Redemption through resistance

The article argues that American Jews are facing an existential crisis regarding their identity, stemming from a historical tendency to prioritize American causes over Jewish self-defense. It contends that this approach, while previously seen in fights for Russian Jewry or civil rights, now leaves American Jews unprepared for contemporary antisemitism, which is fueled by "ancient legends" amplified by social media and AI. The author suggests that American Jews are "addicted to being Americans first, even when it weakens us," leading to a reluctance to fight for themselves. The piece calls for introspection and a shift from external causes to internal Jewish solidarity, particularly as the High Holidays approach. It lists numerous "iniquities" that American Jews should confess, such as failing to teach that anti-Zionism is Jew-hatred, hardening hearts against other Jews for political reasons, and accepting unverified information from sources hostile to Israel. The article concludes by urging American Jews to stop pretending that conformity will bring societal acceptance and to confront internal truths to effectively resist current threats.