Yes, I know, everyone in the fight against antisemitism and "anti-Zionism" has been acting with the best of intentions, but let’s stop being so soft — and let’s start confronting unfortunate truths.
I've been pushing for the defunding of every college / university that promotes & teaches Jew hatred. Love this article too! #EnoughIsEnough #EndJewHatred NOW!
Thank you, Josh, for supporting a tough Jew approach. You mentioned the Mossad has departments for helping Jews in the Diaspora. I wasn't aware of this. If you could interview someone from the Mossad with info about it, that would be great! My advice to Jewish readers is this:
1) Take a course in self defense. A good one will show you how to size up and respond to various situations and how to use everyday objects (like keys, canes, even a handbag) as weapons if your jurisdiction won't let you carry a gun. The main thing is not to look like an easy target. Walk tall and proud, even if you use a mobility aid. Attackers size up your body language and often avoid people they think will kick up a fuss.
2) Insist that your Jewish spearhead organization (e.g. the JCC, the Federation) devote more money to security and self defense programs. I have noticed that many of these orgs are making a big splash with feel-good rallies and events when they should be helping Jews in their area to feel safe going out.
3) If there are many anti-Semitic incidents involving physical threats in your area, support the revival of the Jewish Defense League or any Jewish org that patrols public areas and has a hotline for Jews who’ve been physically threatened and can supply identifying information about their attackers. (This also applies to any anti-Semites in your school or workplace who are getting away with discriminating against you and thwarting your ability to make a living or get an education.) G-d forgive me for saying this, but we need a group that uses Mafia-like ways of making these demons quietly “disappear”. Did you know the Mafia started as a way for Italian Americans to get justice against bullies when the police and courts wouldn’t help them? Well, there are too many threats and attacks against Jews that are getting nothing but lip service from the justice system. If they won’t give us justice we must get it for ourselves.
4) Continue supporting Israel but be careful about giving your money to scam-artists. If you don’t recognize the charity, do some research about them before donating. Don’t be taken in by “uplifting” FB stories and memes.
As an American non-Jew, I always considered Israel and the Jewish people as being very strong. As history has shown us. I agree with your sentiments about having a "strong" Jewish identity and presence, not just in Israel but the entire world. One problem as I see it, and as you pointed out, is the Diaspora Jews who seem to be lost. They some how think that by supporting "terrorists" they will be spared.
I've always admired how Israel has done what had to be done without apologizing. There are plenty of Americans who feel the same. America is "not" lost. Many of us still remember what terrorists have done to America and there are plenty of Americans who will not give up on America, Israel or the Jewish people. Some of us even know how to use guns and are physically fit...
Could not agree more. Israel could encourage that by utterly destroying Hamas, annexing Gaza and flooding it with Jews, while the self-described Palestinians who choose to remain there can study in Hebrew, work and obey laws on penalty of jail or expulsion, and all mosques will be closed for decades.
Not a bad idea. And I am sorry to say it, but the reality is looking like that might be Israel’s best option. A left-leaning Israeli told me something similar a few days ago. That’s right, the political goal posts have greatly shifted in Israel since October 7th, and understandably so.
Very important essay. I think we need to take all reasonable actions to protect ourselves and our future, and that certainly includes self-defense. I also would advocate, as some others responded, that we as Jews need to engage in more Jewish practices — whether they be religious or cultural. Every other group in the US celebrates its culture and differences so proudly; we should do no less and have so much to embrace. Finally, I think we need to reach out to our neighbors and other non-Jews around us who are or should be sympathetic to our cause and Israel. We have friends but should not neglect them nor assume that they are immune to the distortion of “news” about Israel. My belief/hope is that most Americans are supportive of Israel and Jews, but they are not especially engaged with those issues. Although these are existential matters for us, most of our non-Jewish friends do not realize that. I think we must do what we can to prudently educate them and keep them educated.
EXCELLENT!! Might I add; only my thoughts I am semi-convinced that there is a huge percentage of Jewish persons who know nearly nothing about our full Culture. Or to cut to the chase that group knows nothing about Torah, Tanach, Talmud and even basic normative simple 'Cultural' practices erroneously called 'religious'. I think that is the one thing missing from your very fine essay. A little bit of Learning of Torah or Psalms or the weekly Parashot etc etc really builds something deep inside even for older people such as myself. Then OF COURSE there is a huge percentage of Jewish people who TOTALLY reject anything about Torah etc. As I call it: They are afraid they might grow a beard.:) Then there is another large percentage who know and live by a LOT of Torah ... yet they have to learn something and that is to 'move on' to grasp a little bit more about the world 'outside'. In other words for Jewish persons... no matter where we stand on any topic and no matter how much we know or don't know - I believe the study and actions of Torah each in our own level is 100% necessary by every single Jewish person.
One of the obstacles for the Jewish community in organizing any kind of self defense is the present two-tiered system of justice in the U.S. Antifa and BLM thugs can get away with anything while members of conservative groups like Proud Boys and Promise Keepers receive 20-year sentences for trespassing. Maybe organizing a network of dance studios that teach traditional Hebrew dancing like the Hora, the Polka and Krav Maga would be a way to fly under the radar until the Biden regime is no longer in power.
What you’re describing is an America that’s looking awfully like South Africa, a country that is home to a few of the world’s top 10 most dangerous cities and is a great embarrassment to many South Africans. And yet many Jews cannot seem to identify that their beloved Democratic Party is no longer what it used to be. Never quite understood people who do not update their beliefs with the changing times.
I say this every day I quote Jabotinsky “Jews learn to shoot” this is 2024 stop stigmatising firearms and firearms training damnit Jews learn to shoot. This is existential either in the diaspora or at home.
In the 1930's Jewish gangsters used to beat up nazis who were holding Bund rallies. We need a return to that type of mindset. We also need to revive the JDL.
Very timely article because my husband and I were just discussing where are the Jewish voices and presence while all this craziness on campuses is going on? Where are the Jewish organizations to voice their concerns to the universities and to those staff members who cheer and support the pro Hamas buffoons? The silence is hard to believe, but as you have said, young people have been softened, fearful of asserting themselves and leaving it up to the adults who don't seem to be in charge anymore. From the top down, cowardice is everywhere. When one person comes out in defense of Jewish students and Israel, it's almost a surprise, but a well received one. How do these young, Jewish students fight back when the administration, the government, both local and federal are on the side of the protesters? When the US president says he denounces anti-Semitism with his usual but...we need to understand the Palestinians. When the president of Columbia rattles off her credentials at Congressional hearings only to display a morally bankrupt, biased, poor example of a human being. who chooses to put classes online rather than have the campus cleansed of the protesters, arrested AND kept in prison, not let out hours later to do the same or worse. One way to fight back is by the very thing that moves the engine of capitalism and that is money. Demand tuition refunds, attend Jewish friendly universities, sue the president and staff members of those schools that don't protect ALL students. I read suing schools is a losing proposition so it is better to sue the individuals. Don't spend money at stores, restaurants, anywhere you know has a bias against Jews. Some of our own people are against what Israel is doing and support the Palestinians. I'm not saying we shouldn't fight back, but this will be a battle stacked against us. At least in World War II, the allies finally appeared, but where are the allies now? Thank you, Joshua. You always manage to write very timely and informative articles and bring your great perspective to each one.
I've been pushing for the defunding of every college / university that promotes & teaches Jew hatred. Love this article too! #EnoughIsEnough #EndJewHatred NOW!
Thank you, Josh, for supporting a tough Jew approach. You mentioned the Mossad has departments for helping Jews in the Diaspora. I wasn't aware of this. If you could interview someone from the Mossad with info about it, that would be great! My advice to Jewish readers is this:
1) Take a course in self defense. A good one will show you how to size up and respond to various situations and how to use everyday objects (like keys, canes, even a handbag) as weapons if your jurisdiction won't let you carry a gun. The main thing is not to look like an easy target. Walk tall and proud, even if you use a mobility aid. Attackers size up your body language and often avoid people they think will kick up a fuss.
2) Insist that your Jewish spearhead organization (e.g. the JCC, the Federation) devote more money to security and self defense programs. I have noticed that many of these orgs are making a big splash with feel-good rallies and events when they should be helping Jews in their area to feel safe going out.
3) If there are many anti-Semitic incidents involving physical threats in your area, support the revival of the Jewish Defense League or any Jewish org that patrols public areas and has a hotline for Jews who’ve been physically threatened and can supply identifying information about their attackers. (This also applies to any anti-Semites in your school or workplace who are getting away with discriminating against you and thwarting your ability to make a living or get an education.) G-d forgive me for saying this, but we need a group that uses Mafia-like ways of making these demons quietly “disappear”. Did you know the Mafia started as a way for Italian Americans to get justice against bullies when the police and courts wouldn’t help them? Well, there are too many threats and attacks against Jews that are getting nothing but lip service from the justice system. If they won’t give us justice we must get it for ourselves.
4) Continue supporting Israel but be careful about giving your money to scam-artists. If you don’t recognize the charity, do some research about them before donating. Don’t be taken in by “uplifting” FB stories and memes.
Be smart. Be proud. Am Yisroel Chai!
Great additions!!
As an American non-Jew, I always considered Israel and the Jewish people as being very strong. As history has shown us. I agree with your sentiments about having a "strong" Jewish identity and presence, not just in Israel but the entire world. One problem as I see it, and as you pointed out, is the Diaspora Jews who seem to be lost. They some how think that by supporting "terrorists" they will be spared.
I've always admired how Israel has done what had to be done without apologizing. There are plenty of Americans who feel the same. America is "not" lost. Many of us still remember what terrorists have done to America and there are plenty of Americans who will not give up on America, Israel or the Jewish people. Some of us even know how to use guns and are physically fit...
Same here! AMEN & AMEN!
Could not agree more. Israel could encourage that by utterly destroying Hamas, annexing Gaza and flooding it with Jews, while the self-described Palestinians who choose to remain there can study in Hebrew, work and obey laws on penalty of jail or expulsion, and all mosques will be closed for decades.
Not a bad idea. And I am sorry to say it, but the reality is looking like that might be Israel’s best option. A left-leaning Israeli told me something similar a few days ago. That’s right, the political goal posts have greatly shifted in Israel since October 7th, and understandably so.
Very important essay. I think we need to take all reasonable actions to protect ourselves and our future, and that certainly includes self-defense. I also would advocate, as some others responded, that we as Jews need to engage in more Jewish practices — whether they be religious or cultural. Every other group in the US celebrates its culture and differences so proudly; we should do no less and have so much to embrace. Finally, I think we need to reach out to our neighbors and other non-Jews around us who are or should be sympathetic to our cause and Israel. We have friends but should not neglect them nor assume that they are immune to the distortion of “news” about Israel. My belief/hope is that most Americans are supportive of Israel and Jews, but they are not especially engaged with those issues. Although these are existential matters for us, most of our non-Jewish friends do not realize that. I think we must do what we can to prudently educate them and keep them educated.
Completely agree on all account!
EXCELLENT!! Might I add; only my thoughts I am semi-convinced that there is a huge percentage of Jewish persons who know nearly nothing about our full Culture. Or to cut to the chase that group knows nothing about Torah, Tanach, Talmud and even basic normative simple 'Cultural' practices erroneously called 'religious'. I think that is the one thing missing from your very fine essay. A little bit of Learning of Torah or Psalms or the weekly Parashot etc etc really builds something deep inside even for older people such as myself. Then OF COURSE there is a huge percentage of Jewish people who TOTALLY reject anything about Torah etc. As I call it: They are afraid they might grow a beard.:) Then there is another large percentage who know and live by a LOT of Torah ... yet they have to learn something and that is to 'move on' to grasp a little bit more about the world 'outside'. In other words for Jewish persons... no matter where we stand on any topic and no matter how much we know or don't know - I believe the study and actions of Torah each in our own level is 100% necessary by every single Jewish person.
Agreed!
One of the obstacles for the Jewish community in organizing any kind of self defense is the present two-tiered system of justice in the U.S. Antifa and BLM thugs can get away with anything while members of conservative groups like Proud Boys and Promise Keepers receive 20-year sentences for trespassing. Maybe organizing a network of dance studios that teach traditional Hebrew dancing like the Hora, the Polka and Krav Maga would be a way to fly under the radar until the Biden regime is no longer in power.
What you’re describing is an America that’s looking awfully like South Africa, a country that is home to a few of the world’s top 10 most dangerous cities and is a great embarrassment to many South Africans. And yet many Jews cannot seem to identify that their beloved Democratic Party is no longer what it used to be. Never quite understood people who do not update their beliefs with the changing times.
The media has done a good job of hiding South Africa's descent into chaos and criminality. SA is too important as a symbol of the Left's moral triumph to let the ugly truth slip out. Today ANC sings "Kill the White Farmer!" at their party rallies: https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/modern-day-censorship/elon-musk-calls-for-boycott-of-new-york-times-for-endorsing-controversial-south-african-song/
Great article. Fascinating history. There’s a record number of Jews purchasing firearms in the US. We are fortunate to have this option.
Spot on! The answer is absolutely being stronger and tougher in all dimensions. Jewish decency can be a weakness.
I say this every day I quote Jabotinsky “Jews learn to shoot” this is 2024 stop stigmatising firearms and firearms training damnit Jews learn to shoot. This is existential either in the diaspora or at home.
It is about time all the jewish federation
In every countries
Oblige jewish school to teach self defence
I do not understand why the policemen ask you to not put your flag on
This was wrong
They put there flags all over
And they do worse
I wish the jewish schools in montreal
Start teaching kids self defence
Parents won t do it
But school should do it
Ps Kahane chai
In the 1930's Jewish gangsters used to beat up nazis who were holding Bund rallies. We need a return to that type of mindset. We also need to revive the JDL.
Very timely article because my husband and I were just discussing where are the Jewish voices and presence while all this craziness on campuses is going on? Where are the Jewish organizations to voice their concerns to the universities and to those staff members who cheer and support the pro Hamas buffoons? The silence is hard to believe, but as you have said, young people have been softened, fearful of asserting themselves and leaving it up to the adults who don't seem to be in charge anymore. From the top down, cowardice is everywhere. When one person comes out in defense of Jewish students and Israel, it's almost a surprise, but a well received one. How do these young, Jewish students fight back when the administration, the government, both local and federal are on the side of the protesters? When the US president says he denounces anti-Semitism with his usual but...we need to understand the Palestinians. When the president of Columbia rattles off her credentials at Congressional hearings only to display a morally bankrupt, biased, poor example of a human being. who chooses to put classes online rather than have the campus cleansed of the protesters, arrested AND kept in prison, not let out hours later to do the same or worse. One way to fight back is by the very thing that moves the engine of capitalism and that is money. Demand tuition refunds, attend Jewish friendly universities, sue the president and staff members of those schools that don't protect ALL students. I read suing schools is a losing proposition so it is better to sue the individuals. Don't spend money at stores, restaurants, anywhere you know has a bias against Jews. Some of our own people are against what Israel is doing and support the Palestinians. I'm not saying we shouldn't fight back, but this will be a battle stacked against us. At least in World War II, the allies finally appeared, but where are the allies now? Thank you, Joshua. You always manage to write very timely and informative articles and bring your great perspective to each one.
Jew-Jitsu. Who wudda thought?