The October 8 world
We need to unite world Jewry
Irecently attended the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) conference in New York titled “Never Is Now.” In light of the events of October 7, I was interested in hearing and understanding American Jewish attitudes. As a PR manager, I am aware that the image of reality as it is reflected in the media is not always the reality as it is, and therefore I was happy to have the opportunity to have a direct meeting with many American Jews from various places and roles.
The conference, rich in programs, tried to cover all the topics that can interest Jews these days. From the role of influencers on social networks, the role of the international media as well as the Jewish one, and even what are the limits of Jewish humor these days, if there are any.
As an Israeli, I came back very encouraged to hear that we have the backing and unqualified support of Jews in the US. Even if there was criticism on the government or its leaders, for them there is a straight line between discourse about the government versus sympathy for Israel and how to support and help.
At the conference, there was a lot of talk about the world of 8.10.2023, that is, everyone understands that everything has changed, Both in Israel and concerning Jews in the world.
This mindset was summed up very nicely by ADL’s CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt at the beginning of the conference
when he said: “We live in the world of October 8. The attacks and harassment of Jews must stop. The distortion of language, the moral cowardice, the turning a blind eye to antisemitism must end now. If not, you will hear our voices. See us outside
your doors and we will meet you in court. Our donations, on which you rely – will be gone. our voices, after which you woo – will be forgotten. No more friendships and alliances with us. This moment, on October 8, we will not be silent any longer and we will not allow the USA to perish and fall into the hands of antisemites. We will not run away. We will fight and we will win!”
I believe that this is the time for the entire Jewish people to unite. The difficulties we all experience together stem from our being Jews as well as being in favor of the State of Israel as a national home for us. Everything else is less important. We had a lot of disputes prior to October 7. Today, those disputes seem like a luxury compared to the things we are going through in Israel and in the world. It is therefore imperative that we unite, be together, be connected, and strengthen one another.
When I asked the Americans at the conference about them, about antisemitism on campuses in general and in America in particular, they were amazed. They wanted to know what was happening in Israel and suddenly they were being asked about their situation. Some of them felt that I, as an Israeli, was the one who needed assistance and help, and suddenly it was the opposite. But to me, this is precisely Judaism – first of all, check what’s up with your friend. How can you help him? And when both sides understand each other’s difficulties, and when both sides want so much to help, it is impossible to stop it. We must unite together against the wave of hatred that washes us all over the world.