Martin H. van den Bergh

I had the privilege this week to listen to Hillel Fuld an advocate for Israel especially on social media. He highlighted the growing phenomenon of antisemitism especially since October 7th. This can be exemplified by the Yom Kippur terrorist attack on Heaton Park Shul and the demonstration outside St. John’s Wood Synagogue, as well as the one outside the Park Lane Synagogue in New York, and topped by the election of the vehemently antisemitic and anti-Israel Mayor of New York. Hillel emphasised that this emanates from the false narratives being generated against Israel that condemn it rather than praise it for defending itself from unprovoked attacks. And yet Israel is still a light unto the nations and one of the most innovative countries in the world.

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Alas, anti-Jewish sentiments are not new. Even Laban and his sons could not hide their animosity against Jacob, even they become enriched by him.  When Laban met up with Jacob, Jacob told him that God had protected him: “Had not the God of my father’s [house]—the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac—been with me, you would have sent me away empty-handed. But it was my plight and the toil of my hands that God took notice of—and gave judgment.” (Bereshit 31:42) Throughout the ages, history has repeated itself in Germany and throughout Europe. A visit to the Warsaw Jewish Cemetery attests to the Jewish impact on European culture, and the world continues to benefit from the Jewish People.

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Despite the spike in antisemitism we can confidently say – Am Yisrael Chai – the People of Israel lives, and for this we echo the words of Leah when she gave birth to Yehudah: “ אוֹדֶ֣ה אֶת־ד'  - I will praise God” for we have experienced many miracles despite the challenges. We also remember that the only way to counteract antisemitism is to live our Judaism and be proud of our Jewish identity.