I scraped my proposed January article in light of the events of December, 2025. How can I not, after the last two years of killings, rapes and hostages in tunnels in Gaza, address the assault on the Jewish community in Australia?
I am convinced that the goal of the antisemites is to wipe out every remnant of the religion; not only by killing, but by instilling so much fear into the Jewish community that we will hide.
They want us to hide our identity and not wear religious symbols. In London, an independent legal observer to a Palestinian protest was arrested for wearing a Star of David.
The fear extends to gatherings of Jews. We have been warned not to congregate without “proper” security.
What does “proper” mean? When is there enough security? Can you guarantee our safety? Is it better to stay home?
A California home, decorated for Hanukkah, was shot at 20 times. Fortunately, no one was injured, but imagine the fear in the hearts of the homeowners, their neighbors and others who have outdoor Hanukkah decorations.
Jewish students are not feeling safe these days because of campus protests, harassment, verbal/ physical attacks and vandalism. Making the situation worse is that many “Institutions of Higher Learning” have seemed indifferent and done little to curb the abhorrent behavior if not condone anti-Israel rhetoric and participation in protests from professors.
Should Jews hide their identity, forego their educational goals and not come together for religious observance?
During World War II, Jews had to wear large yellow stars to identify them. That served the same purpose. Once they knew who the Jews were, they would take their businesses, homes, and the ability to educate and shove them into ghettos to facilitate their annihilation.
Making Jews afraid to be identified has the same effect. The goal is to annihilate an entire group of people and take their country.
While it is frightening, I believe we must not allow ourselves to be silenced or hidden. I will continue to be loud and proud in 2026.
It is my small way of pushing back and not allowing the ignorant antisemites to silence me.
