The Fight That Cannot Be Fought Alone
It has become a troubling reality.
Antisemitism, that once hid in shame behind euphemisms and whispers, now marches with pride through our streets and on our screens.
On college campuses, it masquerades as “activism.” On social media, it is camouflaged as “moral outrage.” In the public square, it is promoted under the banner of “criticism of Israel.” But if we were to peel back the slogans, with honesty and a true desire for truth, we would find the same ancient and deeply dangerous hatred that the Jewish people have endured for generations. And Jews are then left to explain themselves, defend their right to self-defense, and justify their G-d-given gift of Israel.
But let us be very clear: antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem. It is a human problem. Because antisemitism is not merely the hatred of Jews. It is the hatred of anyone who appears to be different. As Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, taught: “Antisemitism is the world’s most reliable early warning sign of a major threat to freedom, humanity, and the dignity of difference.” And as Jews commemorate the Nine Days this week, a time when we reflect on tragedies rooted in this hatred, we are reminded just how urgent this fight remains.
At times throughout history, Jews believed that they could erase hatred by getting rid of their differences. So, some relinquished the observance of Shabbat and the laws of keeping kosher, as they hoped that assimilation would bring acceptance. Others built enclosed neighborhoods, as they hoped that their seclusion would offer them safety. But neither approach worked.
Because the problem was never Judaism, or Israel, or our adherence to Torah, our values, and our traditions. The problem has always been pure, unadulterated, and disgusting hatred toward “the other.”
This is why Jews cannot, and must not, fight antisemitism alone. We need allies from every walk of life – Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and secular, political and apolitical. And we need courageous voices of truth who will say, without hesitation, that hatred of Jews is hatred toward humanity itself, and it is a threat to any society that values life and liberty.
As the founding rabbi of Congregation Beth Tefillah, a large and thriving community in Scottsdale, Arizona, I have had the privilege to join with leaders from across the spectrum to combat this hatred. One of them is my dear friend and neighbor here in Arizona, Charlie Kirk, a deeply religious man who is steeped in the Divine values of our shared Bible and a committed supporter of the Jewish people and Israel. While some have recently and unjustifiably questioned his stance, those who know him, as I do, also know that he is one of the most stalwart and consistent fighters in this war for truth, faith, and moral clarity.
And I draw inspiration from my beloved mentors, the Lubavitcher Rebbe and Rav Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, of righteous memory, who taught us that “a little light dispels much darkness,” and that “the opposite of hatred is not love. It is indifference.” As our Talmudic sages warn: “One who has the ability to protest and fails to do so is held accountable for the sins of others” (Shabbat 54b). These aren’t just lofty ideas. They are urgent imperatives.
Indeed, this work cannot be left to a few lone voices. Each of us must stand up for truth and fight antisemitism with the same “zero tolerance policy” the world professes to have against all forms of hate.
Thus, I urge you: If you are have faith in G-d Almighty, preach that faith louder. If you are a parent, teach your children to hold on to our Biblical values with pride and to never cower in the face of hate. If you are a leader (as we all should be, each in our own way), lead with conviction and determination, even when it is uncomfortable. If you have a platform of influence, use it to shine light and moral clarity. If you wonder what that might look like, look to people like my friend Charlie Kirk, who continues to rise above the noise and stand tall for truth. And if you feel alone, know that you are not: millions of good people are with you, many of whom are just waiting to be led by you.
Let us join hands. Let us raise our voices. Let us spread this light together. And with G-d’s help, and as history has shown us time and time again, our light will prevail.
