Be Brave Like Jonah: What One Social Media Post Can Teach Us about Jewish Pride

When Jonah Platt, actor and host of the podcast Being Jewish, posted a simple message of Jewish pride on Instagram he likely knew it wouldn’t be universally embraced. He may not have expected the flood of online hatred that followed.

His post wasn’t political. It wasn’t provocative. It was personal. And yet, the comment section was soon flooded with vitriol:

• Accusations that simply being Jewish is a crime.
• Comparisons to oppressors.
• Distortions of history.
• Demands that he “stay silent” or “stick to entertainment.”
• Antisemitic slurs and dangerous conspiracy theories.

This is what it looks like when being visibly, proudly Jewish online becomes a target. And sadly, it’s becoming more common than ever.

Silence Isn’t Safety

Some people see hate like this and think, “Better to stay quiet.” But we’ve tried that. We’ve tried whispering. We’ve tried staying out of the fray. We’ve tried hoping others would defend us. And all it brought us is more hostility and more loneliness. What Jonah did in that moment standing in truth, simply and clearly is what we need from every generation right now. Because we’re not just fighting misinformation. We’re fighting erasure.

Jonah: Then and Now

The Jonah of the Bible was called to speak an uncomfortable truth. At first, he ran from it. He didn’t want the confrontation. He feared the consequences. But ultimately, Jonah stood up. He delivered the message. And he changed the course of history. Today’s Jonah followed that same path. And in doing so, he gave voice to thousands of young Jews who wonder whether it’s safe to say what they feel: “I’m Jewish. I’m proud. And I’m not going anywhere.” That’s not just courage. That’s leadership.

For Every Young Jew Watching

You are not alone. When you speak your truth, you’re not just defending your identity you’re building a future a future where Jewish pride isn’t a threat, a future where our children can post without fear. Because Jewish identity should never be hidden, it should be something to hold, lift, and pass forward.

That’s What the Jewish Future Promise Is All About

The Jewish Future Promise is more than philanthropy. It’s a moral commitment: if you give to charity when you pass, at least 50% will support Jewish causes or the State of Israel. But even more than that, it’s a message to the next generation: “You matter. Your story matters. Your future matters.”

In a world where identity is being challenged and distorted, the Promise is a tool to reclaim our narrative, not just with our wallets but our voices.

So, here’s what you can do:

• Speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Tell your story, even when others try to twist it.
• Sign the Promise and show the world that our pride isn’t just for today for future generations.

To Jonah: Thank You

You didn’t just post a message. You lit a beacon. To the trolls and haters: you reminded us why this work is necessary. To the silent majority: it’s time to be loud.

To the next Jonah:

Yes, it’s worth it. And we stand with you. Let’s raise a generation of Jews who don’t just inherit Judaism they own it. Let’s show them what pride looks like. Let’s build the Jewish future together.

Make the promise. Sign the Jewish Future Promise and commit to passing on Jewish pride to the next generation.