Meet Rami Davidian, one of the many heroes from the 7 October 2023 massacre.
Rami saved the life of hundreds of young men and women attending the music festival, which was raided by the Hamas terrorists, driving around the area in his car for 4 hours, loading groups of them to safety.
Rami’s story has gone viral since that dreadful day, but the purpose of introducing him now is to demonstrate how the spirit of modern Israel can be transported to Jewish communities right around the world.
There’s no argument about the fact that Jews are living in troubled times.
Antisemitism is bursting at the seams, wherever you look. Whichever country.
To combat the severe escalation in antisemitic acts of terror, both Jewish organizations and some governments are fighting this escalation with determination to try and stem the tide before it becomes a tidal wave.
It’s all very well to blame Israel for the outbreak which has been steadily growing since the turn of the century, but antisemitism goes back thousands of years.
It’s been part of the life of Jews since biblical times.
So, let’s accept the fact that antisemitism has always been with us and more than likely will continue to be with us, no matter what we do.
A Return to Ghetto Days?
Some, but not all, of the numerous organizations who are fighting antisemitism are very proactive.
Some post many recommendations on the social media, in particular to university students, how best to deal with antisemitic acts of violence, even evil death threats.
But one suggestionI have seen turns back the clock more than a hundred years.
“Don’t speak like a Jew in public. Don’t dress like a Jew. Don’t advertise you’re a Jew. Hide your Judaism.”
A return to the days of the Ghetto, when hiding and isolation didn’t prevent the decimation of six million Jews.
The Spirit of Israel
The actions of very brave men and women in Israel since the early days of statehood have been an eye-opener how the image of the Jew has changed from the early times of antisemitism in Europe.
Israelis are no longer turning the other cheek or running away from danger.
War after war, rocket attack after attack, has not daunted the spirit of Israelis.
And that’s how Jews, wherever they live, need to respond to the current wave of antisemitism, in particular on the campuses where demonstrations against both Israel and all the Jews are unsettling and potentially dangerous.
Soft Sell is Hard Sell
There’s no easy solution to the problems we are facing, but there are tactical methods which we can employ.
Stories like those of Rami Davidian’s bravery rocketed around the world.
Given the benefit of the social media we are capable of building our own defense, not just by exposing the vile acts of terrorism and naming the culprits, but by publishing how we can face the dangers head on and how we cope with them.
It’s a method of soft sell becoming much more potent than hard sell.
People all around the world admire bravery, so let’s show them how brave Jews can be, no matter where they live.
The Power of Publicity
Have you got an interesting story to tell?
Even a simple story like how you invited an antisemite in your classroom at the University to join you for a drink at the local pub to have a chat.
How you let them talk, listening to their warped point-of-view, then quietly correcting them without anger or forcefulness.
There’s nothing more powerful, nothing more effective than a one-on-one discussion. Far more effective than a top rated orator addressing a hall full of people.
So, if you have a story to tell, even something simple to help face the barrage of antisemitism, publish it on social media or on here.
Show others today’s Jew is a proud upstanding person, ready to fight for freedom.
Show them how the spirit of modern Israel can help Jews wherever they live.
And finally, if you’d care to help Israellycool continue its important work, your contribution would be most appreciated. It will enable us to reach more people, to encourage them to stand up, raise their hand and be counted.
