Rising to the challenge of the Assault on Judaism
Sukkot is traditionally a time of joy, a time of simcha (happiness), and it’s interesting how the Torah instructs us to embrace joy during this festival, just as it instructs us to embrace sadness on Tisha B’Av. Why is that? Perhaps it’s because, by Sukkot, our sins have been forgiven on Yom Kippur, and there is a sense of relief and joy. In ancient times, Sukkot also marked the end of the harvest, a time of satisfaction and gratitude for the bounty we had received.
Yet, at the same time, we are asked to leave our secure homes and dwell in fragile booths, reminding us of the vulnerability and fragility of life. This duality—joy and fragility—feels more challenging today. It’s hard to be joyful when so much sadness surrounds us. Soldiers (young men, sons, brothers) are dying, terror attacks continue, rockets are still being fired, and we are still grappling with the trauma of the October 7th massacres. Many people are displaced, families remain in uncertainty, and hostages are still being held. We live in a paradox—on the surface, life continues with festivals, family outings, and celebrations, while beneath the surface, pain and grief persist.
This tension raises difficult questions: How can we sing, dance, and celebrate amid ongoing suffering? How do we reconcile these emotions? There are debates, guidelines, and reflections on how to make the joy of the festival meaningful despite the circumstances.
On Simchat Torah, we will reflect on the unimaginable barbarism we witnessed on October 7th, the trauma that is still very fresh. We are in the middle of a physical war, and our enemies continue their assaults on all fronts. Beyond the battlefield, there is another war against Israel—on social media, at the United Nations, and among so-called Western allies. The reaction of the world on October 8th exposed frightening levels of hatred. October 7th brought the hatred into stark relief, with those who despise Israel and even America coming out openly. It’s disturbing how deeply institutionalised this hatred has become.
One recent scandal involves UNIFIL, an organisation tasked with maintaining peace on Israel’s northern border, which has failed in its mandate and has been shielded by the UN and other international agencies. This reflects the broader obsession with demonising Israel. And yet, amid this, October 7th sparked a revival—a renewed thirst for Jewish heritage and knowledge, as if this tragedy had reignited the Jewish soul – the Soul of Israel.
It’s a dual war we are fighting—one for physical survival and another on the ideological battlefield, where Israel and Judaism are portrayed as villains.
The Assault on Judaism: A War on Multiple Fronts
Recently, I attended the book launch of The Assault on Judaism by Gol Kalev at the Begin Center. The event highlighted a growing and increasingly tangible threat that many of us have sensed—a multifaceted assault on Judaism, both ideological and physical. This assault is not only from familiar enemies like Iran and its proxies but also from subtle and overt attacks from the West—nations and institutions that present themselves as allies while undermining Israel’s legitimacy.
Gol Kalev’s arguments, presented at his book launch, echoed the thoughts I’ve been expressing throughout the year. Whether it’s the hypocrisy of media outlets like the BBC or the inconsistent positions of governments like those in France and Spain, the assault on Israel is part of a broader campaign aimed at delegitimising Judaism itself. As Kalev and Melanie Phillips pointed out, this threat is no longer limited to the physical; it has become political and ideological, with sanctions and boycotts as its new weapons.
A Growing Assault in the Headlines
Just one day after Kalev’s book launch, these headlines (15 October) appeared in the news, underscoring the global assault on Judaism and Israel:
“US threatens to halt military aid to Israel over Gaza humanitarian aid”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/397685
“UK announces new sanctions against yeshiva, Jewish groups in Judea and Samaria”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/397680
“Canada tax authority cracks down on a third Israel-linked charity.”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/flashes/642336
“UNIFIL U.N. Peacekeepers Are Hezbollah’s Best Friend” https://www.wsj.com/opinion/unifil-israel-hezbollah-united-nations-peacekeeping-lebanon-2e2c3961
“France bars Israeli defense firms from Euronaval exhibition” https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-france-bars-israeli-defense-firms-from-euronaval-exhibition-1001492062
These headlines reflect a dangerous trend: an ideological assault on Judaism through the delegitimisation of Israel. Sanctions, boycotts, and political manoeuvres are becoming the preferred tools in this war, often wielded by those who once called themselves friends.
One of the most striking recent developments came from France, where President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would stop providing arms to Israel in its war against Hamas. Macron’s actions are symbolic of the physical and ideological assaults on Israel, as his public questioning of Israel’s legitimacy strengthens those who deny Israel’s right to exist.
This posture is hauntingly reminiscent of France’s stance during the 1940s when they “just followed orders” while aiding in the persecution of Jews. This historical amnesia is shocking, yet it’s not limited to France. Recent actions by the US, UK and Canada show that many Western nations are engaging in this same double standard—penalising Israel for defending itself while ignoring the actual aggressors.
The Historical Context
Gol Kalev’s book, The Assault on Judaism, exposes a more profound truth: Judaism and Zionism are inseparable. Many Jews, especially in the diaspora, deny this bond, but it’s visible throughout the Bible.
This is how I describe it:
“The Bible is the greatest book of Zionism ever written. It’s about a journey to a land. The laws are meant to be practised in a just society in Israel.”
On Simchat Torah, we read Parshat Zot HaBracha, which means “This is the blessing.” This passage conveys a powerful message of connection to the Land of Israel. No other people in the world can claim a deeper or more documented relationship with their land than the Jewish people, a connection rooted in the Torah. As the Torah concludes, it speaks of Israel’s security, and Moses, in his final speech, offers a blessing that reflects the land and the potential within each of us.
Zerachiah’s Prophecy: A Beacon of Hope
Amid this turmoil, we must remember the prophecy of Zerachiah, who foresaw a time of great darkness for the Jewish people but also a time of great hope. He proclaimed: “Though enemies surround you like shadows of night, a day will come when the light of Zion shall shine brighter than all, and the nations that oppose you will witness the hand of God raising you above them, for the bond between God, the land, and the people of Israel is eternal.”
Zerachiah’s prophecy offers us a beacon of hope, a reminder that no matter how deep the assault, Israel and Judaism will prevail. The connection between God, the land of Israel, and the Jewish people is unbreakable, and this covenant will lead us through the challenges we face.
In today’s world, one of the greatest dangers facing the Jewish people is disunity. The Torah calls on us to recognise that while we are diverse, we are interconnected. Jews from all corners of the globe must stand united. Many believed that internal debates, such as justice reforms, were our greatest challenge, but the events of October 7th have shown us otherwise. Our faithful task is to discern what God wants from us in this critical moment.
Though I don’t claim to know God’s will, it is clear that we are being called to defend Israel physically and spiritually, whether on the ground or through the media. There is a profound connection between the “Soul of Israel,” Judaism, Israel, Zionism, and the Torah. These elements are inseparable, and we must understand that this sacred bond is essential to our existence as a people.
How Do We Combat This Assault?
Recognising the truth is the first step. My thoughts mirror Kalev’s 2022 book, Judaism 3.0: Judaism’s Transformation to Zionism, in which he explains that this transformation is necessary to counter modern threats posed by Israel-bashers who try to reduce Judaism to just a religion without acknowledging its national identity.
The West’s attack on Zionism as a political entity allows them to maintain the illusion of “zero tolerance for antisemitism” while actively participating in Israel-bashing. This cognitive dissonance allows international bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC) to target Israel for sanctions while ignoring the Jewish people’s historical and legal rights to the land.
Zot HaBracha: A Call for Unity in Times of Tragedy
In his prophetic vision, Moses speaks of Israel dwelling in security, a land flowing with grain and wine, yet he also warns that enemies will seek to deceive and harm us. These words feel eerily relevant today. Our security feels fragile, and our enemies are numerous and unpredictable. Yet we, the descendants of Moses, have something that even he did not: we live in the Land of Israel. We are responsible for upholding the covenant that Moses could only dream of fulfilling. We are tasked with creating a society that reflects the values and aspirations of the Torah—a model society for the world.
As we move forward from Simchat Torah, let us carry the lessons of Zot HaBracha with us. Let us honour Moses’ final blessing by embracing the diversity within our society and recognizing the role each person plays in the greater mission. Let us commit to building a secure, prosperous, and united society that can serve as a model for the world. Let October 7th be remembered as a day of tragedy and a turning point—a reminder that we must rise from the ashes and rebuild more robustly. This is our covenant, duty, and hope for a better future.
Conclusion: Fighting the Ideological War
October 7th shattered the illusion of security we once held. The horror and violence seemed aimed at unravelling the very fabric of our existence. Yet perhaps, amidst this tragedy, we have been allowed to awaken from our slumber. For too long, our internal divisions may have weakened us. It took this unspeakable horror to remind us that we are all in this together—that, despite our differences, we must rise together in the face of adversity.
As these events unfold, it’s clear that we are fighting on two fronts: a physical war for survival and an ideological war to defend Judaism and Zionism from delegitimization. While we may be able to defend ourselves militarily, the real challenge lies in combating the ideological assault. How do we ensure that the average person on the street understands the truth about Israel’s historical and legal rights? How do we break through the indifference and misinformation?
The stakes couldn’t be higher. This isn’t just about defending Israel; it’s about defending Judaism itself. In this war, we cannot afford to lose.
Featured Video
Sky News Australia host Erin Molan has been a beacon of clarity and support for Israel. In this video, she articulates clearly the hypocrisy of the assault on Israel.
She ends this video with this:
“Nobody knows what will happen next in the Middle East, but I know without any doubt in my mind who I’m rooting for, and it’s not the terrorists who celebrate death. It’s the country that celebrates life,”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaZkEkFwmEY