Jews Should Never Be Ashamed

What I witness as a non-Jew Canadian:

Recently, I heard something that shook me. A Jewish woman told me she was afraid to write in her resume that she speaks Hebrew. Others said they’re hesitant to mention they’re from Israel, fearing how people might react.

When I see those kinds of situations, it really makes me sad, aside from many other emotions I’m feeling, because of the realization of the world we live in, where Jews don’t feel safe even mentioning their language.

I always try to encourage to speak about Jewish identity openly. This should never be the reality. No nation, no group has the right to silence Jews. No people has the right to make Jews feel small, ashamed, or afraid. 
If you hide now – when there is still room to speak out, to take legal action, to make noise, to raise awareness – then what happens tomorrow, when that space may shrink even further?

I see it as my responsibility to educate and bring the  non-Jews around me. As non-Jews who stand with Israel, it’s also our duty to speak up, to carry the truth forward. Maybe the fact that I’m not Jewish gives me a certain freedom to speak, as I’m not seen as having an agenda.

I want to say to all Jews reading this:
Your identity is not a liability. It is strength.
Your faith is not something to tuck away. It is light.
And light doesn’t belong under the table. It belongs on the hilltop.

Do not allow fear to shape your choices. Don’t let this world tell you that being Jewish is something to downplay or hide. Being Jewish is sacred. It is your honor – not your burden.

The Jewish people are not meant to be quiet, ashamed, or “put in their place.”
They are meant to be a kingdom of priests, a light to the nations.

My dear Jews,

Don’t dim your flame to fit in.
Return to your calling.
Return to your God.
Carry His light into this world without fear.

Don’t be afraid of anyone or anything.
When God is with you, no one can break Israel.
When God is with you, no one can destroy the Jewish people. Don’t obey your fear.
Wear your identity openly. Speak your truth. Live your Torah.

Israel will always live!

Devarim 31:6 (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”