The morning of October 7, 2023, was not, for millions of people, just another morning. That day, Hamas led an unprecedented attack that shook Israel to its foundations and resonated around the world. The violence and horror of this event not only marked a before and after for the direct victims and their families, but also tested Israel's sovereignty and the resilience of its people. Furthermore, the tragedy spread beyond borders, affecting entire communities that were forced to confront the reality of reborn hatred and the fragility of peace.
Six months after the Hamas attack, we face an altered reality—a world where the shadow of hatred, expressed in antisemitism and Islamophobia, has intensified, emerging with a virulence reminiscent of the darkest chapters of history. This resurgence of hatred is not an isolated phenomenon but rather a manifestation of how the war between Israel and Hamas, tragic like all wars, has been interpreted and, in many cases, distorted, fueling ancient flames of hatred and prejudice. The situation is aggravated by the fact that 134 people are still being held hostage in Gaza, including little Kfir Bibas, who sadly spent his first birthday in captivity.
Israel's response to the Hamas attack and in defense of its citizens has been firm and has been used, by some, as a pretext to fuel global antisemitism. From speeches on social media to acts of violence in the streets, Jewish communities around the world have faced an alarming increase in hostility and danger. These acts not only undermine the safety and well-being of Jews around the world but also threaten the foundations of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in our societies.
In the face of this adversity, our response as a global community must be firm and unified. The fight against antisemitism requires more than condemnations; it requires education, dialogue, and, above all, the active solidarity of people of all beliefs and origins. We must challenge misinformation, confront hate wherever it manifests, and work tirelessly to promote deeper and more respectful understanding between diverse communities.
This moment also forces us to reflect on our own identity and the values we defend. The unity and resilience of Jewish communities, strengthened through centuries of challenges, must now serve us not only in defending against antisemitism but in positively affirming our contribution to the world. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to justice, human dignity, and the advancement of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
In these six months, the world has changed, and we have changed with it. Once again, we face a “new normal” in which the challenges are numerous, but so are the opportunities for moral leadership and constructive action. Our task is twofold: to ensure the security and future of our communities, and at the same time, to lead in the fight against hate and for the creation of a more just world, with the unwavering hope that lasting peace can soon be achieved between Israelis and Palestinians.
The memory of the events of October 7 and their aftermath must be a catalyst for positive change. In the face of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of discrimination, our voice must be clear and our purpose firm. Together, we can chart a path forward that honors the lessons of the past while building a future of hope and harmony for all.
This article was originally published in Spanish by InfoBae.
