The wisdom to know and to do right by mankind
As an educator, I’m often asked why, despite having access to endless information through Google searches, AI, and university professors who know the truth of history, many educated people still oppose the state of Israel and allow antisemitism to flourish. Even though they, too, could become future targets—and should be smart enough to see this—why do they continue down such a dangerous path? Isn’t the goal of education to help us become better, more informed members of society?
You would think that, with all their knowledge, they would understand the immense suffering we’ve endured throughout history: wars, destruction, expulsions, genocides, pogroms, Crusades—and the relentless spread of false narratives that still aim to erase us. Yet, in 2024, I find myself contemplating whether I should take down my mezuzah or remove flags supporting my people, just to avoid becoming a target. I don’t live in fear, but it’s troubling that these thoughts have even crossed my mind.
Being educated doesn’t always mean making smart choices. It’s bewildering that individuals who have the tools for critical thinking and moral discernment can still sink to such barbaric levels, aligning with movements rooted in hatred, all in the name of so-called “change.” Education, without wisdom or empathy, can easily be misused, leading even the most “learned” people to make deeply flawed decisions.
The Germans, during the rise of the Third Reich, were highly educated and deeply loyal to the rule of law. However, this adherence to law became dangerous when morality was set aside in favor of blind obedience. They committed atrocities under the guise of national unity, following orders even when it led to cold-blooded crimes against humanity. This stark example reminds us that education alone does not guarantee wisdom or moral clarity.
We often equate education with the ability to make sound decisions, but history—and even our current times—prove otherwise. Look at institutions like Oxford in England or the elites at Harvard in the U.S., where many prominent voices now align with authoritarian regimes, endorsing ideologies that promote tyranny and one-party rule. These are supposed bastions of critical thought, yet they stand in favor of systems that suppress individual freedom in the name of unity.
We frequently preach that education is the key to peace and understanding. However, the issue lies in the fact that much of this discourse is steeped in archaic ideals—speaking in the abstract and using lofty rhetoric without addressing the reality of the “rules of the jungle.” These ideas often sound appealing to those unfamiliar with their true implications, who are attracted by the language of unity and progress. Yet, they overlook the deeper, sometimes dangerous consequences of such philosophies.
On the other hand, there are societies that have modernized and experienced the complexities of the world, continually striving to improve life for themselves and others. However, in these societies, “better” is never seen as good enough. The relentless pursuit of progress, without an anchor in values and wisdom, risks leading us down a path where we lose sight of what truly matters—freedom, morality, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong, regardless of how educated or sophisticated we may appear to be.
In essence, education alone is not enough. Without a foundation in moral clarity, compassion, and critical thinking, even the most learned societies can find themselves justifying tyranny in the name of progress or unity.
A significant concern lies in how we are educating our youth to foster their growth and responsibility for the world they inhabit. If one examines the textbooks and educational materials used in parts of the Arab Palestinian community and the broader Muslim world, the findings are alarming. History is distorted, where figures considered heroes by some are depicted as villains, and vice versa. In some cases, children’s programming actively encourages young viewers to take up arms and kill in the name of their G-d and in pursuit of their people’s struggles. These schools operate more like indoctrination centers, conditioning young minds to grow up in a perpetual cycle of violence.
The issue of child abuse in this context is not given the attention it deserves, particularly in the education sector. As an educator, I am perplexed as to why this troubling reality isn’t a global talking point. Instead, international bodies like certain United Nations organizations not only fail to address this but may even enable the perpetuation of such indoctrination, allowing these harmful practices to continue unchecked.
For example, Palestinian children are taught deeply troubling lessons about Zionists and Jews, glorifying violence and martyrdom. In many cases, children are promised a glorious afterlife if they die as “heroes” in battle, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and violence. A disturbing example is the character Farfur, a Mickey Mouse-like figure on Hamas TV, who encourages children to embrace violence and martyrdom. This stands in stark contrast to Israel’s programming like Shalom Sesame and Rehov Sumsum (Israel’s version of Sesame Street), which teach Arab and Jewish children the values of kindness, acceptance, and co-existence.
The difference in educational content reflects a broader divide in values and approaches to peace and humanity, and the world must address the harm caused by the indoctrination of children into violence. Silence on this issue only perpetuates further trauma.
It is crucial to approach things with wisdom, not just education, especially when serving others, because wisdom transcends mere knowledge. Education equips us with facts and skills, but wisdom provides the insight to apply that knowledge thoughtfully, ethically, and with empathy. Wisdom takes into account the complexities of human nature, emotions, and the broader consequences of actions, ensuring that decisions benefit the collective good rather than just satisfying intellectual or personal goals.
When serving others, wisdom helps us understand different perspectives, navigate moral dilemmas, and make choices that are compassionate and just. It prevents us from acting impulsively or in ways that might harm those we intend to help, ensuring that our actions are not only effective but also deeply rooted in kindness, humility, and the long-term well-being of the community. Without wisdom, even the best education can lead to misguided decisions that fail to truly serve or uplift others.
At the end of the day, education is invaluable when it is grounded in integrity, honesty, and respect for all. However, when education is weaponized to control or manipulate others, reducing them to thoughtless followers, it loses its true purpose. A key lesson that must be instilled from a young age is the distinction between being smart and being wise.
King Solomon, in his humility, asked for wisdom to better rule and guide his people. God was pleased with this request because Solomon sought wisdom for the greater good, not for personal gain or the defeat of his enemies. In response, God granted him immense wisdom, rewarding his selflessness. This story serves as a reminder that true education and wisdom go beyond knowledge—they are tools to uplift humanity, not to subjugate or exploit.
Unless you’re someone who likes adding tomatoes to your fruit salad.