We are now in a time when Jew hatred is higher and more overt than it has been in any of our lifetimes, and possibly more intense since the days before the Revolution when we were prohibited from publicly praying.
Israel has started retaliating for the missile that got through the Iron Dome, first by launching air strikes against military targets in the north;- and by announcing that Hamas has been rebuilding in northern Gaza while the IDF has been clearing terror tunnels in southern Gaza. Gallant told Sec. Austin on Monday morning that the time for negotiations with Hezbollah is past, with Hezbollah having chosen to tie itself fully with Hamas. Gallant said. "the direction is clear", so we should expect more increases in Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets.
Today is the 13th of Elul, which holds special significance for American Jews, as we see how much this country has welcomed Judaism. It's 1695, the Jews of New York petitioned Governor Benjamin Fletcher to allow them to pray publicly. Their request was denied by Fletcher, who was a devout Anglican and wanted that faith tradition to be the official religion of New York.
Think how the world changed after 1776. Jews were not only allowed to pray, but became an integral part of this nation's founding and growth. For almost 250 years, Jews have been allowed in this nation to practice our faith freely, and usually without danger. Yes, we were prohibited from entering many universities and colleges; clubs and organizations; and there have always been anti-Semitic persecutions. But America has been incredibly good to the Jews who have lived here: significantly better than they were in 1695.
We are now in a time when Jew hatred is higher and more overt than it has been in any of our lifetimes, and possibly more intense since the days before the Revolution when we were prohibited from publicly praying. Most synagogues, including ours, have armed security protection. Our college campuses have lost much of their safety, and we see Jew hatred being prevalent on the streets of every major city in the country. Fletcher would probably be pleased with these displays of anti-semitism, but we must remember that this is not how the majority of Americans feel towards Jews. The Jew haters are loud, but they are a minority.
This is just one of the many reasons that we must be proud of our Judaism, our heritage, our connection to Israel, and our special relationship with God... both as individuals, and as a unified people. It is easier to hide in a corner than it is to step out and be seen, but if we do not gather together as Jews in worship, study, and socially; then the loud bigots win... and we cannot let that happen. For the sake of our ancestors who gave so much; for the sake of our children who need to grow up in a country without hate, we must all stand as Jews together in these challenging times. We need to be proud.