October 8: A Film We Cannot Afford to Ignore—And Neither Can Our Jewish Future

The world changed on October 7. But for many Jews, the real shock came on October 8. That was the day we woke up to a world that didn’t just ignore the massacre of our people—it justified it. The film October 8 forces us to confront this reality, laying bare the indifference, the apathy, and the staggering success of anti-Israel propaganda.

But this is not just a movie. It is a wake-up call. And more than that, it is a call to action.

A Warning We Should Have Heeded

This wasn’t new. I saw the writing on the wall when I joined the publicity of Crossing the Line 2: The New Face of Antisemitism on Campus in 2015. That film documented how anti-Israel demonstrations on US campuses weren’t just about politics; they included blatant antisemitic rhetoric. We tried to sound the alarm, but too many didn’t want to listen. Universities, media outlets, and even some in our community dismissed it as an issue of free speech or academic discourse.

Then came October 7—the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. And yet, instead of universal condemnation, we saw celebrations, rationalizations, and outright denial. October 8 forced us to confront what’s at stake—not just in the immediate aftermath of the attack, but in the realization that for far too many, Jewish lives are negotiable.

October 8: A Turning Point for Every Jew

October 7 was an unspeakable tragedy, but October 8 revealed an even more profound truth: that in the face of Jewish suffering, too much of the world remains silent—or worse, complicit. For Jewish grandparents, it was a painful reminder that the antisemitism they thought had faded never really disappeared. For Jewish parents, it was the moment they realized their children could grow up in a world where their safety was not guaranteed. For young Jewish professionals and students, it was the day they saw their real allies and those who were not.

The warning signs were there long before that day. On college campuses, in media narratives, in the rising antisemitic rhetoric that many dismissed as fringe. For years, we reassured ourselves that if we just explained and showed the truth, people would understand. But October 8 proved that many had already made up their minds. Now, the question is no longer whether we can change their minds. The question is: how do we strengthen our community so that no Jew ever has to feel alone again?

For too long, we have sought external validation, focused on proving that we belong, building bridges with others, and believing that education alone would end hate. But October 8 showed us that it is time to refocus our priorities. We must ensure that every Jewish person feels safe, supported, and unafraid to live as a Jew. That starts with action, and that action begins with how we invest in our future.

Jewish Philanthropy Must Realign: Funding a Stronger Jewish Future

Jewish philanthropy must realign with the urgent needs of today. We can no longer afford to support institutions that remain silent when Jews are under attack. Instead, we must invest in what truly secures the Jewish future. That means prioritizing Jewish identity and education, ensuring that every Jewish child, whether in a day school, a summer camp, or with college campus organizations who have access to learning that instills pride, resilience, and an unshakable connection to their people.

It means funding media and cultural investments that allow us to control our narrative rather than relying on mainstream platforms that distort our history and reality. The film October 8 is not just a documentary—it is evidence. But how many people outside our community will see it? We must ensure that the stories of our people are told, amplified, and shared widely, especially in digital spaces where the next generation consumes information.

It also means protecting Jewish communities through legal and political action. Jewish students face unprecedented hostility on campus, and they must be defended—not just with statements of support but with real legal aid, security measures, and advocacy. We cannot wait for the next crisis to react. We must proactively push for policies that safeguard Jewish institutions, workplaces, and public spaces from discrimination and violence.

A Call to Action: Your Signature, Your Legacy

Watching October 8 isn’t just about remembering. It is about ensuring that history does not repeat itself. It is about waking up the 70% of the public that remains indifferent and ensuring our community is fortified, united, and prepared for whatever comes next. The question is not whether we can prevent another October 7. The question is: will we be strong enough to withstand it if it comes?

That strength comes from long-term commitment. From ensuring that the resources for Jewish continuity exist not just today but long after we are gone. We need to ensure that the Jewish homeland the state of Israel, our schools, synagogues, advocacy organizations, and cultural institutions will have the funding they need to thrive. You ensure that Jewish education, security, and identity-building are not afterthoughts but priorities.

Because history has shown us what happens when we fail to invest in ourselves because Jewish continuity cannot be an assumption—it must be an active choice. Because October 7 was a moment of horror—but October 8 was a wake-up call that we can never ignore again.