Israel faces formidable challenges

Last Wednesday, many members of our community heard a young Israeli talk about the on-going campaign to delegitimize the state of Israel, and what American Jews should do about it.

In a distinctly Queen’s English, Sgt. Benjamin Anthony (a member of the Israeli Defense Forces reserves) shared with the audience his experiences, which included being on the receiving end of anti-Semitic physical attacks in the United Kingdom, to making aliyah and defending Israel as a member of her armed forces.

Anthony’s message couldn’t be clearer; the state of Israel is facing a formidable challenge. Her enemies have expanded their destructive efforts to cyberspace, educational institutions and the minds of future decision makers, politicians and legislators.

He reminded those present at his lecture that since the establishment of the state of Israel the Jewish Diaspora does not suffer from the fear of pogroms, forced exile or religiously motivated imprisonment. However, this freedom is not guaranteed. Anthony recounted how European Jews are experiencing the scourge of anti-Semitism once again.

His formula to counteract the demonization of Israel in American campuses is simple. Anthony advised all of us to teach Jewish history to our youngsters, from kindergarten to 12th grade. He strongly suggested that we should promote the learning of our Jewish history in synagogues, temples, community centers and in our homes. By this he means not only the history of biblical times, but also modern history, all the way to current events. The purpose of this task is not only to learn the numerous lessons that we can apply to today’s challenges, but also to strengthen our backbone.

When visiting Jewish audiences, Anthony often hears, “You are preaching to the choir.” His response, “Perhaps, but the choir is not singing.”

Well said.

Eduard de Garay
Overland Park, Kan.