10/7 and the Gaza War and its reactions have revealed so many things, most of them ugly and most of them to do with the shocking re-emergence of brazen ugly Jew hate throughout the West and the abject cowardice of our politicians and journalists, but now that we live in a new reality we need new assessments.
One of the things that needs to die in this new world is Tikkun Olam. "Healing the world", like so many prior attempts to get people to stop hating Jews, started with a noble purpose but it's lead to the same dead end: Jews giving money, time and energy to other people and their causes, only to find those supposed allies vanish or go over to the other side once its the Jews that need help, support, and healing. How many times do people have to tell you they don't love you and never will before you listen and take heed?
Instead of healing the world its time for Jews to heal themselves of the need to be seen as hyper-Christians in order to be accepted. If someone expects you to climb on the cross and die for their sins, you have no obligation to agree, certainly when they would never reciprocate.
"Imagine if Jewish philanthropy currently pouring into universities that host anti-Israel boycotters instead built new universities in Israel..." etc
This right here is the answer. All the "As a Jew"s who buy every lie and validate every ugly slander about Israel—the shallow narcissists of Hollywood and the phony radicals and pseudo-scholars of academia—need to be treated as enemies or at least as traitors. You can't heal the world if you hate yourself or hate your people.
I'm not Jewish, but my wife is. It's taken time and effort, but only recently have I convinced her that she has nothing to apologize for and there's nothing wrong with supporting Israel. I think it's easier to withstand the barrage of dishonest propaganda and enormous social pressure when it's not aimed directly at you. Now that I have a Jewish family via marriage, I feel the need to support and protect them. No one ever won anything (including self-respect and the respect of others) by refusing to stand up for yourself and fight back.
Awww that's actually so romantic - and so very true, I agree with everything you said. I agree being an outsider who loves Israel and Judaism - is still different and like you said easier to withstand a lot of the insane hate, even though it breaks our hearts. What you said about fighting back, is one thing I love about Judaism - it's very clear that it's not wrong to stand up for yourself, not that there aren't times when one should turn the other cheek as I grew up learning - but there is also a definite time when you have every right to defend yourself. Thank you for your thoughts! I appreciated reading them.
Oh wow- YES! I so agree! 💯 This is such a fantastic article - I wish everyone would read this. It reminded me a little of what I was saying about having the right to stand up for yourseld. The West's rules just do not work for Israel, this author is correct I think. Israel must take care of Israel and use whatever means necessary. In my own life I think turning the other cheek has sometimes caused me to allow people to use me as a doormat and that's not right for me to allow that to happen to me- I wish I had been taught it's ok to defend yourself... just like Israel cannot be a doormat either. Excellent article.
Once you convert to Judaism, you are as Jewish as those of us who have Jewish mothers. That is what Jewish law and tradition says. Most of those reading this would probably agree that as long as someone is raised as a Jew and identifies as a Jew they are Jewish, although Orthodox Jews would not agree with that.
Let me clarify this for you a little better, Jews born of Jewish mothers are natural Jews by blood, they have no choice in it, the can either accept it or not live by it, but they will remain Jews for life, the Torah regards them as such, but Jews who have made the conscious choice to convert and who become truly faithful, they are even more highly regarded as natural born Jews as they have made the very hard choice to do so, even the Beit Din recognizes this as such, and going back throughout our history, there are thousands of highly regarded Jews who were not born Jews.
Ruth was not originally Jewish; she was a Moabite woman who, after her husband's death, chose to stay with her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, and famously declared, "Your people shall be my people and your God my God". This declaration is understood to be her conversion to Judaism, she is the great-grandmother of King David and the Great Great grandmother of King Solomon, many of our greatest and most learned rabbi's were also not Jewish from birth, many great Jewish leaders were not born Jewish, there was an article written by Chabad Rabbi Menachem Posner that covered many of these leaders, and it is fact that some of our greatest sages were not born Jews but chose to become one.
Perhaps one can feel Jewish in mind and heart, but not in physical reality. A person is born into Judaism and grows up Jewish; identity is shaped by how closely the parents live in accordance with Jewish tradition, rooted in the teachings of the Torah. Outside a Jewish environment, one often hears misguided claims about Judaism and about who Jews are today. Some even go so far as to deny the very existence of the Jewish people—when every other attempt to erase them has failed.
Ditto. I'm also in conversion, and this article and comment resonates deeply with me. There is nothing more important to me at this point than finishing my conversion and entering into covenant with HaShem and Am Yisrael.
I like the concept of separating and regrouping. I don’t think the word “retreat” fits. But if we’re going to retreat, I suggest starting with the U.N.
Not true, sadly. We need to be at The UN to fight the global Antisemites. All nations who are sovereign must be in the UN. Sad fact but true. Thus, Israel cannot be both sovereign and not represented at the UN.
The US doesn’t need to fund such filth! Let’s have the Trump adm put some pressure (ie set of conditions for our continued support and involvement) on the UN just as it has with the WHO (and leave if necessary.) It has been a useless body!
What the USA does vis-a-vis membership in or funding of the UN is really a separate question from what the State of Israel and the Jewish people in the diaspora should do. It is very useful, to say the least, that the USA, the most powerful member of the UN Security Council, continues to support Israel and blocks any attempt in the Security Council to ask adversely to Israel.
The General Assembly has no material power in the UN, only the Security Council does.
Nah. At the U.N., we are little more than a punching bag, providing perverse entertainment to the haters. The world loves watching us try to defend ourselves from the libels that they know to be false. Why give them the satisfaction?
Why should we give up any platform from which we can proclaim what we know to be true and righteous? Why care about diplomats walking out when Netanyahu speaks when news media around the world do report at least some of what he said, whereas if he had just been speaking from Jerusalem, they would be much less likely to report anything of what he said?
Also, there are nations which are standing by Israel. They did not walk out. They have announced that they will not be recognizing a Palestinian state unless there is material progress such as Hamas surrendering and going into exile.
You are wrong on the law. Participation in the U.N. is voluntary. A nation’s sovereignty does not depend on U.N. membership or the approval of any outside entity. Are you suggesting that if the USA withdrew from the U.N., the USA would no longer be sovereign?
The UN has been prejudiced against Israel since its inception. The enormous number of Islamic countries in addition to countries that have been “bought with Arab money “ doesn’t give any credibility whatsoever to decisions that they make. It’s a sham
And I guess ultimately we all need to make Aliyah. I'm very, very tempted, but I'm petrified of what might happen if we're all gathered in one place and the world, particularly the United States, turns on us.
In a world with nuclear weapons, it could be a literally fatal error for all Jews to be in the very small geographic area that is Israel. Even if the USA continued to support Israel, one or more nuclear missiles could be launched by some Muslim government like that of Pakistan, or several "suitcase" bombs could go off inside Israel. For that matter, it may not be long before Muslims control the governments of the UK and France. The non-Muslim governments of the UK and France are already dancing to the tune of the jihadist voters, which is why they have recognized Palestine as a state -- in order to stay in power by keeping the votes of Muslims.
Thank you i chose to leave the diaspora a live in israel now i stay seeing as the anisemitism is rife but am uhappy with raidical govt siding with ultraorthodox and giving their judaism preference over mine by force an financial gain.
I hadn't thought of that scenario, but then it also seems like we can't leave Israel with a few people - then it seems like a huge military needs to be built up were that to ever happen. I would gladly join the IDF.
I don´t see it as an "either/or" but "as well as". Jews can/must strengthen their sovereignty as well as working with others if both sides (can) get benefits from it and Israel/Jews don´t have to compromise beyond tolerable. Why should Jews/Israel renounce speeches of Netanyahu or friends of Jews (Milei etc.) at UN ?
Nah. Basically you're describing the most extreme Haredi who shun the oustide world. That's okay for that sect of Judaism, but I believe Jews need to engage the world.
You know, in a way though, it's a little like an abusive relationship - with the world being abusive. Would you tell someone in an abusive relationship to say and engage... or do you think that perhaps the power move would be to get away and then if you are going to engage you can do it from a distance? Just a thought.
Oh you're right, it's a world of scammers and plagues and rapists and natural disasters and injustice, etc. But it's also a world of cancer cures and sunsets and galumphing golden retrievers and love and honor and peace accords. And, unlike an abusive relationship - where you can leave and find one that's not - it's the only world we've got.
Wow! A brilliant analogy. Women who keep going back to narcissists and sociopaths will just get weaker. Sadly, too many Jews from Hollywood to Melbourne will not listen. Leopards don't change their spots
I think why I came to that thought - was not as someone else mentioned - because I think every human out there is a narcissistic abuser, not at all I know a lot of amazing people and other non-Jews who LOVE Israel, like Charlie Kirk and my own family and lots of friends… but at the same time I don't think it's wrong to in the least build yourself up, or in Israel’s sake take care of Israel, get strong and then decide how and where they want to show up in the world, but on THEIR terms😊
RE “In Canada, the federal tax authority revoked the charitable status of Jewish National Fund Canada and the Ne’eman Foundation after complaints from “anti-Israel activists” (meaning, antisemites). This was not a mere regulatory tweak; it was a symbolic and financial blow, striking at Jewish fundraising infrastructure.”
WTAF???
By the way, I completely agree with your post and I’m about to create a Donor Advised Fund with exclusively Jewish and Israeli charity beneficiaries.”
While it’s not much, as I’m not a billionaire, I have shifted my giving to align with my priorities. I don’t have to heal the whole world, but I do have to support my piece of it. As my mom used to say, no one else will!
Sad to say jf is one fund i agree u revoking to to ǰn̈f that runs jnf on sentiments worthy due to her righteous establishment which should still be its motivation
👏👏👏 Spot-on, Joshua! It’s time for the Jewish community in the West to turn inward and focus on building up and empowering themselves. They need to get out of these institutions that don’t respect them and don’t want them. I wouldn’t use the word “retreat” however but rather withdrawal. It would indeed be an act of sovereignty if the Jewish community withdrew to the confines of its own parallel society. Indeed, history shows when the Jewish people do this they always come out all the better for it. The Jewish people need to start building mini-Yishuvs in all western countries. They should concentrate their money, resources and energy on Jewish community centers, schools, restaurants, businesses, hospitals, etc. The outside world has shown it doesn’t want or appreciate the Jewish community so they should just focus on empowering and educating the next generation of Jewish leaders and helping Jews in the West thrive in their own enclaves where no one will bother them. Israel should cut diplomatic ties with any nation who recognizes a Palestinian state of doesn’t recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital.
Western Jews should be encouraged to make Aliyah and to buy a home in Israel as soon as possible. There needs to be a HUGE wave of Jewish nationalism and community pride! Jews should shun the outside world outside of true Gentile allies. Jewish police forces and neighborhood watch groups should be formed as well. As to Israel, Israel should withdraw from the UN for the time being and donate all the money it would normally use to pay its UN dues to a government trust fund for IDF veterans, former hostages and victims of October 7th. Israel should without apology, do an Entebbe type raid to seize the Temple Mount from Jordan. It should open the Temple up for prayer from ALL religions. Gaza should be annexed in full. All Gazans will receive Israeli citizenship and representation in the Knesset. Construction of Jewish settlements will start immediately and Jewish settlers will start moving in. Gaza will be developed and turned into the Singapore of the Middle East.
Israel will assert FULL sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. The PA will be exiled to Jordan. Israel will launch a full-on counter-terrorism operation against Jihadists and Jewish extremists. The F1 settlement will be built. The settlements in East Jerusalem will be expanded. Israel will reoccupy Southern Lebanon. With the permission of the Egyptian government, Israel will establish a buffer zone in the Sinai. The Galilee, the Negev and the Golan Heights will be developed and more settlers will be sent our there to build homes and live. Israel will complete its normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. Britain, France and Canada will be told to close their embassies in Tel Aviv and their ambassadors will be asked to leave and their countries will agree to recall them and bring them home.
It is a mistake to cut diplomatic ties with nations just because at this moment in time those nations' leaders have chosen to engage in the Kabuki theater of recognizing Palestine as a state. Those nations may sooner or later have leaders who renounce their current positions on Palestine, just as some Muslim nations which once went to war against Israel have since recognized Israel and cooperate with Israel on various things.
It would be madness to make all Gazans citizens of Israel and permit them to be represented in the Knesset! What next? Annex all of the West Bank and make all Arabs in the West Bank citizens of Israel? That's the kind of "one state solution" that will end up with Jews being a minority in the State of Israel.
In the western world, where the bulk of the diaspora world still reside, the writing is clearly on the wall and in your face. It can't be ignored in the context of Jewish history. The term "RETREAT" should be defined as the strategic re-allocatipn of Jewish resources (creative, financial, intellectual, etc) for the ultimate purpose of self-determination and survival of our tribe. Israel can be the recognized and appreciated source of Tikun Olam in terms of innovation, medical research and foreign social assistance. It appears that the continued investment of finite and precious Jewish resources in the diaspora is bearing decreasing returns. Given the hostile environment in the western diaspora, a major recalibration is required for survival.
Historically, every country in which Jews have thrived has eventually turned on us. Our last hope was the USA, but with politics becoming more extreme on the right and on the left, with accompanying Jew hatred on both sides, our end is approaching here. All of us should be studying conversational Hebrew, keeping our passports current, connecting with family and friends already in Israel, perhaps opening bank accounts there, and perhaps buying “vacation” apartments there. Rather than “retreat,” I prefer “rise up,” as in aliyah.
I understand the logic and history behind this editorial. But I need to push back a little bit, not because you are wrong, but because I think it's a bad idea to have every Jew on the planet geographically circumscribed into a small area. It's too tempting for some messianic psychopaths like the Iranian mullahs to try and nuke everybody into oblivion. Every civilization has outposts.
What we need to do is fortify the diaspora. It's useful to have people out in the world. Where it doesn't make sense, it doesn't make sense. But respectfully, we shouldn't universally retreat.
Worse, the "professional Jews" who run Jewish institutions like the Federations who are chosen, at least in Canada by the old boys' network, are pretending all is well, and unbelievably they actually thanked police forces who at best stand down when the jihadists and Progressives attack Jews, Jewish institutions, and businesses by shootings, arson, vandalism and destruction, and hordes of jihadists and their lovers, the Progressives, or act as servants and bodyguards to the violent demonstrators. They just this week grovelled on their bellies to the Jew hating racist PM, begging for protection, like in the 18th C ghettos when leaders had no choice. They refuse to tell the truth to the Jewish communities the reality that one better get their older children out of Canada, at least, as well as young families and anyone else who can, just like how many of the South Africa Jews did in the late 1980s. Jewish doctors are fleeing Canada as are other Jewish professionals, as they know the truth. They see and hear it every day. When I tell Canadian Jews what is really happening to Jews on campuses, in the police forces, and the federal public service, they seem absolutely shocked, and in total denial. My knowledge comes from family members working in these jobs, as well as reading a variety of media, not beholden to the Liberal plan that they are paying journalists from "acceptable" media outlets, who act as the Jew hating, Israel demonizing Irish Catholic PM Carney's propaganda team in the media.
Joshua is onto something here. In the private sector, my partners and I do not invest in companies that don't want us. Screw 'em. Same thing here - if NYC is telling Jews that we are not wanted by electing a radical Islamist Terrorist Hamas fangirl Twelver Shia, then let's show the world what a New York without a Jewish tax base and business looks like. New Yorkers will rush to Gracie Mansion six months into his term to tar and feather Mamdani before riding him out of town on a rail.
Pertinent essay. Certainly in Europe this should be a course of action.
Looking at the demographics in Western Europe, and its submission to Islam along with the overall political polarisation I see many red flags. Also things will deteriorate with 100% certainty.
The coming war with Russia is another reason to pack up.
There will be significant , critical economic and political changes happening in Europe which will harm Jewish life.
Sadly Western Europe has no answer other than censorship and jailing people for speaking the obvious. As censorship and prison are now normal and will only get worse, the ability to have an honest discussion is impossible.
Russia, China and most Arabs will continue to act on an antisemitic way. Much research has been done on how antisemitic internet discourse is also driven by State actors. This recent paper is merely one example of many.
Call to action: please post this article on your social media and encourage all your friends /followers to divert funds to Jewish causes/ charities/Israel/ Jewish individuals. We can’t do this without a collective effort!
The world is more complicated than any of us know, as we’re not running countries and engaging in diplomacy. That said, I would love to see Israelis stop airing their dirty laundry in public and unite behind Bibi, who is the most fearless, determined leader they’ve ever had- their own version of Trump. In doing so, they could make much more headway into unifying their land mass (yes, annex Judea and Samaria and take back Gaza), absorbing more diaspora Jews (who will need to leave their home countries in light of the weakness of their governments in dealing with anti semitism) and becoming more independent and self-sustaining than they already are (which is considerable). Call it whatever you want. Retreat. Independence. Self respect. Israel and the Jewish people are highly valuable on this planet and, until the world treats them with the kindness and respect they deserve, I say… unite and thrive. Am Yisrael Chai!
PREACH!
10/7 and the Gaza War and its reactions have revealed so many things, most of them ugly and most of them to do with the shocking re-emergence of brazen ugly Jew hate throughout the West and the abject cowardice of our politicians and journalists, but now that we live in a new reality we need new assessments.
One of the things that needs to die in this new world is Tikkun Olam. "Healing the world", like so many prior attempts to get people to stop hating Jews, started with a noble purpose but it's lead to the same dead end: Jews giving money, time and energy to other people and their causes, only to find those supposed allies vanish or go over to the other side once its the Jews that need help, support, and healing. How many times do people have to tell you they don't love you and never will before you listen and take heed?
Instead of healing the world its time for Jews to heal themselves of the need to be seen as hyper-Christians in order to be accepted. If someone expects you to climb on the cross and die for their sins, you have no obligation to agree, certainly when they would never reciprocate.
"Imagine if Jewish philanthropy currently pouring into universities that host anti-Israel boycotters instead built new universities in Israel..." etc
This right here is the answer. All the "As a Jew"s who buy every lie and validate every ugly slander about Israel—the shallow narcissists of Hollywood and the phony radicals and pseudo-scholars of academia—need to be treated as enemies or at least as traitors. You can't heal the world if you hate yourself or hate your people.
Also well said, I totally agree. I am actually a girl who is converting to Judaism; to be totally transparent - but I still deeply feel all of this.
I'm not Jewish, but my wife is. It's taken time and effort, but only recently have I convinced her that she has nothing to apologize for and there's nothing wrong with supporting Israel. I think it's easier to withstand the barrage of dishonest propaganda and enormous social pressure when it's not aimed directly at you. Now that I have a Jewish family via marriage, I feel the need to support and protect them. No one ever won anything (including self-respect and the respect of others) by refusing to stand up for yourself and fight back.
Cheers
Awww that's actually so romantic - and so very true, I agree with everything you said. I agree being an outsider who loves Israel and Judaism - is still different and like you said easier to withstand a lot of the insane hate, even though it breaks our hearts. What you said about fighting back, is one thing I love about Judaism - it's very clear that it's not wrong to stand up for yourself, not that there aren't times when one should turn the other cheek as I grew up learning - but there is also a definite time when you have every right to defend yourself. Thank you for your thoughts! I appreciated reading them.
Thanks! And same to you...
I've read so much the past few years to help me make sense of the situation, and I found this to be very helpful and clarifying:
https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/live-law-die-cross-israel
Cheers
Oh wow- YES! I so agree! 💯 This is such a fantastic article - I wish everyone would read this. It reminded me a little of what I was saying about having the right to stand up for yourseld. The West's rules just do not work for Israel, this author is correct I think. Israel must take care of Israel and use whatever means necessary. In my own life I think turning the other cheek has sometimes caused me to allow people to use me as a doormat and that's not right for me to allow that to happen to me- I wish I had been taught it's ok to defend yourself... just like Israel cannot be a doormat either. Excellent article.
Glad you enjoyed!
It was very helpful for me.
This is amazing essay! I urgent everyone to read it.
Thank you for sharing that! 🙏🏼 I will absolutely read this. I appreciate it!
Read most of it ad saved it. Excellent! Thanks!
Once you convert to Judaism, you are as Jewish as those of us who have Jewish mothers. That is what Jewish law and tradition says. Most of those reading this would probably agree that as long as someone is raised as a Jew and identifies as a Jew they are Jewish, although Orthodox Jews would not agree with that.
I love that 🙏🏼😭😊 that's so beautiful, thank you for sharing.
Let me clarify this for you a little better, Jews born of Jewish mothers are natural Jews by blood, they have no choice in it, the can either accept it or not live by it, but they will remain Jews for life, the Torah regards them as such, but Jews who have made the conscious choice to convert and who become truly faithful, they are even more highly regarded as natural born Jews as they have made the very hard choice to do so, even the Beit Din recognizes this as such, and going back throughout our history, there are thousands of highly regarded Jews who were not born Jews.
Ruth was not originally Jewish; she was a Moabite woman who, after her husband's death, chose to stay with her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, and famously declared, "Your people shall be my people and your God my God". This declaration is understood to be her conversion to Judaism, she is the great-grandmother of King David and the Great Great grandmother of King Solomon, many of our greatest and most learned rabbi's were also not Jewish from birth, many great Jewish leaders were not born Jewish, there was an article written by Chabad Rabbi Menachem Posner that covered many of these leaders, and it is fact that some of our greatest sages were not born Jews but chose to become one.
I hope this helps
Perhaps one can feel Jewish in mind and heart, but not in physical reality. A person is born into Judaism and grows up Jewish; identity is shaped by how closely the parents live in accordance with Jewish tradition, rooted in the teachings of the Torah. Outside a Jewish environment, one often hears misguided claims about Judaism and about who Jews are today. Some even go so far as to deny the very existence of the Jewish people—when every other attempt to erase them has failed.
Welcome! ❤️✡️🇮🇱
Thank you Robbin!! 🙏🏼🤍
You mean a woman -> welcome to the Tribe
That is what I was going to say! Harvey Girls Magazine is a woman!
Thank you so very much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Welcome to the tribe!
Ditto. I'm also in conversion, and this article and comment resonates deeply with me. There is nothing more important to me at this point than finishing my conversion and entering into covenant with HaShem and Am Yisrael.
I’m very happy about your conversion.
🥹🤍 thank you!!!!! 🙏🏼
This is SUCH a A GOOD POINT!!!!!
I like the concept of separating and regrouping. I don’t think the word “retreat” fits. But if we’re going to retreat, I suggest starting with the U.N.
Israel should withdraw from the UN. The United States should work to dissolve it as it pays a quarter of its budget.
Not true, sadly. We need to be at The UN to fight the global Antisemites. All nations who are sovereign must be in the UN. Sad fact but true. Thus, Israel cannot be both sovereign and not represented at the UN.
The US doesn’t need to fund such filth! Let’s have the Trump adm put some pressure (ie set of conditions for our continued support and involvement) on the UN just as it has with the WHO (and leave if necessary.) It has been a useless body!
What the USA does vis-a-vis membership in or funding of the UN is really a separate question from what the State of Israel and the Jewish people in the diaspora should do. It is very useful, to say the least, that the USA, the most powerful member of the UN Security Council, continues to support Israel and blocks any attempt in the Security Council to ask adversely to Israel.
The General Assembly has no material power in the UN, only the Security Council does.
Without American funding there would be no UN any longer.
You are 100% correct. Recommend looking @ Joshua Hoffman and Nachum Kaplan’s posts tonight
Nah. At the U.N., we are little more than a punching bag, providing perverse entertainment to the haters. The world loves watching us try to defend ourselves from the libels that they know to be false. Why give them the satisfaction?
Why should we give up any platform from which we can proclaim what we know to be true and righteous? Why care about diplomats walking out when Netanyahu speaks when news media around the world do report at least some of what he said, whereas if he had just been speaking from Jerusalem, they would be much less likely to report anything of what he said?
Also, there are nations which are standing by Israel. They did not walk out. They have announced that they will not be recognizing a Palestinian state unless there is material progress such as Hamas surrendering and going into exile.
Not true, sadly. Legally, We must be there to remain Sovereign.
You are wrong on the law. Participation in the U.N. is voluntary. A nation’s sovereignty does not depend on U.N. membership or the approval of any outside entity. Are you suggesting that if the USA withdrew from the U.N., the USA would no longer be sovereign?
I am not going to get into a standing argument with you mate. You are wrong.
No need to argue, Please just cite me to the applicable law that supports your contention, and I’ll stand corrected.
Are you suggesting Switzerland wasn't a sovereign state before it finally relented and joined the UN around 2002?
The UN should not exist. It's only purpose at this point is the spread of evil.
The UN has been prejudiced against Israel since its inception. The enormous number of Islamic countries in addition to countries that have been “bought with Arab money “ doesn’t give any credibility whatsoever to decisions that they make. It’s a sham
And I guess ultimately we all need to make Aliyah. I'm very, very tempted, but I'm petrified of what might happen if we're all gathered in one place and the world, particularly the United States, turns on us.
In a world with nuclear weapons, it could be a literally fatal error for all Jews to be in the very small geographic area that is Israel. Even if the USA continued to support Israel, one or more nuclear missiles could be launched by some Muslim government like that of Pakistan, or several "suitcase" bombs could go off inside Israel. For that matter, it may not be long before Muslims control the governments of the UK and France. The non-Muslim governments of the UK and France are already dancing to the tune of the jihadist voters, which is why they have recognized Palestine as a state -- in order to stay in power by keeping the votes of Muslims.
And that's what I'm afraid of...
Of course. Everyone should be afraid of that. That is why it is absolutely essential that Iran not acquire nuclear weapons.
We are protected by G-d as well!
Holly Hart, I have always been of the same opinion. Thank-you for bringing this up!!
Thank you i chose to leave the diaspora a live in israel now i stay seeing as the anisemitism is rife but am uhappy with raidical govt siding with ultraorthodox and giving their judaism preference over mine by force an financial gain.
I hadn't thought of that scenario, but then it also seems like we can't leave Israel with a few people - then it seems like a huge military needs to be built up were that to ever happen. I would gladly join the IDF.
We saw a foreshadow of this with the previous administration. I too feel the same (finish my medical career in Israel!)
This.
This refers to the previous administration “which had Israel’s back” (until it didn’t because of placating to its far left progressive wing!)
Excellent. I have been both advocating this and searching for a term to describe it. Well said.
I don´t see it as an "either/or" but "as well as". Jews can/must strengthen their sovereignty as well as working with others if both sides (can) get benefits from it and Israel/Jews don´t have to compromise beyond tolerable. Why should Jews/Israel renounce speeches of Netanyahu or friends of Jews (Milei etc.) at UN ?
Nah. Basically you're describing the most extreme Haredi who shun the oustide world. That's okay for that sect of Judaism, but I believe Jews need to engage the world.
You know, in a way though, it's a little like an abusive relationship - with the world being abusive. Would you tell someone in an abusive relationship to say and engage... or do you think that perhaps the power move would be to get away and then if you are going to engage you can do it from a distance? Just a thought.
Oh you're right, it's a world of scammers and plagues and rapists and natural disasters and injustice, etc. But it's also a world of cancer cures and sunsets and galumphing golden retrievers and love and honor and peace accords. And, unlike an abusive relationship - where you can leave and find one that's not - it's the only world we've got.
Wow! A brilliant analogy. Women who keep going back to narcissists and sociopaths will just get weaker. Sadly, too many Jews from Hollywood to Melbourne will not listen. Leopards don't change their spots
I think why I came to that thought - was not as someone else mentioned - because I think every human out there is a narcissistic abuser, not at all I know a lot of amazing people and other non-Jews who LOVE Israel, like Charlie Kirk and my own family and lots of friends… but at the same time I don't think it's wrong to in the least build yourself up, or in Israel’s sake take care of Israel, get strong and then decide how and where they want to show up in the world, but on THEIR terms😊
RE “In Canada, the federal tax authority revoked the charitable status of Jewish National Fund Canada and the Ne’eman Foundation after complaints from “anti-Israel activists” (meaning, antisemites). This was not a mere regulatory tweak; it was a symbolic and financial blow, striking at Jewish fundraising infrastructure.”
WTAF???
By the way, I completely agree with your post and I’m about to create a Donor Advised Fund with exclusively Jewish and Israeli charity beneficiaries.”
While it’s not much, as I’m not a billionaire, I have shifted my giving to align with my priorities. I don’t have to heal the whole world, but I do have to support my piece of it. As my mom used to say, no one else will!
Sad to say jf is one fund i agree u revoking to to ǰn̈f that runs jnf on sentiments worthy due to her righteous establishment which should still be its motivation
👏👏👏 Spot-on, Joshua! It’s time for the Jewish community in the West to turn inward and focus on building up and empowering themselves. They need to get out of these institutions that don’t respect them and don’t want them. I wouldn’t use the word “retreat” however but rather withdrawal. It would indeed be an act of sovereignty if the Jewish community withdrew to the confines of its own parallel society. Indeed, history shows when the Jewish people do this they always come out all the better for it. The Jewish people need to start building mini-Yishuvs in all western countries. They should concentrate their money, resources and energy on Jewish community centers, schools, restaurants, businesses, hospitals, etc. The outside world has shown it doesn’t want or appreciate the Jewish community so they should just focus on empowering and educating the next generation of Jewish leaders and helping Jews in the West thrive in their own enclaves where no one will bother them. Israel should cut diplomatic ties with any nation who recognizes a Palestinian state of doesn’t recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital.
Western Jews should be encouraged to make Aliyah and to buy a home in Israel as soon as possible. There needs to be a HUGE wave of Jewish nationalism and community pride! Jews should shun the outside world outside of true Gentile allies. Jewish police forces and neighborhood watch groups should be formed as well. As to Israel, Israel should withdraw from the UN for the time being and donate all the money it would normally use to pay its UN dues to a government trust fund for IDF veterans, former hostages and victims of October 7th. Israel should without apology, do an Entebbe type raid to seize the Temple Mount from Jordan. It should open the Temple up for prayer from ALL religions. Gaza should be annexed in full. All Gazans will receive Israeli citizenship and representation in the Knesset. Construction of Jewish settlements will start immediately and Jewish settlers will start moving in. Gaza will be developed and turned into the Singapore of the Middle East.
Israel will assert FULL sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. The PA will be exiled to Jordan. Israel will launch a full-on counter-terrorism operation against Jihadists and Jewish extremists. The F1 settlement will be built. The settlements in East Jerusalem will be expanded. Israel will reoccupy Southern Lebanon. With the permission of the Egyptian government, Israel will establish a buffer zone in the Sinai. The Galilee, the Negev and the Golan Heights will be developed and more settlers will be sent our there to build homes and live. Israel will complete its normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. Britain, France and Canada will be told to close their embassies in Tel Aviv and their ambassadors will be asked to leave and their countries will agree to recall them and bring them home.
It is a mistake to cut diplomatic ties with nations just because at this moment in time those nations' leaders have chosen to engage in the Kabuki theater of recognizing Palestine as a state. Those nations may sooner or later have leaders who renounce their current positions on Palestine, just as some Muslim nations which once went to war against Israel have since recognized Israel and cooperate with Israel on various things.
It would be madness to make all Gazans citizens of Israel and permit them to be represented in the Knesset! What next? Annex all of the West Bank and make all Arabs in the West Bank citizens of Israel? That's the kind of "one state solution" that will end up with Jews being a minority in the State of Israel.
They need to pay a price for treating Israel as a punching bag.
Who needs to pay a price?
The countries treating Israel as a punching bag. WHo else?
In the western world, where the bulk of the diaspora world still reside, the writing is clearly on the wall and in your face. It can't be ignored in the context of Jewish history. The term "RETREAT" should be defined as the strategic re-allocatipn of Jewish resources (creative, financial, intellectual, etc) for the ultimate purpose of self-determination and survival of our tribe. Israel can be the recognized and appreciated source of Tikun Olam in terms of innovation, medical research and foreign social assistance. It appears that the continued investment of finite and precious Jewish resources in the diaspora is bearing decreasing returns. Given the hostile environment in the western diaspora, a major recalibration is required for survival.
Historically, every country in which Jews have thrived has eventually turned on us. Our last hope was the USA, but with politics becoming more extreme on the right and on the left, with accompanying Jew hatred on both sides, our end is approaching here. All of us should be studying conversational Hebrew, keeping our passports current, connecting with family and friends already in Israel, perhaps opening bank accounts there, and perhaps buying “vacation” apartments there. Rather than “retreat,” I prefer “rise up,” as in aliyah.
I understand the logic and history behind this editorial. But I need to push back a little bit, not because you are wrong, but because I think it's a bad idea to have every Jew on the planet geographically circumscribed into a small area. It's too tempting for some messianic psychopaths like the Iranian mullahs to try and nuke everybody into oblivion. Every civilization has outposts.
What we need to do is fortify the diaspora. It's useful to have people out in the world. Where it doesn't make sense, it doesn't make sense. But respectfully, we shouldn't universally retreat.
Worse, the "professional Jews" who run Jewish institutions like the Federations who are chosen, at least in Canada by the old boys' network, are pretending all is well, and unbelievably they actually thanked police forces who at best stand down when the jihadists and Progressives attack Jews, Jewish institutions, and businesses by shootings, arson, vandalism and destruction, and hordes of jihadists and their lovers, the Progressives, or act as servants and bodyguards to the violent demonstrators. They just this week grovelled on their bellies to the Jew hating racist PM, begging for protection, like in the 18th C ghettos when leaders had no choice. They refuse to tell the truth to the Jewish communities the reality that one better get their older children out of Canada, at least, as well as young families and anyone else who can, just like how many of the South Africa Jews did in the late 1980s. Jewish doctors are fleeing Canada as are other Jewish professionals, as they know the truth. They see and hear it every day. When I tell Canadian Jews what is really happening to Jews on campuses, in the police forces, and the federal public service, they seem absolutely shocked, and in total denial. My knowledge comes from family members working in these jobs, as well as reading a variety of media, not beholden to the Liberal plan that they are paying journalists from "acceptable" media outlets, who act as the Jew hating, Israel demonizing Irish Catholic PM Carney's propaganda team in the media.
Thank you wish Israelis were aware of what really life is like for jews and doviet jewish dedcendants today in canada!
Great piece. I’m not Jewish but it doesn’t matter. Everyone should read this powerful piece.
Joshua is onto something here. In the private sector, my partners and I do not invest in companies that don't want us. Screw 'em. Same thing here - if NYC is telling Jews that we are not wanted by electing a radical Islamist Terrorist Hamas fangirl Twelver Shia, then let's show the world what a New York without a Jewish tax base and business looks like. New Yorkers will rush to Gracie Mansion six months into his term to tar and feather Mamdani before riding him out of town on a rail.
Pertinent essay. Certainly in Europe this should be a course of action.
Looking at the demographics in Western Europe, and its submission to Islam along with the overall political polarisation I see many red flags. Also things will deteriorate with 100% certainty.
The coming war with Russia is another reason to pack up.
There will be significant , critical economic and political changes happening in Europe which will harm Jewish life.
Sadly Western Europe has no answer other than censorship and jailing people for speaking the obvious. As censorship and prison are now normal and will only get worse, the ability to have an honest discussion is impossible.
Russia, China and most Arabs will continue to act on an antisemitic way. Much research has been done on how antisemitic internet discourse is also driven by State actors. This recent paper is merely one example of many.
https://www.inss.org.il/publication/china-usa-influence/
Call to action: please post this article on your social media and encourage all your friends /followers to divert funds to Jewish causes/ charities/Israel/ Jewish individuals. We can’t do this without a collective effort!
The world is more complicated than any of us know, as we’re not running countries and engaging in diplomacy. That said, I would love to see Israelis stop airing their dirty laundry in public and unite behind Bibi, who is the most fearless, determined leader they’ve ever had- their own version of Trump. In doing so, they could make much more headway into unifying their land mass (yes, annex Judea and Samaria and take back Gaza), absorbing more diaspora Jews (who will need to leave their home countries in light of the weakness of their governments in dealing with anti semitism) and becoming more independent and self-sustaining than they already are (which is considerable). Call it whatever you want. Retreat. Independence. Self respect. Israel and the Jewish people are highly valuable on this planet and, until the world treats them with the kindness and respect they deserve, I say… unite and thrive. Am Yisrael Chai!