Who’s standing with you?

Last week, I wrote about a question many American Jews are quietly asking themselves…do we recognize the signs?

As antisemitism becomes normalized, as propaganda replaces conversation, and as history starts rhyming in ways that make many of us uncomfortable, I believe that question deserves to be asked. In fact, I believe it must be asked.

But today, standing on the grounds of a future Bible college in Illinois, I was reminded of something equally important. Even when storms gather and you feel like you are in the eye of an antisemitic hurricane , there are still righteous people among us.

Today I attended the groundbreaking of Day Springs Bible College at Quentin Road Baptist Church. As I stood there looking around, I wasn’t thinking about theology. I wasn’t thinking about politics. I was thinking about friendship.

Pastor Scudder, his beautiful wife Karen, and their entire community have become part of my extended family. We’ve hugged together, celebrated together, shown up for one another, and walked alongside each other through life. They’ve come to my daughter’s bat mitzvah. I’ve been welcomed into their community. They have become part of my journey, and I have become part of theirs.

And that’s what struck me today…for all the conversations we’re having about rising antisemitism, and for all the very real concerns many of us have about the future, we also need to talk about something else.

We need to talk about the righteous people around us. Because Jewish history is not only the story of those who stood against us. It is also the story of those who stood WITH us.

For every person screaming antisemitic chants, there is another quietly building bridges. For every person spreading hatred, there is another choosing friendship. For every activist demanding division, there is someone choosing courage, peace, and moral clarity.

The question isn’t only whether we recognize the warning signs. The question is whether we’re recognizing the ALLIES.

And once we recognize them, what are we doing to build with them? Are we inviting them for coffee? Are we breaking bread with them? Are we showing up to their events the same way they show up to ours? Are we building real relationships before we desperately need them?

Too many people spend their lives searching for enemies. I think it’s time we spent a little more energy finding friends.

So here’s my challenge…actively open your heart and find one person outside your immediate circle who is a person of character. Invite them to lunch. Have a conversation. Get to know them.

Not because you agree on everything. Not because you’ll vote the same way. Not because your faith traditions are identical. But because good people are worth finding.

I still believe Jews should pay attention to the warning signs. I still believe Israel is the ultimate home of the Jewish people. I still believe history has lessons we ignore at our own peril.

But I also believe G-d places remarkable people in our path. The question is whether we’re paying enough attention to notice them. Pay attention to the warning signs. But don’t forget to look for the righteous among us. They’re still here. And they’re worth building with.