More Than “Just” a Magen David

This week, a Jewish man was blindsided and assaulted while on his way to work in Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital. The attacker, caught on video, shouted, “The children in Gaza. The children in Palestine. We know! We know who you are!” Unfortunately, this incident is the latest excuse for anti-Semites to target Jews, echoing the pro-Hamas protests that have unfolded in cities and on campuses across the country over the past nine months.

It’s disheartening that throughout our 2,000 years of exile, Jews have faced an “open season” of persecution. Hatemongers often blame Jews for various global issues, regardless of evidence. Just last week, Lucas Gage used social media to cut up the Israeli flag, falsely implicating Jews in events from JFK’s assassination to 9/11.

In the aftermath of the attack in Washington, D.C., the Jewish victim understandably questions the safety of wearing a kippah or Magen David (Star of David) in public. The emotional toll of such incidents is immense—feeling vulnerable, in pain, and uncertain about what might happen next. Sadly, politicians and the justice system often fail to prevent these hate crimes and seem to look the other way.

But what is a person’s life worth? Some may say, “Let him give up his yarmulke and Magen David—they’re just vanities.” However, choosing symbols to wear is deeply personal and expressive of our beliefs. Recently, Delta Airlines flight attendants wore the Palestinian flag at work, even if it violated workplace policy, sparking debate and threats of an airline boycott.

Regardless of personal feelings, we must recognize that everyone has the right to express themselves, as long as it doesn’t threaten or harm others. If we allow pro-Hamas terrorists to intimidate us, they’ve already won. I’m reminded of the NYC subway incident where “protesters” dared anyone to admit they were Jewish, urging them to get off the train and implicitly threatening lives.

After October 7, some of these same “protesters” tore down posters for hostages held by Hamas, denying the truth and preventing communal mourning. Their narrative attempted to shift blame to Islamophobia, portraying themselves as victims.

Reflecting on recent events, I embarked on a quest for meaningful jewelry—a piece that would connect me more deeply to Judaism, Zionism, and Hashem. While I already wear a kippah, I sought a Jewish ring. I found one adorned with the Lions of Judah facing the Ten Commandments. On either side, Moshe Rabbeinu holds the Torah, and the Maccabees wield a shield and sword. This ring encapsulates our fight for religious freedom, national self-determination, and sovereignty in our ancient homeland of Israel—”the land of Zion and Jerusalem.”

As we hear about hate crimes against Jews, they may seem remote, but they are proliferating and creating profound wounds that affect us at the level of our souls, families, friends, and communities. Just this past week, it was reported that 96% of Jews in 13 European countries are experiencing anti-Semitism in daily life. 

Our response to antiSemitism and hate should be to embrace our Jewish identity all the more. In the words of the singer Benny Friedman:

I’m a Jew and I’m proud
And I’ll sing it out loud
‘Cuz forever
And ever
That’s what I’ll be
I’m a Jew and I’m proud
And without a doubt
Hashem is always watching over me

We are truly in the middle of a global attack on the Jewish people, and we cannot give up even one centimeter in our quest for freedom, peace, and security.