Understanding the Jewish Moment: A Primer for Our Friends and Allies
In the wake of the war between Israel and Hamas, and the broader tensions involving Iran and other regional players, many non-Jewish friends have asked: What is really going on? Why are Jewish communities around the world so shaken—and so mobilized?
What follows is a reflection, shared originally with our synagogue community, that we hope can also serve as a learning tool. It’s an attempt to explain not just the military and political realities, but also the emotional, historical, and spiritual truths shaping this moment for Jewish people everywhere.
Since October 7th, 2023, when Hamas terrorists carried out the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, Israel and the Jewish world have been in a state of deep upheaval. That day was not just an attack—it was a shattering of the assumptions many Jews held about security, coexistence, and how far hatred might go.
In the months since, Israel has found itself at war with multiple actors: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iranian-backed militants in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, and the looming threat of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. For years, Israel’s strategy was one of deterrence—hoping that a strong enough threat of retaliation would prevent attacks. But that strategy failed on October 7th. What happens when your enemies don’t fear death, and in fact, are willing to sacrifice civilians—both Israeli and their own—for the sake of ideology? That’s the terrible moral complexity Israel now faces.
The Israeli military has responded forcefully. Some terror networks have been degraded or dismantled. But this war, especially in Gaza, has come at a devastating human cost. Thousands of civilians—on both sides—have suffered and died. The sorrow and anguish are profound. As Jews, we mourn every innocent life lost. We ache for the hostages still held in Gaza. We long for a day when the people of Gaza are no longer ruled by terror and can begin to rebuild. But we also recognize: Israel cannot return to a status quo where such horrors are allowed to fester. It must defend its right to exist.
And this awakening isn’t limited to Israel. Around the world, especially in the U.S., Jews are undergoing a transformation. For decades, many of us tried to blend in, to prove we belonged—to show that Jews are just like everyone else. We leaned into humor, humility, and likability. But in the face of a surge of antisemitism—from both the far right and parts of the progressive left—many Jews are now realizing that our acceptance was always conditional. Our eyes have opened. And so has our pride.
One friend said it best: "We've woken up to how little the world cares about us, and how much we care about each other."
This week's Torah portion, Shelach Lecha, from the Hebrew Bible tells the story of twelve scouts sent to survey the land of Israel. Ten return in fear, overwhelmed by the challenges. Only two return with courage. The message? It’s not just about whether the land can hold the people—it’s about whether the people are ready to hold the land. Today, both in Israel and across the Jewish diaspora, we are finding that courage again.
We share all this not to ask for sympathy, but for understanding. To be Jewish is to live with memory—of exile, survival, faith, and resilience. We are not at war with Palestinians or Muslims. We are at war with terror. And at the same time, we are holding hope. Hope for the return of every hostage. Hope for an end to the bloodshed. Hope for a different future, even if it feels far away.
So to our friends, colleagues, and neighbors who are not Jewish: Thank you for your willingness to learn, to listen, and to see what is at stake for us. We don’t need you to have all the answers—we ask only that you stand with us in our humanity.
May the One who makes peace in the high heavens
make peace for us, for all Israel, and for all who dwell on earth.
And let us say: Amen.
With gratitude,
R. Jason Nevarez, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beth Israel of San Diego