By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
EL CAJON, California — When people try to silence Jews who are fighting antisemitism, they aren’t protecting justice — they’re protecting hatred. We won’t be silent. The light of our people has outshone every empire, and we’ve outlived Pharaohs, inquisitions, and pogroms.
So, what can we do now in the face of this current round of growing antisemitism?
— Strengthen Jewish pride by celebrating contributions to American society and global Jewish continuity.
__ Engage civic leaders in dialogue, emphasizing shared values like resilience, freedom, and cultural identity.
–Present Aliyah (returning to Israel) as a positive, empowering choice rooted in love of Israel, rather than as a fearful response to circumstances around us.
–Model civil strength, courage, and unity, becoming a beacon for Jewish youth seeking leadership, not confrontation.
–Expand bridges of understanding with broader communities, demonstrating that strong Jewish identity enriches, not isolates.
–And yes, when necessary, we do take action and defeat our enemies, not from hatred but from the fuel our ancestors provided us. They didn’t just survive. They refused to disappear.
–We’re the generation that decides whether Judaism fades into nostalgia or rises with unstoppable purpose. Judaism is not a relic. It’s a revolution of the soul.
–Feeling Jewish isn’t enough. We have to live Jewish—mindfully, actively, and with heart.
–In a world hungry for hope, we have the opportunity to lead by lifting — with strength, courage, wisdom, pride, and strategic foresight.
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. is a freelance writer based in El Cajon, California.