Never again is now – facing reality

Never Again Is Now: Jews Facing Reality in the Shadow of the October Seventh Massacre

In the aftermath of the October Seventh Massacre, a chilling unease has settled within the Jewish community—a discomfort that strikes unfamiliar chords. Despite our successes in various metrics and our substantial contributions, the echoes of history have cast a shadow on our present. What began as limitations on Jewish doctors’ placements has evolved into the Montreal Jewish Hospital, a testament to our community’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Regardless of our diverse beliefs, from atheists to reformists to the Haredi, we find unity in shared core values that bridge the gap between the central community and those on the periphery. As a proud product of the Toronto Jewish community, I’ve learned valuable lessons in my vocation, serving diverse populations. This experience has exposed me to different ethnic groups, revealing varying levels of sensitivity and receptiveness to our presence and worldview.

Yet, I am compelled to address a disconcerting pattern reminiscent of the Weimar Republic—an unsettling convergence of the far left, far right, and Islamic fundamentalist groups. The markers of history appear to be repeating, with images of Adolf Hitler surfacing on Hamas technology, underscoring the urgent need to confront the truth.

To put it bluntly, the Jewish people face an existential threat heightened by technology connecting disparate groups and the formation of alarming alliances. Now is the time for a collective examination of our allies, lifting them up in solidarity. Among these are Trump-supporting evangelicals, independent Christians, capitalists, Hindus, Asian Christians, South American and African Christians, and even voices calling out from Taiwan.

While some Chinese individuals may secretly support us, the perception of our backing for Israel as risky or provocative puts us in a precarious position, akin to holding an Israeli flag being equivalent to raising a Russian flag. We find ourselves fighting not just for Israel but for the preservation of Western culture, rooted in the Judeo-Christian heritage that has shaped our values.

This is a call for communal unity, a plea to transcend differences and recognize common goals. Even in the face of our own challenges, we must extend an olive branch to the LGBTQ+ community, as only we can provide a shield against threats. Contrary to some misconceptions, our right-wing social conservatives champion tolerance, respect women’s rights, and hold a profound belief in the sanctity of every life.

In remembering our fallen, let us harness the blessings of unity, ensuring that the fight for our heritage is not passed down through generations but confronted bravely today. Together, we must stand as guardians of the values that have given us everything and pass them down as an enduring legacy for our children and grandchildren.