I do wonder, though, whether this message is aimed at the right audience. After everything that has happened since October 7, I find it hard to believe that many diaspora Jews still take Israel for granted. The explosion of antisemitism around the world has been a wake-up call. I think millions of Jews now understand that Israel isn't just another country—it's their one true home if the worst should ever happen.
As for the small number of progressive Jews who still don't see that, I'm not sure another article will change their minds. They've largely chosen their path already.
For the overwhelming majority of Jews, however, October 7 reminded us why Israel is indispensable. That lesson, tragic as it was, will not soon be forgotten.
What do our reform temple jewish schools ( often pre or through elementary) teach their students about Israel the last three years and what did they teach over the past 30 -40 years? My son went in a birthright trip a few decades ago and many (a lot) of the kids there were not what you would call zionists based on their mouthings)? And what do their rabbis preach from the pulpit before before and after oct 7 ( many reform rabbis ate members of j Street for example and share the J ST views not to mention temple board members)
How to explain how many americam jews who are and havd been all in for tel Aviv but not so much Jerusalem ( I have heard it for years). My joke always was when you have your sedar make sure at the end you say NEXT YEAR IN TEL AVIV. How many were either against trump moving the embassy to Jerusalem ( or stayed silent when their guy who was trumps predecessor refused( a harbinger perhaps??)
My point is that I still think there is a schism of sorts among American jews and I fear that has we put distance ( years) between the present and oct 7, the schism will agon rear its ugly head just as 9-11 has become forgotten by many or now even generating comments AGAIN that the US was responsible because of it foreign policy ( oppressor oppressed thought if yiu will before the terminology become front and center )
Clarity, I understand where you're coming from, and you raise some fair concerns. But I think a lot of what happened with younger Jews over the past couple of decades grew out of the broader woke movement—identity politics, oppressor-versus-oppressed thinking, and the way those ideas spread through universities and social media.
The reason I'm optimistic is that we're now seeing a real backlash against those ideas. When deans of major universities can't answer the simple question, "What is a woman?" people begin to realize something has gone seriously off course. I think we're already seeing the beginning of that correction.
I don't believe these trends are permanent. Eventually, the silent majority reaches its limit, and I think that's what's starting to happen now.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. By the way, I'd love to invite you to subscribe to my free Substack at FrederickTatala.substack.com. I think you'd enjoy the articles.
Excellent article. I am a poor pauper but constantly praying strength to You and Kol Yisrael 🔥🙏The very final battle is very soon to come 🕎🇮🇱✡️We pray and stay strong and united and TRUST ONLY LORD ALMIGHTY 🔥🙏There will be great miracles to come ✡️🇮🇱🕎The Second Revelation is very close 🔥🙏🔥🙏The Third Temple and the Kingdom of Yisrael (Davidic Dynasty) are ETERNAL and Sanhedrin is also in the Third Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem Very Soon Baruch HaShem 🔥🙏🕎🇮🇱✡️🙏🔥David Melech Yisrael Chai Vekayam 🙏🔥❤️❤️❤️✡️🇮🇱🕎🙏🔥🙏
Joshua, another wonderful article.
I do wonder, though, whether this message is aimed at the right audience. After everything that has happened since October 7, I find it hard to believe that many diaspora Jews still take Israel for granted. The explosion of antisemitism around the world has been a wake-up call. I think millions of Jews now understand that Israel isn't just another country—it's their one true home if the worst should ever happen.
As for the small number of progressive Jews who still don't see that, I'm not sure another article will change their minds. They've largely chosen their path already.
For the overwhelming majority of Jews, however, October 7 reminded us why Israel is indispensable. That lesson, tragic as it was, will not soon be forgotten.
I hope you are right but heres a question or two
What do our reform temple jewish schools ( often pre or through elementary) teach their students about Israel the last three years and what did they teach over the past 30 -40 years? My son went in a birthright trip a few decades ago and many (a lot) of the kids there were not what you would call zionists based on their mouthings)? And what do their rabbis preach from the pulpit before before and after oct 7 ( many reform rabbis ate members of j Street for example and share the J ST views not to mention temple board members)
How to explain how many americam jews who are and havd been all in for tel Aviv but not so much Jerusalem ( I have heard it for years). My joke always was when you have your sedar make sure at the end you say NEXT YEAR IN TEL AVIV. How many were either against trump moving the embassy to Jerusalem ( or stayed silent when their guy who was trumps predecessor refused( a harbinger perhaps??)
My point is that I still think there is a schism of sorts among American jews and I fear that has we put distance ( years) between the present and oct 7, the schism will agon rear its ugly head just as 9-11 has become forgotten by many or now even generating comments AGAIN that the US was responsible because of it foreign policy ( oppressor oppressed thought if yiu will before the terminology become front and center )
Clarity, I understand where you're coming from, and you raise some fair concerns. But I think a lot of what happened with younger Jews over the past couple of decades grew out of the broader woke movement—identity politics, oppressor-versus-oppressed thinking, and the way those ideas spread through universities and social media.
The reason I'm optimistic is that we're now seeing a real backlash against those ideas. When deans of major universities can't answer the simple question, "What is a woman?" people begin to realize something has gone seriously off course. I think we're already seeing the beginning of that correction.
I don't believe these trends are permanent. Eventually, the silent majority reaches its limit, and I think that's what's starting to happen now.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. By the way, I'd love to invite you to subscribe to my free Substack at FrederickTatala.substack.com. I think you'd enjoy the articles.
Appreciate the dialogue. Will check u out
Sounds like a good plan. Have a great day.
One of the best posts that I read about the importance of Tisha Be'Av.
Thank you for reminding us who we are and why the State of Israel matters.
Education starts at home 🏡.
Excellent article. I am a poor pauper but constantly praying strength to You and Kol Yisrael 🔥🙏The very final battle is very soon to come 🕎🇮🇱✡️We pray and stay strong and united and TRUST ONLY LORD ALMIGHTY 🔥🙏There will be great miracles to come ✡️🇮🇱🕎The Second Revelation is very close 🔥🙏🔥🙏The Third Temple and the Kingdom of Yisrael (Davidic Dynasty) are ETERNAL and Sanhedrin is also in the Third Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem Very Soon Baruch HaShem 🔥🙏🕎🇮🇱✡️🙏🔥David Melech Yisrael Chai Vekayam 🙏🔥❤️❤️❤️✡️🇮🇱🕎🙏🔥🙏