A defining moment in history

During these exceptionally challenging times for the entire Jewish people, we have witnessed the stark reality of our global community. We have seen the heinous crimes of which terrorists are capable, as well as the widespread support their actions have garnered among civilian populations in numerous countries. In the wake of Iran's massive missile strikes against Israel, we have also profoundly realized the crucial importance of strategic partnerships and the immense potential for cooperation that lies between Israel and the nations of the region. I must emphasize that this extends beyond military and strategic alignment to include scientific, technological, economic, and cultural ties, which hold vast potential for the Middle East and the world at large.

The people of Israel are deeply grateful to their friends for their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, their expressions of solidarity with the Israeli nation, and the provision of essential assistance to our state during this critical hour.

We are experiencing one of the most perilous periods for our nation, both within the State of Israel and throughout the global diaspora. Alongside the terrorist assault on Israel, we have witnessed a powerful surge of anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiment across the United States and Europe.

A debate has once again erupted in American society regarding the boundaries of free speech and peaceful protest. In our view, the distinction is clear. Freedom of expression ceases where hatred and incitement to violence begin.

It is evident that any manifestation of hatred and violence against Jewish people—or indeed against any individual—must be strictly outlawed. When discussing Israel, criticism of its policies is entirely legitimate, in the same manner as criticism of any other sovereign state. However, calls for the destruction of our state and the denial of the Jewish nation’s right to self-determination are unacceptable, just as such rhetoric would be intolerable if directed at any other nation. On this matter, there can be no double standards or ambiguity.

Regarding the legality of inciting a global intifada or openly endorsing US-designated terrorist organizations, we trust that the response to these actions will be resolute and serve as a precedent for other free democracies worldwide.

Citizens of the free world must recognize that hatred directed at the Jewish community under the guise of free speech, if left unchecked, will inevitably target other segments of society. Furthermore, American leaders must remember that the United States remains a global benchmark, and any erosion of its moral clarity could have severe international repercussions.

Any faction that employs violence as a means to achieve its ends must face universal condemnation. Consequently, there can be no negotiations, no diplomatic receptions, and no freedom of movement for terrorists adhering to radical Islamist ideologies that sanction murder, sexual violence, hostage-taking, and the violation of all international norms. We express our gratitude to US lawmakers for their focused attention on this issue and the measures being implemented.

In turn, we as leaders of the organized Jewish world must introduce initiatives and a strategic plan to address the current situation. I believe that, in coordination with authorities in the US and Europe, we must fundamentally reform educational systems concerning the Middle East. University departments, faculty members, textbooks, and curricula funded by state actors and organizations that sponsor terrorism present a biased and distorted reality. We are witnessing the consequences of this system, and it cannot be allowed to continue.

Middle Eastern studies departments and educational programs must be balanced. Over the years, we have successfully developed comprehensive Holocaust education, and while we have made notable progress, we are still far from our ultimate objective. It is now time to take responsibility for teaching the complex realities of the Middle East in an objective and academically rigorous manner. This effort will require candid dialogue and significant resources, but we have no alternative.

I would also like to urge my colleagues, compatriots, and representatives of the Jewish community to exercise extreme caution with the term “antisemitism” so as not to dilute its significance. Antisemitism has a precise definition, globally established by the international community. We must approach this responsibly, identifying and clarifying to the public what constitutes antisemitism and what does not.

Israeli leadership must play a pivotal role at this historical juncture. It is imperative to recognize that during these difficult times, you bear the responsibility for the future of the entire Jewish people. This is not a matter of political affiliation or preference; the very existence of our sole Jewish home is at stake.

The darkest chapters of our history have always revealed the extraordinary resilience of our nation. However, the most prosperous periods in Jewish history have invariably been defined by our unity. This unity has always been built on trust, and trust has been earned through exceptional leadership of the highest moral caliber.

The leaders of the organized Jewish world and international Jewish organizations have always remained politically non-aligned and have consistently upheld their commitment to support any legitimately elected Israeli government. While we have no intention of interfering in domestic politics, we cannot help but express our profound concern over the highly polarized political climate in Israel at such a fateful moment.

Our people deserve, and have the right to demand, full transparency, accountability for every word and action, and an open dialogue regarding our future. We call upon all members of the government and the Knesset to recognize the gravity of this situation. We are indeed at a historic crossroads. Every decision made today will determine the trajectory of the Jewish national home for decades and generations to come, and there may be no turning back.

In this critical hour, there is no place for political posturing, brinkmanship, or narrow interests. Rather, there must be mutual respect, a sense of duty, and sacrifice—the very qualities that the people of Israel have untiringly demonstrated on the front lines and the home front for nearly eight months.

The time has come to confront the challenges of this highly demanding period in Jewish history with dignity. Failure is not an option.