What Has Israel Become? |
Jews are mandated to be a holy people (Exodus 7:6, Leviticus 19:2), a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6), God’s witnesses (Isaiah 43:10, 44:8), and a light unto the nations (Isaiah 49:6). Yet, we have become one of the most vilified nations in history. Before considering reasons for this, let us consider how alarming the conditions have become for Israel and Jews worldwide.
Our image worldwide has possibly never been lower. Many nations that had previously been supportive have recently become extremely critical. There has been an increase in criticism of Israel, even among Jews in Israel, the US, and other countries. According to a Pew survey published recently, 60% of U.S. adults viewed Israel unfavorably, up nearly 20 points in four years. PM Netanyahu addressed a largely empty room at the recent UN General Assembly.
While Israel is widely considered a haven for Jews, we now have a negative migration balance, with young and talented Israelis leaving the country, contributing to shortages in key areas, such as health, education, and hi-tech. For example, 79,000 Israelis left in 2024, while only 46,000 made aliyah or returned home. This is especially worrisome since antisemitism has become so widespread throughout the Diaspora, hardly something that would encourage Jews to come..
The chances of normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations have been dramatically reduced.
In addition, antisemitism has never been so widespread, even during the darkest days of World War Two. and anti-Jewish acts are taking place somewhere in the world every day, even in traditionally friendly and supportive nations such as England, France, other European nations, the United States, Australia, and now even in Africa and South America. Many Jews on college campuses have been ridiculed, bullied, and oppressed, and Jews worldwide are increasingly fearful. Many are afraid to exhibit their Jewish identity publicly.
Israeli athletes are being banned from international sporting events; Israeli films are being excluded from international film festivals; moves are afoot everywhere to shun Israeli professionals, scientists, artists, medical practitioners, musicians, entertainers, and academics; Jews are threatened when traveling on trips abroad; Jewish and Israeli-owned eateries, manufacturers, food producers and other companies linked to Jews and Israel are becoming targets of boycotts,........