Israelis and Jews abroad: safe yes, but also proud

The recent, orchestrated pursuit of Jews and Israelis in the streets of Amsterdam following the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv football game, has heightened concerns around upcoming sports and cultural events involving Israelis abroad. Ahead of Thursday’s Israel-France game in Paris, Israel’s National Security Cabinet has issued a series of guidelines urging Israeli tourists to keep a low profile and be on their guard. In a troubling move, the NSC’s notice recommends Israelis to avoid high-profile cultural and sports events and refrain from any public display of Israeliness or Jewishness.

Israel must prioritize the safety of its citizens abroad – as well as that of Jewish communities around the world especially since the unsettling scenes of Pogrom in Amsterdam, which come against a backdrop of a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks and unabashed expressions anti-Israel sentiment since October 7^th.  While parts of the NSC’s guidelines – such as advising caution and vigilance – come as responsible and practical, the call for Israelis to avoid these events altogether and hide their identity raises difficult questions. How could Israel, the Jewish State, ask Jews and Israelis to suppress their identities?

Though Israel is not expected to be solely responsible for every Jew and Israeli abroad, it does bear some degree of responsibility for their welfare, along with a moral obligation. Whether they like it or not, Diaspora Jews and Israelis share a common history and, inevitably, a common fate. There is no point in distinguishing hatred against Israel and hatred against Jews anymore. They are one and the same. For most Jews around the world, Israel is more than just a State: it is a beacon, a symbol of strength and at times, an ideal of hope. Since October 7^th, the whole world is watching Israel closely, including global Jewish communities. In this crucial moment, is Israel really telling Jews to conceal their Magen Davids and kippahs? Is it suggesting that Jews and Israelis should avoid gatherings in support of the Jewish State? While a call for caution can be reasonable, such directives evoke the scent of historical fears and the image of a meek, concealed Jew—a signal of weakness that Israel should refrain from sending, both to Jewish communities and the world at large.

This message not only threatens to unsettle the already-shaken confidence of Jews worldwide; it could also embolden those with antisemitic and anti-Israel agendas. Hiding one’s Jewish identity, unless in cases of immense danger —such as the heroic concealments of Esther and Mordechai in ancient times—can lead to very harmful consequences. There comes a time when Jews and Israelis should stand tall and declare proudly their identity. Now more than ever, in the midst of war, in a moment charged with hostility, Jews and Israelis should hold their heads high. This doesn’t mean taking unnecessary risks, but it does mean refusing living in fear. Israel should ensure that Jews and Israelis can walk safely in Western streets—and, one day, in other parts of the world where they are still unwelcome. While asserting Jewish or Israeli pride cannot guarantee the respect of others, living in fear and shame will only reinforce prejudice and invite more hostility.

To address the safety of Jews and Israelis abroad, concrete actions are needed, whether through the NSC or a dedicated body. This effort should include partnerships with foreign governments to engage police and anti-terrorism units, as well as better defense organization within local Jewish communities and for Israeli tourists. For instance, the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism could establish a post-army program, placing newly discharged soldiers abroad to help reinforce and support local Jewish communities’ self-defense training. The Interior Ministry could coordinate closely with international police forces to safeguard high-profile events, such as these football matches, as well as the daily safety of Jewish communities and Israeli tourists. Increased public awareness initiatives should promote tolerance and understanding of Jewish and Israeli cultures, and governments should adopt stronger measures to curb demonization and ensure that what happened in Amsterdam is not repeated.

Those who attack or intimidate Jews and Israelis, including extremist hooligans, jihadis, and their leftist acolytes, must understand that such actions will not go unpunished and may lead to serious criminal charges. They should also be aware that Jewish communities are more than able to defend themselves —both legally and physically. Gone are the days when Jews were forced to bow their heads in fear and submission; the existence of Israel has forever changed that reality, and Israel must provide its support and resources to uphold this progress.

The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks often spoke about Jewish pride, recalling his father’s insistence, “Nobody will ever tell my son to be ashamed of being Jewish.” Rabbi Sacks extended this advice to a love of Israel as well. Israel should be encouraging both its citizens and Jews in the Diaspora to support Israeli teams and embrace Jewish pride. Unless direct terror threats, we hope to see many proud Israelis and Jews supporting the Israel team this Thursday at the Stade de France.