In Order to Prevent 1942, We Have to Act in 1938

What I See as a Non-Jew

I am not Jewish or at least there’s no record of my Jewish roots. I’m Ukrainian Canadian, a community advocate and writer based in Vancouver. I collaborate closely with diverse communities – including the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. And in the past year, I’ve seen a level of antisemitism that I never expected to witness in a country like Canada and in the world.

I also see growing hostility in the general public – especially online – fueled by a simplified and often distorted understanding of the Middle East. Antisemitism is not just a historical concept. It is present, real, and growing right now.

History repeats itself. During the time of the Holocaust, it didn’t start with the mass killing of Jews (1942) right away – it started with hatred words towards Jews (1938).
I always say: “in order to prevent 1942, you have to start acting in 1938.”
Now is our second “1938” in history, and I want to help prevent another 1942.

Many of my non-Jew Canadian friends and family are also very concerned about current situation. As a non-Jew, I know I can say things others sometimes cannot. I’m not seen as biased or too emotional. I was in Israel in 2023 for Sukkot in Jerusalem and witnessed an attack on Oct 7th.

But I would also like to spread this message to my Jewish friends: From my perspective, there is a need, a hunger for reconnection.

I want to kindly say this to the Jewish people: you are the People of God. Don’t forget that. The world may try to label you politically, ethnically, socially – but before anything else, you were called into covenant with the Creator of the universe.

In a time when the world is raging, and hatred is rising, it is time not just to defend who you are – but to return to Whose you are.

It’s time to come back to your roots – to your faith, to the Torah, to your spiritual calling. To look honestly at your own lives, communities, and choices. This doesn’t mean guilt or blame. It means growth. Real strength doesn’t come only from politics, technology, or military – it’s from God.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing my observations as a non-Jewish woman who really cares and supports Israel. I will speak with honesty and respect, and I hope my voice will contribute to understanding – not division. I stand with Israel. I stand with the Jewish people. And I believe with all my heart that the strongest future for this nation is not just political, but spiritual.

To other non-Jews like me: don’t be quiet, learn the history. Talk to your Jewish neighbors. Attend community events. And when you hear harmful speech or casual stereotypes, don’t brush them off.

To my dear Jewish friends: don’t hide your views, don’t be ashamed of who you are.
I see you. I support you. Israel will always live.

Shemot 19:5–6 (Exodus 19:5–6)

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”