Dr. Chaim Botwinick
Since October 7th 2023, the world has experienced a tsunami of open anti-Semitic hatred, unsurpassed since the Holocaust.
This explosion was like flipping on a light switch or the blast of lightning bolt. It was fast, immediate and relentless.
On October 8th, less than twenty-four hours following the horrendous genocidal Hamas massacre of innocent civilians living in southern Israel, we began to see an intensity of anti-Semitism and Jew-hatred in virtually every segment of our society. It was as if the entire world was preparing for this defining moment, just waiting for this attack to happen so they could explode with violent anti-Semitism, Jew-hatred and anti-Israel hatred on the streets and college campuses with demonstrations, protests, outright violence and propaganda.
Many historians, sociologist and geopolitical experts feel that anti-Semitism and Jew-hatred has always existed. This is a fact. Since time immemorial Jew-hatred was always fomenting just below the surface. But following October 7th, the below-the-surface hatred exploded in a loud violent and public way.
Not only did the progressive left blame Israel for the Hamas aggression, they also expressed hatred and hostility toward Jewish supporters of Israel because of their assumed “privilege.” After the horrific slaughter of 1,200 innocent Israelis at the Nova Music Festival and surrounding kibbutzim, the world lashed out at Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
Equally disconcerting was the silence from most of the world, reminiscent of the deafening silence during the Holocaust. How is it possible? How and why did such a thing occur? And what can Israel do in the future to prevent such atrocities from reoccurring?
To be very clear, anti-Semitism flourishes today because of deeply-rooted historical stereotypes, religious prejudice and the need to use Jews as scapegoats during times of political, social and economic upheaval. It is a prejudice that morphs to fit contemporary anxieties and fears.
Deeply troubling, is the new spin on this ancient hatred, that of portraying the Jews as “colonialist occupiers” and “aggressors” and that the Palestinians and even Hamas terrorists are the “oppressed.”
This flagrant distortion is most noticeable on college campuses, where students are motivated (and paid) to chant “Free Free Palestine” or “From the River to the Sea” with most of them not even knowing what these ridiculous slogs mean.
Logic would dictate that these progressive, left-leaning students would march in support of anyone they define as a “victim” yet with the explosion of propaganda showing Palestinian terrorists as the “victims” and the Jews as the oppressor,” the entire situation is distorted,
Another dilemma I cannot understand or reconcile is why these anti-Semitic and anti-Israel protests do not denounce the brutal Iranian regime that oppresses women in a truly horrific fashion as well as executing and torture anyone who stands up in protest. Where are the women’s rights and civil rights activists? How come the streets of New York, Berlin, Toronto, Italy, France and Chicago are silent when it comes to the Iranian mullahs?
This double standard flies in the face of moral clarity, dignity, and civility, and supports the theory that these acts of violence are being financed by wealthy individuals and governments since many of these protesters are bored, disenchanted with their lives and in search for a cause. It’s probably more about the paycheck than any core political beliefs or opinions.
But the question still remains: is it possible to stop this hatred or are we destined to continually battle it as we have for millennia? I believe the time for passivity is over. We must now demonstrate our unswerving resolve to combat this growing evil by any means possible.
This includes:
- Increasing and intensifying our education of the public by disseminating communications and public information and marketing campaigns to teach the historical truth;
- Boycotting of products, businesses and services of companies that do not publicly condemn anti-Semitism, anti-Israel and Jewish-hatred;
- Fighting darkness with light. Rather than responding with protests, fear or defining Jewish identity through victimhood, we must increase Jewish pride, perform acts of goodness and confidently spread Judaism;
- Holding politicians accountable at the ballot box;
- Passing legislation that makes it a federal crime to publically demonstrate against a religion or race;
- Establishing a Jewish community red alert defense mechanism not unlike the Jewish Defense League of the 60’s and 70’s; and
- Urging everyone to seriously consider making aliyah.
Moving Forward
The mantra of “Never Ever Again” must mean exactly what it suggests that our community must never ever tolerate or accept acts of anti-Semitism. It is high-time for our Jewish community to fight this evil with strength, commitment and resilience. In addition to publically sharing Jewish values and highlighting our shared humanity through acts of goodness and kindness, by showing unapologetic Jewish pride and focusing on our divine purpose to bring light to the world, we will build positive relationships and demonstrate to the world, that our Jewish community will never again tolerate this evil hatred.
Will it be easy? Absolutely not. But if we move forward aggressively and assertively on this path, our adversaries will soon learn over a short period of time that our Jewish community, albeit small in numbers, can roar like lions and do battle against the cowardice of societal evil through practical security, quite diplomacy, displaying Jewish pride and holding those who support or commit acts of anti-Semitism accountable for their actions.
We have the resources, the power; and, the capacity to fight anti-Semitism. Above all, we have bitachon and emunah in HaShem that will prevail in this important mission.
Needed is a true, sincere and uncompromising sense of urgency supported by unswerving, committed and dedicated leadership.
Together, we can do this!
Am Yisrael Chai
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About the Author:
Dr. Chaim Botwinick is a senior executive coach and an organizational consultant. Her served as president and CEO of the central agency for Jewish education in Baltimore and Miami; in addition to head of school and principal for several Jewish day schools and yeshivot. As an influencer, he has published and lectured extensively on topics relating to education, strategic planning and leadership development. He is the co-founder of LEV Consulting Associates and host of the Chinuch Horizons podcast series. Dr. Botwinick is the Author of Think Excellence, Brown Books, 2011
