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"Jews worldwide haven't been this fearful in living memory"
Jewish media outlets worldwide call for combating the surge in antisemitism
Two decades ago, the former British Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, astutely likened antisemitism to a constantly evolving virus. One that, in the modern era, specifically targets the Jewish nation-state.
He aptly described this prejudice as a deeply ingrained malignancy, perpetually lingering beneath the surface of society. For many of us in the global Jewish community, the great man’s words were not merely a statement of truth but also a stark reminder. Until recent days, the extent and intensity of this virulent strain of hatred were tragically underestimated.
While the need for stringent security measures at schools and synagogues has long been a familiar reality, the realization that such profound levels of hatred and indifference to the threat exist on a global scale has been a devastating shock.
We dared to hope such malevolence had been relegated to the annals of history.
Today, in an unprecedented moment in Jewish history, we unite as Jewish news outlets spanning borders, continents, and religious affiliations to issue this open letter – something we never envisioned as necessary or even conceivable.
The events of recent weeks have surpassed even the somber portrayal offered by Rabbi Sacks all those years ago. Some of those who propagate hatred, concealing their prejudice under the veneer of being 'anti-Israel,' no longer find it necessary to obscure their malice.
We’ve witnessed raw hatred against Jews in cities across the globe.
In Dagestan, a mob ran towards planes on a runway to check passengers’ passports, hunting for disembarking Jews.
In Sydney, when authorities lit the famous Opera House in Israel’s colors, a crowd sang ‘Gas the Jews’.
In Lyon France, a woman was stabbed at her home, and a Swastika was spraypainted on her front door.
In London, red paint was daubed on Jewish school doors and the Wiener Holocaust Library.
In Berlin, Magen Davids have been spray painted on homes, a haunting echo of scenes in that German city 90 years ago.
On an American campus, students have openly chanted for Jewish genocide and celebrated the ‘martyrs’ who butchered Jewish children in their beds on 7 October.
This is not a call for two states living side by side in peace. This is not legitimate opposition to Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.
How could we have been so blind to this malignancy in our midst?
And yet, all that we have seen so far isn’t even our worst fear. Our gravest concerns lie in what the future may hold.
Meanwhile, some world leaders act as cheerleaders, sometimes inadvertently but at other times, not. Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro said: “If I had lived in Germany of 1933, I would have fought on the side of the Jewish people, and if I had lived in Palestine in 1948, I would have fought on the Palestinian side”.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “Hamas is not a terrorist organization”.
The head of the UN Antonio Guterres said 7/10 “didn’t happen in a vacuum”.
No, it didn’t, Mr Guterres. It required decades of indoctrination, years of holding up terrorists as heroes to be lionized, a sure way to fame and, often, fortune, and the presence of a terrorist organization whose central aim is to wipe Israel – and every one of our a Jewish family and friends – off the face of the earth.
Have no doubt, that Hamas is cheering those ‘from the river to the sea’ chants because a Palestine between the river to the sea leaves not a single inch for Israel.
Why do so many still seek to deny what’s in Hamas’ own charter?
And why are so many good people still silent when cheerleaders for terrorists decide the worst massacre of our co-religionists since the Holocaust is a good moment to open up a second, global front targeting Jews on campus, at work, on the streets, and at home?
Clearly not everyone marching under the Palestinian flag fantasizes about our deaths or the destruction of the world's only Jewish state.
But please, try to understand that whether it’s one person, 100 people, or 10,000, the chilling impact of seeing so many people echo and excuse hateful chants is profound.
It's not easy to speak on behalf of Jews in one country, never mind the world, nor do we purport to. As journalists, we report, opine, and comment. But the level of fear among our readers is like nothing in memory. It feels like those two equilateral triangles that combine to form our beloved Star of David represent a six-pointed target.
This is heightened by the fact there will be those who dismiss every word in this piece as having been written in bad faith, part no doubt of our supposed control of power and the media that has manipulated their warped minds. There will also be Jews who tell you this article doesn't speak for them. Before those in the media feel the urge to put them on the airwaves in an attempt at 'balance', please first ask for an ounce of proof that they represent more than a tiny band of misfits. Some are more likely to stand alongside the Iranian regime that is so despised by much of the Muslim world than they would with most Jews.
Please don't, however, mistake this growing fear for a lack of determination to fight our corner as citizens deserving of support and protection in our home nations, or doubt our solidarity as a people numbering just 16 million. In fact, we've never been so determined, so energized, so united and so proud, as highlighted by the huge uptick in sales of Stars of David. The incredible response in holding rallies, supporting charities, and fighting running battles on social media is something that will remain a source of pride for as long as those horrific images from Kibbutz Beeri and the peace rave.
This unity has been a light in the darkness. Another has been the support, publicly and sometimes not, of our real friends in all communities. Again, we will never ever forget this.
Our collective Jewish heart bleeds for the families of those who lost relatives in the Hamas atrocities and those facing agonizing waits for news of the kidnapped men, women, and children. Whether directly or not directly, many of our readers will be connected to these innocents. But our hearts bleed too for the innocents killed in Gaza as a result of this entirely unnecessary war launched by Hamas.
Over the unbearably painful days ahead, we - as providers of news for secular or religious Jews, those who frequently critique Israeli policy and those who don't, those who see Israel are central to their identity, and those who are drawn nearer by crises such as this - call on the world to listen and treat us as you would want to be treated.
It shouldn't be too much to ask.
- Details
- Written by Media and Foreign Affairs Advisor to Defense Minister Gallant
[Translated from Hebrew]
“We are in the midst of war, fierce battles are being fought in urban areas in Gaza city. IDF troops are fighting bravely - focused, determined and successful in fulfilling their missions. The IDF is progressing in its mission to eliminate Hamas.”
“This war has a heavy toll on us - I share in the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in the difficult battles in Gaza city- they are our children. Anyone who has lost a friend in battle, knows how difficult it is, and also understands the desire to storm in, to fight, to win, to beat the enemy in honor of those who lost their lives, for those who are living, for the people of Israel and for the State of Israel.”
“We are advancing according to plans, Hamas is suffering heavy blows – over 10,000 munitions have been employed in the attacks on Gaza city, thousands of targets have been struck, thousands of terrorists have been eliminated, from the lowest to the highest ranks. The war is advancing in accordance with our objectives.”
“Everywhere they go, soldiers are describing what they see - terrorists who come out of tunnel shafts, underground tunnels under buildings, under hospitals, under schools, they see it all. This is terror and evil.”
“One of the Hamas systems that has been hit the hardest is the anti-tank array. We have hit a substantial part of it, and most of its commanders. Yesterday, we eliminated the head of this array, as you can see here now [points at image]. We will not stop until we reach them all - all terrorists of all ranks - we are determined to win. The enemy has only two options – either be killed [by the IDF] or surrender with no conditions, there is no third option.”
“The arena of this war is broader - we are on the offensive in the Gaza strip, but we are defending in the North, and we are prepared and ready in other arenas: in Judea and Samaria, the Syrian front, and farther arenas. We are not interested in additional wars, but we are prepared [to defend] the north - IDF troops, are ready and have a strong defense. The IAF is ready for any mission.”
“I have a close relationship with Defense Ministers from all over the world, they call me and speak to me. I speak with my friend, the Secretary of Defense of the United States, General Austin, on a daily basis. What I hear from him as well as from others, is what you and I know – we are on the frontline of the free world - facing a world of darkness and evil, and we must win.”
“I want to address the families of the thousands of brave soldiers who are in Gaza City: I know you are worried, I know this is a difficult time, and I know that you experience a lot of stress. I’ve experienced it personally, and I'm extending my support.
“I want to say clearly to the families of those who were kidnapped:we have not forgotten them; we are determined to bring them back home.”
“I meet the forces on the ground, I pay visits to our bases, and I sense the emotions and strength of the IDF soldiers and the ISA teams. I see their determination and how they operate, fight, and achieve our goals. I trust them completely.”
“I want to send a loud and clear message about the deep sense of confidence and appreciation I have for the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Major General Herzi Halevi, who carries out his work with endless dedication, professionalism, determination, and a great deal of courage and common sense.Thank you”.
In response to media queries:
In regards to the transfer of tax funds to the Palestinian Authority:
“The State of Israel is interested in maintaining stability in Judea and Samaria, always and especially during these times. The funds should be transferred immediately so that these may be used by the operational mechanism of the Palestinian Authority and by the sectors of the Palestinian Authority that are dealing with the prevention of terrorism. I think it is only appropriate to uphold the decision of the cabinet as decided several days ago.”
In regards to threats in the northern arena:
“We are prepared with strong defenses in the north. The IAF is prepared for any mission. We have no interest in a war but we will know to operate with force if we are required to do so.”
In regards to Hamas’ use of children as human shields:
“Hamas is a murderous [terrorist] organization that will make use of anything it has; I don’t need to describe to the Israeli public what happened to children, women, and the elderly in the hands of Hamas. Therefore, nothing is beyond our imagination and there is nothing that can’t happen - it is the Hamas organization, it is the ISIS of Gaza. When I spoke about this with Secretary of Defense Austin, he told me they [Hamas] are much worse than ISIS. [He said] I fought ISIS for six years; it is not like what Hamas did”.
- Details
- Written by Silvia G Golan
"Any kingdom that does not have advisers, its kingdom is not a kingdom; When there are no plots, a nation falls, and salvation is in the multitude of counselors"
MIND Israel (NGO) was launched in a closed and intimate event with senior officials from the government, security and economic sectors. The organization will advise and accompany security-political bodies and decision-makers.
Last night, in Herzliya Pituach at Pninit and Pini Cohen residence, chairman and partner of America-Israel, MIND Israel was launched; MIND Israel was founded by Mr. Cohen together with Major General (ret.) Amos Yadlin and Orly Hayardeny. With the aim of contributing to the strengthening of the State of Israel, MIND Israel will conduct research and accompany security-political bodies and decision-makers, and advise them on issues related to national security in Israel.
About 80 people, leaders in the fields of state and security, were invited to the closed and intimate event. Arrived: US Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Thomas Nides; retired Major General, Tal Russo; Major General Aharon Haliva, Military Intelligence Chief; Aviv Kochavi, retired Chief of Staff, and his wife Yael; Eyal Waldman, Chairman of Waldo Holdings; attorney Amy Palmore, former CEO of the Ministry of Justice and a board member at MIND Israel; Giora Island, retired Major General; Karin Mayer Rubinstein, CEO and President of the Israel Advanced Technology Industries, and her spouse Golan Rubinstein; Ido Nehushtan, former Air Force Commander and CEO of Boeing Israel; Gad Somech, KPMG senior partner; architect Moshe Tzur and his wife and partner Arena; Jonathan Locker, former chairman of ICL and currently chairman of Klalit Health Services; Shimshon Harel, chairman of the Weizmann Institute and partner in America-Israel; Eli Glickman, CEO of Zim and former CEO of Israel Electricity Company; Ohad Shaked, ThinkUp founder and former partner in 888; Shay Weil, owner of Minrav Group and more.
The event opened with a reception and dinner and continued with a lively discussion on the security fields of the State of Israel in the past, present and future. The following spoke: the President, Mr. Yitzhak Herzog, opened the event (recorded video), followed by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Thomas Nides, the head of the National Army, Major General Aharon Haliva and Yadlin, who reviewed the political-national security situation and conducted a discussion with the participation of the audience.
According to Yadlin: "Establishing a strategic, professional, experienced and skilled, action-oriented consulting team, which assists the decision-making processes in Israel on national security issues - is a must in current times, and we intend to contribute to the strength of the State of Israel and look forward to the future.”
Mr. Cohen said that "the strategic consulting team knows how to look beyond tomorrow's crisis to the long-term horizon, thanks to its proven analytical skills and reputation. The team will operate as a non-profit that supports the need to accompany complex processes in the field of Israel’s national security, and to influence the decision-making in the best way so that entanglements, which are considered critical to Israel's strength, will be dealt with in the present and in the future."
According to Mr. Cohen, "All the issues that MIND Israel will deal with are not political but national, which every government in Israel must deal with. These include the Iranian nuclear program and the threats on the northern front from Hezbollah. We would all be happy if the Saudis joined the Abraham Accords and if we can promote the technological cooperation with the US, and handle other challenges related to AI and its effects, the consequences of global warming and other challenges that have been faced by our nation.”
Mr. Cohen added: "We do not have another passport and another country, and we will make every effort to unite the people and to create a constitutional base and a new social contract, which will ensure the stability of our country for years. Today, when there is a negative turn in the perception of Israel's deterrence and its international standing, MIND Israel's creative ideas, based on decades of experience and knowing the various players in Jerusalem, Washington and other capitals, together with deep academic understanding and extensive international impact network, will help reverse the trend and strengthen Israel's resilience, economy and standing among nations."
The US Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Thomas Nides, replied to Cohen, "The US needs advisory bodies like MIND Israel."
Major General Aharon Haliva, Military Intelligence Chief, reviewed the global trends and the significant arenas that Israel is facing, including the Russia-Ukraine war and drew conclusions from all these developments.
According to Gen. Haliva: "The world realized that war is not a good idea and left it to the Russians and Ukrainians; as evidence of that, the last war, that spread over several arenas at once, ended 50 years ago! However, we must be prepared on all fronts and ready by all means."
MIND Israel was founded by Major Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin, who serves as its president, Mr. Pini Cohen, who serves as its chairman, and Ms. Orly Hayardeni, who serves as its CEO. MIND Israel's board of directors includes Mr. Natan Hetz, Major General (ret.) Amikam Norkin, Ms. Emi Palmore, Mr. Gil Rave and Mr. Ahiad Salton.
Photo credit Kfir Ziv
- Details
- Written by MFA
PM Netanyahu: “This is a turning point, a turning point for leaders and nations. It is time for all of us to decide if we are willing to fight for a future of hope and promise; or surrender to tyranny and terror.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Monday, 30 October 202
"Until recently, many believed that the promise of progress of the 21st century would enable us to move beyond the barbaric horrors of the past towards a better and brilliant future. Many believed that we could go about our comfortable lives and that evil will simply pass us by.
It will not.
The horrors that Hamas perpetrated on October 7th remind us that we will not realize the promise of a better future unless we, the civilized world, are willing to fight the barbarians. Because the barbarians are willing to fight us. And their goal is clear: Shatter that promising future, destroy all that we cherish and usher in a world of fear and darkness.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is a turning point, a turning point for leaders and nations. It is time for all of us to decide if we are willing to fight for a future of hope and promise; or surrender to tyranny and terror.
Now rest assured, Israel will fight. Since October 7th, Israel has been at war. Israel did not start this war. Israel did not want this war. But Israel will win this
war.
Hamas launched this war by perpetrating the worst savagery our people have seen since the Holocaust. Hamas murdered children in front of their parents. Murdered parents in front of their children. They burnt people alive. They raped women. They beheaded men. They tortured Holocaust survivors. They kidnapped babies. They committed the most horrific crimes imaginable.
And they’re a part of the axis of evil Iran has formed, an axis of terror that works by arming, training and financing Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and other terror proxies throughout the Middle East and beyond the Middle East.
In fighting Hamas and the Iranian axis of terror, Israel is fighting the enemies of civilization itself. Victory over these enemies begins with moral clarity. It begins with knowing the difference between good and evil, between right and wrong. It means making a moral distinction between the deliberate murder of the innocent and the unintentional casualties that accompany every legitimate war, even the most just war. It means holding Hamas responsible for the double war crime it commits every day by deliberately targeting Israeli civilians while using Palestinians civilians as human shields. It means making clear that the use of human shields is not only an immoral tactic of terror but also an ineffective one.
Because as long as Hamas's use of Palestinian human shields results in the international community blaming Israel, Hamas will continue to use it as a tool of terror, and so will others.
Hamas will continue to use the basements in Gaza’s hospitals as the command posts of its vast terror tunnel network. It will continue to use mosques as fortified military positions and weapons depots. It will continue to steal fuel and humanitarian assistance from UN facilities.
While Israel is doing everything to get Palestinian civilians out of harm’s way, Hamas is doing everything to keep Palestinian civilians in harm’s way.
Israel urges Palestinian civilians to leave the areas of armed conflict, while Hamas prevents those civilians from leaving those areas at gunpoint.
Hamas is also preventing foreign nationals from leaving Gaza altogether. And most despicably, Hamas is holding over 200 Israelis hostage, including 33 children. Holding them, terrorizing them, keeping them as hostages.
Every civilized nation should stand with Israel in demanding that these hostages be freed immediately and freed unconditionally.
I want to make clear Israel’s position regarding a cease-fire. Just as the United States would not agree to a ceasefire after the bombing of Pearl Harbor or after the terrorist attack of 9/11, Israel will not agree to a cessation of hostilities with Hamas after the horrific attacks of October 7th.
Calls for a ceasefire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorism, to surrender to barbarism. That will not happen
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Bible says that there is a time for peace and a time for war. This is a time for war – a war for our common future.
Today, we draw a line is between the forces of civilization and the forces of barbarism. It is a time for everyone to decide where they stand. Israel will stand against the forces of barbarism until victory.
I hope and pray that civilized nations everywhere will back this fight, because Israel's fight is your fight. Because if Hamas and Iran’s axis of evil win – you will be their next target.
That’s why Israel's victory will be your victory. But make no mistake. Regardless of who stands with Israel, Israel will fight until this battle is won. And Israel will prevail. May God Bless Israel and May God Bless all those who stand with Israel."
View PM Netanyahu's statement on YouTube
https://youtu.be/3Sqnxx81NCA?si=bqEtPvzRcPUPak8H
- Details
- Written by Silvia G. Golan
Gov. DeSantis: There's an opportunity to have a US, Israel, Arab country alliance, vis a vis the nefarious influence of the Iranians. I think with a proper policy and proper relations, you could see Saudi Arabia recognize the existence of Israel.
Thursday 27th April, JERUSALEM - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, today (Thursday), gave a special speech to mark Israel's 75th Independence Day, as part of the Jerusalem Post Conference at the newly established Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem.
Governor DeSantis spoke about the importance of regional cooperation and said, “We saw the failure with the Iranian nuclear deal that was done in 2015. That flooded Iran with money that rejuvenated their economy, and that led to the funding of terrorism all across the Middle East. If you look back at the Trump administration, Iran was on the ropes. Iran was in dire straits because there was an effort to hold them accountable. I do think that they've alienated so many, such a large portion of their population, that this is a regime that is that is looking over its shoulder. I think we should stand strong with people that are fighting for freedom in Iran. And I'd love to see a day in which you have a free and democratic Iran.”
He added, “My view would be that there's an opportunity to have a US, Israel, Arab country alliance, vis a vis the nefarious influence of the Iranians. I think with a proper policy and proper relations, you could see Saudi Arabia recognize the existence of Israel, who would have thought that would have been anything that anyone could have talked about, even 10 years ago?”
He noted, “I also think that moving the embassy helped get us the Abraham Accords. I think when you, when America shows strength and resolve, people in this region, really respect that."
Asked about the issue of Israel’s current debate on judicial reform, Governor DeSantis said, “The United States should not be drawn into Israel’s internal affairs. As an outsider coming in, it seems to me healthy to flesh this stuff out. Israel is a very rambunctious democracy. You guys have a parliamentary system [which] is a little bit different than the United States, and so, so I trust people be able to work it out for themselves.”
Stressing the importance of the relationship between the United States and Israel, the Governor said, “I think that America does really well when we have relationships with countries like Israel that don't get consumed in the political polarization. I think, unfortunately, in the last five or 10 years, Israel has become more politicized, where you have the left going one way and I think the right and the center siding with Israel, and I think that that's unfortunate. I would just say, I think there should be bipartisan support for Israel. I think the administration should be having a good relationship regardless of party. I know that that may not necessarily have been the case in recent years. But my hope is, is that we can get back to that situation.”
President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, said in his opening remarks to the conference: “Friends, as we look at some of the great challenges and opportunities facing Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish People, I am happy to have the opportunity to be here at the Museum of Tolerance. Yours is an institution built on the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s tireless dedication to promoting tolerance, human dignity and inter-faith harmony and to combatting all forms of antisemitism and hate.”
Welcoming participants, founder of the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, Larry Mizel, said, "In the center of Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel and the Jewish people, at the point of confluence between the old and new cities, this magnificent structure has been constructed entirely from donations, with the aim of creating a place in which numerous visitors will experience the story of the Jewish people, its values, tolerance and contribution to humanity in Israel and around the world. It is inspired by the tent of Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, which according to tradition was open on all four sides so that any guest could enter regardless of origin, race, gender, or religion. The Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem is by definition a center where people will learn about this fundamental value of the Jewish people, a modern Tent of Abraham."
The Museum of Tolerance opened for the first time today as part of the “Celebrate the Faces of Israel” conference, in partnership with the Jerusalem Post.
To mark the opening, the museum revealed its various sites for the first time, alongside a rare photography exhibition encompassing key events from Israel's 75 years of independence. There were also special sessions on foreign policy and security, leadership and government, innovation and technology, and economy and society.
The conference was opened by the founder of the Museum of Tolerance, philanthropist Larry Mizel, alongside Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the United States Ambassador to Israel Thomas R. Nides, the former United States Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, Israeli Nobel Prize winners, a delegation of foreign journalists, and an array of Israeli and international public figures who have made a significant contribution to Israeli society.
The Museum of Tolerance is a flagship project situated in the heart of Jerusalem, as a beacon of tolerance, respectful dialogue, and interfaith work between the three monotheistic religions. By establishing the museum in the heart of Israel's capital, the museum leadership seeks to build a bridge between the peoples and countries of the region in the spirit of the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam ('Repairing the World'), and through cultural dialogue and common discourse.
Yoni Reiss, the Director of the Museum of Tolerance noted: “This is a major museum and cultural center that will be a beacon for displays of tolerance and will lead cultural and educational activities, out of a desire to strengthen Jerusalem and provide a world cultural center that is bursting with life. We are currently displaying a rare photography exhibition by the curator Anna Patricia Kahane, which, to mark Israel's 75th anniversary, provides us with a glimpse at its formative moments. This is alongside the work of the special social laboratory, in which participants will experiment in advancing values of tolerance, the spirit of which is already reflected in the museum's exhibits. At the museum, we seek to encourage democratic values and society, to fight against the roots of antisemitism and extremism, and to promote religious stability, global harmony, fairness and a love of Israel.”
Photo credit – Oded Karni
