5 Lies the World Wants Jews to Believe

Since October 7, 2023, surrounded by accusations against Israel and distortions about what it means to be a Jew, you may be feeling conflicted emotions regarding your Jewish identity. It’s essential to resist the lies that the world wants you to be about being Jewish today in order to reclaim your authentic identity as a Jew.

Here are five lies the world wants you to believe.

1. You Should Feel Guilty and Ashamed

With the distorted media reports and the protests across the world supporting Hamas, there is an implicit accusation that all Jews should feel guilty for wanting to defend their homeland and their people. You may have felt accused when food shortages were claimed in Gaza, even though Hamas was taking over the trucks full of supplies.

The world tells you that you should feel guilty for the hospitals that were destroyed, despite the fact that Hamas was launching rockets from them and using some of them as headquarters.

Let’s be clear. You should not feel guilty. You should not feel guilty for being part of a courageous, kind nation that is viciously attacked and then blamed when it tries to defend itself. On the contrary, you should feel proud that you are part of a people who love life and will fight to protect it no matter what.

2. You Need to Blend In

With the blatant rise of antisemitism, even the advice from the Israeli homeland security has been to hide signs that you are Jewish when you travel. Don’t stand out. Blend into the crowd. The world tells you that you need to blend in to succeed.

But throughout history, Jews have held onto their language and their dress despite the antisemitism and the senseless hatred that surrounded them. It takes courage to be willing to not disappear into a crowd. It takes strength to hold your head high when you wear a kippah or a hostage necklace or a Jewish star and tell the world: This is who I am, and I am proud of it. Wear your Jewishness with pride.

3. You Can Stay Silent

You may have always been a quiet, reserved person who doesn’t want to make waves at the office or at social gatherings. The world is telling you that you can stay silent in the face of the incessant lies that demonize Israel and its brave soldiers. The world wants you to believe that you can stand off to the side and listen while others call Hamas freedom fighters instead of terrorists.

But the days when it was possible to be quiet and reserved are over. You cannot stand on the sidelines any longer. Your life and the life of your people depend on you speaking up when you hear others spreading disinformation. You cannot stay silent.

4. You Know Enough about Your Heritage

Many people believe that your Jewish education can end after your bar or bat mitzvah. The world tells you that you shouldn’t be “too Jewish” and there is no need to learn anymore about Judaism.

But what you learn for your bar or bat mitzvah is just the beginning of a lifetime journey of discovery. There is an infinite amount to learn about what it means to be Jewish and the precious wisdom that has been passed down to you for many generations. Don’t be the one to break the chain. Be open to learning and growing more each day.

5. You Don’t Need Israel

In many countries across the world, Jews still fortunately feel at home in the Diaspora. The world may still be telling you that you don’t need Israel – you have America, England, Canada and Australia. But the rise of antisemitic incidents is shaking that sense of security. These safe harbors are no longer all that safe.

Israel, the Jewish homeland, is the insurance policy of every Jew across the world. It is a place where being Jewish seeps into everything. You do need Israel, and Israel needs you.

Don’t silently accept the lies and distortions that the wants you to believe. Reclaim the gift of your heritage and stand proud as a Jew.

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