Diaspora Jewry’s response to antisemitism has predominantly been the Holocaust — as if showing Jew haters what other Jew haters succeeded in doing will mitigate antisemitism.
I commend you for writing this. Even today, we are not fighting back. Why is Krav Maga not offered throughout Jewish communities. Why are we allowing ourselves to be locked into buildings with a murderous mob outside. Stop cowering and walkout with your head held high. It appears that we are never in the right, so what do we have to lose. We must all act as warriors. Hag Sameach
I'm not Jewish, but I try defending my Jewish brethran as best I can. I wish I could do more. My faith compels it. [#ChristianZionism] [as well as my love for all things Jewish] I use social media to dispel the antiSemitic lies as best I can [about Israel & Jews], I donate to Jewish causes [like this one] & I pray for you all. [4 your safety] Is there anything else I can do? I find antiSemitism to be Satanic, straight from the pit of hell. IMO, it's a supernatural hatred that defies explanation.
I am not an influencer, nor am I a true activist. But, I have been saying for decades in social media that Jews need to organize to defend ourselves, both with words and with actions to show that we are not victims - not with violent attacks like blowing things up, but to ensure we can protect our communities and facilities when we cannot rely on our own local, state, and federal policing and military forces. I was too young to be a part of JDL, and by the time I met Kahane, he was a little too radical for me. When hubby and I met in Israel on a program and decided to marry and live there for a number of years, we joined the civil guard; it was empowering especially when I couldn't go to the Army, as I learned how to patrol towns in Israel proper and in the west bank. I tried to bring that back the idea of a town civil guard to my local US communities, but the police depts and the religious facilities balked at it. I think we need to be training our youth to be less of victims and stronger enough to be vocal against the hate rhetoric, the less others will see Jews as victims. That is why I am proud that Israeli Jews in their art and music over the last few months say to the world just that - we are strong and we are here to stay - Am Israel Chai -- we all should be saying it and feeling it!
Wow. Lots of food for thought. My initial reactions are: 1) I don't feel as though Jews embrace victimhood in that we always get our acts together -- after programs, after being thrown out, etc. etc. etc. -- and find a way not just to go on but to thrive! And I wonder if that just does't drive some people crazy. 2) My husband and I are talking about getting a gun, and I've been anti-gun all my life. Another way in which Oct 7 changed me. 3) This is why we need an Israel. Only a sovereign nation can form an army with ample weaponry and really defend and fight. My gun will help me defend my turf, but not much more -- unless you are counseling that we form militias here in the U.S. Interesting.
An excellent article, Joshua, with a lot to think about and to search for more answers. Anti-Semitism is so embedded in those who hate Jews, it's difficult to know how to change it. One of your closing thoughts about victimhood, martyrdom, and choosing life was a reminder how Israel's enemy chooses all except life. I used to hear people ask why Jews didn't fight back during the Holocaust, not knowing that some tried. Now that Israel is a strong nation with an excellent army, they resent that too. Through everything the Jewish people have endured, they have never seen themselves as victims, and because of that, have survived and thrived much to the dismay of those who hate Jews. So, once again, no matter what Jews do, it will never be the "right" thing or enough, because it's about being Jewish. Historically, Jews have always been the scapegoat for another group's failures, but that's just another box to tick for the haters. If I can find one positive in this war, and I say positive with some sarcasm, is that the hate for Jews is out there in full view. We can now see and hear those who have secretly harbored hate for us. Despite all of this, we can continue to live our lives with pride, dignity, and accomplishment and continue to be a proud people reminding those who hate of our values, our belief in social justice, etc. By doing so, we can try to psychologically attack the conscience of those who lack the aforementioned. Am Yisrael Chai
I started training in karate while I lived in NYC a long time ago. It's served me well. Unlike my liberal friends, I'm not afraid of weapons, and I am always prepared (legally!) to defend myself. And now, where I wear a "Am Yisrael Chai" pin & Star of David necklace, and even though I'm in a location away from the hotbeds of Jew hatred, I still am always prepared to defend myself. There are lots of weapons out there that are less lethal than guns. Yes, all weapons need practice, but we're talking about potentially saving lives, so that shouldn't be a barrier.
I think that in the east (where I'm originally from) part of the reluctance to defend ourselves is because liberals tend to be against guns (and don't explore other avenues of self-protection). In the west it seems like liberals are considerably less afraid of guns, but I don't know if this applies to Jews.
I absolutely believe every Jew should know martial arts (from a good teacher - very imporant!!). From that, I think there'd be developed a less reluctant attitude about self-defense. It certainly worked that way for me.
"Of course, the Germans rounded up Jews and murdered them. But, they were assisted by almost everyone else in the world." Indeed, most policemen and other civil servants in occupied territory obeyed their new 'masters' slavishly but there were also plenty of brave man and woman: 20 % of the Dutch Jews resisted and went in to hiding assisted by the Resistance (unfortunately, many were betrayed). And in the Resistance movement, Jews were overrepresented and committed heroic deeds.
The question is what is the solution? I don't live in the US so for me to own a gun is a very strange concept, but as you said before also words can be weapons so I do believe that words have an impact, but they need to be clear, sharp as a knife, truthful and unapologetic, they have to cut like a knife with their truth!!! I decided that I want either to be part of an organization or establish an organisation that is totally dedicated to attack everyone that attacks Israel: Either by lawsuits, or lobbying, or speeches, or exposing lies. And by speaking out everywhere, where ever I get the chance!!! Truth will prevail at the end and courage and strength is what especially the Diaspora Jews have to show these days instead of being complicit with the false narratives that especially the Left and the Muslims are saying about us which has become suddenly Mainstream. When they attack, you need to attack back and not to stay silent or to even agree. They are bullies! Bullies can only be put in their place with aggression, not with appeasement!
I commend you for writing this. Even today, we are not fighting back. Why is Krav Maga not offered throughout Jewish communities. Why are we allowing ourselves to be locked into buildings with a murderous mob outside. Stop cowering and walkout with your head held high. It appears that we are never in the right, so what do we have to lose. We must all act as warriors. Hag Sameach
I'm not Jewish, but I try defending my Jewish brethran as best I can. I wish I could do more. My faith compels it. [#ChristianZionism] [as well as my love for all things Jewish] I use social media to dispel the antiSemitic lies as best I can [about Israel & Jews], I donate to Jewish causes [like this one] & I pray for you all. [4 your safety] Is there anything else I can do? I find antiSemitism to be Satanic, straight from the pit of hell. IMO, it's a supernatural hatred that defies explanation.
I am not an influencer, nor am I a true activist. But, I have been saying for decades in social media that Jews need to organize to defend ourselves, both with words and with actions to show that we are not victims - not with violent attacks like blowing things up, but to ensure we can protect our communities and facilities when we cannot rely on our own local, state, and federal policing and military forces. I was too young to be a part of JDL, and by the time I met Kahane, he was a little too radical for me. When hubby and I met in Israel on a program and decided to marry and live there for a number of years, we joined the civil guard; it was empowering especially when I couldn't go to the Army, as I learned how to patrol towns in Israel proper and in the west bank. I tried to bring that back the idea of a town civil guard to my local US communities, but the police depts and the religious facilities balked at it. I think we need to be training our youth to be less of victims and stronger enough to be vocal against the hate rhetoric, the less others will see Jews as victims. That is why I am proud that Israeli Jews in their art and music over the last few months say to the world just that - we are strong and we are here to stay - Am Israel Chai -- we all should be saying it and feeling it!
Wow. Lots of food for thought. My initial reactions are: 1) I don't feel as though Jews embrace victimhood in that we always get our acts together -- after programs, after being thrown out, etc. etc. etc. -- and find a way not just to go on but to thrive! And I wonder if that just does't drive some people crazy. 2) My husband and I are talking about getting a gun, and I've been anti-gun all my life. Another way in which Oct 7 changed me. 3) This is why we need an Israel. Only a sovereign nation can form an army with ample weaponry and really defend and fight. My gun will help me defend my turf, but not much more -- unless you are counseling that we form militias here in the U.S. Interesting.
This is a Muslim religious world war... How do you expect 15 millions Jews defeat 2 billion Muslims ?
The British police and authorities are despicable. They won't even defend their own civilization against the islamist hordes, let alone Jewish people.
An excellent article, Joshua, with a lot to think about and to search for more answers. Anti-Semitism is so embedded in those who hate Jews, it's difficult to know how to change it. One of your closing thoughts about victimhood, martyrdom, and choosing life was a reminder how Israel's enemy chooses all except life. I used to hear people ask why Jews didn't fight back during the Holocaust, not knowing that some tried. Now that Israel is a strong nation with an excellent army, they resent that too. Through everything the Jewish people have endured, they have never seen themselves as victims, and because of that, have survived and thrived much to the dismay of those who hate Jews. So, once again, no matter what Jews do, it will never be the "right" thing or enough, because it's about being Jewish. Historically, Jews have always been the scapegoat for another group's failures, but that's just another box to tick for the haters. If I can find one positive in this war, and I say positive with some sarcasm, is that the hate for Jews is out there in full view. We can now see and hear those who have secretly harbored hate for us. Despite all of this, we can continue to live our lives with pride, dignity, and accomplishment and continue to be a proud people reminding those who hate of our values, our belief in social justice, etc. By doing so, we can try to psychologically attack the conscience of those who lack the aforementioned. Am Yisrael Chai
HATING JEWS ARE WHAT GOYIM DO BEST. IT'S SO CONVENIENT, ITS A WAY OF LIFE AND IT WILL
NEVER CHANGE. GLORIA
Modern antisemitism can never be eliminated only managed.
I started training in karate while I lived in NYC a long time ago. It's served me well. Unlike my liberal friends, I'm not afraid of weapons, and I am always prepared (legally!) to defend myself. And now, where I wear a "Am Yisrael Chai" pin & Star of David necklace, and even though I'm in a location away from the hotbeds of Jew hatred, I still am always prepared to defend myself. There are lots of weapons out there that are less lethal than guns. Yes, all weapons need practice, but we're talking about potentially saving lives, so that shouldn't be a barrier.
I think that in the east (where I'm originally from) part of the reluctance to defend ourselves is because liberals tend to be against guns (and don't explore other avenues of self-protection). In the west it seems like liberals are considerably less afraid of guns, but I don't know if this applies to Jews.
I absolutely believe every Jew should know martial arts (from a good teacher - very imporant!!). From that, I think there'd be developed a less reluctant attitude about self-defense. It certainly worked that way for me.
To complete the picture drawn by Saul Goldman :
"Of course, the Germans rounded up Jews and murdered them. But, they were assisted by almost everyone else in the world." Indeed, most policemen and other civil servants in occupied territory obeyed their new 'masters' slavishly but there were also plenty of brave man and woman: 20 % of the Dutch Jews resisted and went in to hiding assisted by the Resistance (unfortunately, many were betrayed). And in the Resistance movement, Jews were overrepresented and committed heroic deeds.
The question is what is the solution? I don't live in the US so for me to own a gun is a very strange concept, but as you said before also words can be weapons so I do believe that words have an impact, but they need to be clear, sharp as a knife, truthful and unapologetic, they have to cut like a knife with their truth!!! I decided that I want either to be part of an organization or establish an organisation that is totally dedicated to attack everyone that attacks Israel: Either by lawsuits, or lobbying, or speeches, or exposing lies. And by speaking out everywhere, where ever I get the chance!!! Truth will prevail at the end and courage and strength is what especially the Diaspora Jews have to show these days instead of being complicit with the false narratives that especially the Left and the Muslims are saying about us which has become suddenly Mainstream. When they attack, you need to attack back and not to stay silent or to even agree. They are bullies! Bullies can only be put in their place with aggression, not with appeasement!