The resurgence of anti-Semitism in several countries around the world raises a new dilemma that has accompanied the Jewish people throughout their exile: Should they stand proudly in the face of the murky wave or bow their heads and let it pass over them? Should they wear the kippah ostentatiously or should they wear it modestly?
The natural tendency is to withdraw inward, not to upset the enemies too much, not to stand out.
Maybe if we reduce our presence, if we don't bother them so much, then they will agree to tolerate our existence in their environment with the greatest of kindness.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
Slope to the abyss
The vast experience accumulated throughout Jewish history has proven unequivocally that this path opens a slope to the abyss. The moment you transmit weakness, collapse, and inaction, you only whet the appetite of your enemies. If you give up your identity and your values, you lose your honor.
This basic truth appears in the words of the spies, who return from their tour of the land and tell the people of Israel about the giants they saw in the land of Canaan.
They say a key sentence there: "And we were in our own eyes as grasshoppers, and so we were in their eyes." It all actually starts with you being a 'grasshopper' in your own eyes. When you see yourself as a 'grasshopper,' that's how you will appear to others. If you don't see yourself as a 'grasshopper,' and stand proudly for what you are, they will respect and appreciate you.
Look at how the long-standing debate is going over the territories liberated in the Six-Day War. When you propose to resolve the conflict using the formula 'peace for peace,' you are told: The Arabs will never agree to that.
Wait, but we too will never agree to give up the inheritance of our ancestors. Why is 'they won't agree' stronger than 'we won't agree'?
The answer is simple and painful: because the Arabs always stuck to their position, did not stammer or hesitate; while we sent messages of willingness to make concessions, under such and such conditions. The moment we appear to be unwavering in our positions, pressure is immediately applied to us. We behaved like grasshoppers, and the world immediately received the message and began to trample us as one tramples a grasshopper.
The change happened with us.
In contrast, when the world began to hear other sounds from the direction of the people of Israel, suddenly a change began to occur. The pressure decreased, new connections were forged, markets opened. More and more voices are being heard wondering whether withdrawals and the handing over of territories to the Arabs are indeed the key to peace. All of this stemmed from the change that took place among us.
Contrary to the cowardly attitude, Jewish arrogance and genius do not increase hatred of Gentiles, quite the opposite.
Some were previously wary of placing menorahs in city centers and other expressions of Jewish symbols on public squares. Reality has proven the opposite. These actions brought respect and appreciation to Jews. Senior figures came to the ceremonies, greeted them, and encouraged them. The media covered them with sympathy, showed interest, and sought to learn about the Jewish holidays and their meaning. The general public responded with appreciation.
Jews should be proud of their Judaism. Not to bow our heads or try to appease the Fritz's wrath. Quite the opposite. Standing tall for our faith and our values is what will also bring the appreciation of the world around us.
