighbors, barely speak a word to each other other; each one sees the country in a diametrically opposed way; each one feels secure in their way of seeing things and lifestyle in Canada. I suppose even in Canada shit can hit the fan sometimes so that people are actually forced to take notice. But I remember clearly thinking 25 years ago, "if this ends, most of the Jews will deny it ever happened." And it seems I was right.
So I'll say it again, "if this current antisemitic conflagration ends with things settling back to normal, most of the Jews will deny it ever happened."
😓
I know that the "peace now" kibbutzim that were slaughtered want to rebuild....have new members asking to join.....what is their ideology now re peaceful coexistence and understanding the "legitimate" rights of their neighbors and their complaint of collective suffering since 1948. Canada's PM and his recognition of this faux state is despicable. CBC stands with BBC for twisting itself into a pretzel to avoid calling a spade a spade. Meanwhile, I have nothing but angst in NYC. Too many simply don't care or have deep antipathy towards Jews. And their state. Like the presumptive new mayor. And the Jewish or post Jewish celebrities that are grinning that hyena grin right along with this racist for mayor.
You are preaching to the converted. The once who agreed with you before, still agree with you. The once who did not, still don't. Nothing is changed. Israel is still relying on herself only. Even those that profess standing with Israel, are with Israel only while it is convenient and will march away the moment it becomes not so.
Good luck I think you wasted your time. Just make sure your passport is up to date. There is no logic with our enemies.
You wrote:
"Antisemitism is those same people who are more than happy to weigh in on the evil of kidnapped Nigerian girls, or the genocide in Darfur, but who suddenly can’t find their words to condemn Hamas’ vile actions against Israeli civilians."
When did you ever see your neighbors weigh in (whatever that means) on the evil of kidnapped Nigerian girls, or the genocide in Darfur and Myanmar, the slaughter of nearly 600,000 Syrians by the butcher Assad, the death of nearly 500,000 people in Yemen?
No Jews, no news.
Wow. This hits every nail. Brilliant letter. And this could be exactly written about the UK too.
Good luck- because I haven’t found ONE person willing to discuss anything. Their minds are set in stone. Beautiful letter but I believe fundamentally useless. At this point in time I’m done trying to explain, justify, point out, give facts.. The only thing I am interested in now is the survival of Israel and Jews. Not interested in anything else. I’m done with negotiations and explanations.
And as with Yossi your letter will fall on deaf ears.