Jewish Responsibility for Global Equilibrium
One year after Hamas-led terrorists embarked on a brutal rampage that shook Israel to its core, the nation finds itself grappling with a profound sense of grief and uncertainty. The haunting reality of that day leaves a deep void, where families mourn their loved ones and society as a whole confronts the urgent need for answers. Until a comprehensive investigation uncovers the truth behind these events, peace will remain elusive for the victims and their families. However, rather than focusing solely on past failures, this article aims to confront the hard questions necessary to shape the future.
In reflecting on Henry Kissinger’s notion of world order, it is impossible to overlook the lessons from Israel’s experience—most recently, the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which serve as a stark reminder of how a fragmented society can be vulnerable to external enemies. Kissinger’s view that world order is built through a balance of power between states, with each society shaping its own internal equilibrium, resonates deeply in these chaotic times.
This war illustrates that security cannot be taken for granted. Sadly, Israelis have come to understand that international organizations, including the United Nations, often fail to respond adequately in moments of crisis. As Kissinger pointed out, internal governance shapes global order, but when that internal governance is lacking or when the global balance of power is skewed, countries are left vulnerable.
The Subjective Nature of Legitimacy and Global Perception
One thing we must acknowledge is that legitimacy is highly subjective in today’s world, as highlighted by Henry Kissinger. He defined legitimacy not in terms of justice, but as a consensus among nations regarding effective arrangements and acceptable foreign policy methods. What seems just and legitimate to one society can be perceived entirely differently by another. Israel’s right to defend itself is often questioned, viewed through the distorted lens of antisemitism and misinformation. The global rise in antisemitism not only undermines Israel’s position on the world stage but is weaponized by its enemies to delegitimize the state’s very existence. This creates a dangerous double standard in international diplomacy, where Israel’s actions are disproportionately scrutinized compared to other nations facing similar threats.
In a world where narratives differ drastically, legitimacy becomes a tool of influence, shaped by who controls the narrative. We see this in how Israel is judged by international organizations, where decisions are often colored by prejudice rather than a fair assessment of the situation. This, in turn, weakens Israel’s standing and emboldens its adversaries.
Looking Forward: The Future of Global Stability
Kissinger’s insights remain relevant, but the world has evolved in ways that even he could not fully anticipate. The traditional balance of power, where states seek equilibrium through diplomacy and strategic alliances, is being challenged by new forms of conflict and power dynamics. Iran’s use of proxies, social media algorithms, and cyber warfare are just a few examples of how the battlefield has changed. The rise of misinformation and ideological influence campaigns adds new layers of complexity to international relations. It is clear that internal governance and external equilibrium must align to preserve order.
For Israel, this challenge is particularly acute. To manage this, Israel must control the narrative on the global stage. However, despite the deep support of the Jewish diaspora, Israel has not fully accomplished this. One potential solution lies in empowering diaspora Jews who hold or could hold key positions in foreign governments, media, and international organizations. A new form of diplomacy—a fusion of people-to-people and traditional state-to-state diplomacy—could bridge this gap. This strategy would involve diaspora Jews shaping the narrative within their respective countries, thus influencing both internal governance and foreign policy toward Israel.
In the future, we must ensure that we have people in key positions who can shape this narrative. Israel should position itself to lead the conversation with the international community. As the only Jewish state, Israel has the support of the Jewish diaspora, but it often feels disconnected at a governmental and societal level. This is where the role of diaspora Jews comes in.
A Call for Action
Israel’s efforts to shape the global narrative should go hand-in-hand with a call for Jews in the diaspora to take action. Whether it’s writing op-eds, influencing media, or advocating in government, the role of diaspora Jews is crucial in balancing the narrative on the international stage. This is not just external diplomacy; it’s about creating internal equilibrium in each country, building bridges of understanding, and strengthening Israel’s position globally.
As Kissinger pointed out, internal governance shapes global order. But when that governance is lacking, or when the balance of power is skewed, countries are left vulnerable. That is why it’s critical to align internal stability with external strategy, and Israel cannot do this alone. A more integrated effort between Israel and the Jewish diaspora can help navigate the turbulent waters of geopolitics and safeguard both Israel’s future and global stability.
Towards a New Global Equilibrium
In conclusion, the attack of October 7 was not just the biggest and violent terrorist attack—it was a wake-up call. It exposed weaknesses in global order and in Israel’s internal unity. It showed how fragile the world is when power is left unchecked, both domestically and internationally. Kissinger was right that the balance of power needs constant recalibration. And this recalibration must also involve the active participation of people.
As Israelis, we cannot solely rely on international bodies to protect us, nor can we always trust our government. Instead, we must strive for an internal equilibrium where each individual contributes to collective strength. The Jewish diaspora, too, has a critical role to play. Now more than ever, diaspora Jews must step forward, taking their place as advocates and influencers, shaping the global narrative for the future of Israel. It is both a national and global effort, where governments and citizens alike must take action.