In solitude, we are never truly alone

Six years ago, upon arriving in Israel, people questioned my departure from Brazil, then perceived as a beautiful place to live. Today, perceptions have shifted; there’s a shared understanding that for Jews, Israel is the safest refuge, the only true sanctuary in a world still tainted with anti-Semitism.

That morning of October 7th, which should have been marked by global mourning for the 1,200 lives lost in the Hamas terrorist attack, was met with a silence that echoed across the world. While leaders from the USA and major European countries expressed solidarity, a notable silence came from social institutions, particularly human rights and women’s rights groups. This absence of vocal support wasn’t merely the absence of words but a reflection of indifference to Jewish suffering, a reminder of the challenges we continue to face.

The lack of widespread protest or outrage from these international organizations, despite their usual activism, was striking. Their silence in the face of such atrocity was a chilling testament to the deep-seated anti-Semitism in society.

In Israel, Jewish identity is not just a label; it’s woven into the fabric of daily life. In Brazil, being Jewish was the foremost characteristic that defined me, whereas here, it’s part of a multifaceted identity.

My commitment to Zionism and the necessity of Israel as a homeland for Jews remains unwavering despite my reservations about the current political direction. This commitment is underpinned by an understanding of Israel’s historical and contemporary significance.

Israel stands as a beacon for Jews, a refuge in times of crisis, but it also faces challenges of misinterpretation on the global stage. The selective empathy and international outrage reflect broader issues in global politics, where complexities, especially those involving Israel, are often oversimplified.

Ahad Ha’am’s words resonate with me: “More than the Jewish people have kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept the Jewish people.” They speak to the solitude and resilience of the Jewish people, often standing alone in the face of global indifference.

Addressing these prejudices requires a deeper understanding of international conflicts, avoiding simplistic narratives reinforcing old biases.

Our efforts should be directed toward a more informed and empathetic global dialogue, acknowledging the nuances of these conflicts. The response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas calls for a reevaluation of international politics.

Anti-Semitism, in all its forms, must be confronted and combated. This fight is universal, against hatred and prejudice.

This context highlights the strength of the Jewish people. We’re reminded of our ability to endure and thrive, even in adversity.

This sense of isolation on the global stage is a call to action. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm our identity, culture, and traditions, embracing our uniqueness as a source of strength.

Our story is made of struggles and triumphs, defining and uniting us. Each chapter is a testament to our resilience.

We find our strength in our inner light, a power of resistance and prosperity. It’s a call to stand firm and fight for our place in the world.

In this global landscape, our story is written with courage and conviction, reminding everyone that even in solitude, we are never truly alone. We are united by the past, present, and future – a future built with hope, faith, and unwavering determination.