During this particularly trying time for the Jewish people, we have seen the world as it really is: the heinous crimes committed by terrorists and the widespread support these acts enjoy in many countries.
The recent Iranian rocket attacks on Israel made us keenly aware of the importance of our strategic partnership with the countries of the region and the enormous potential for cooperation. This potential goes beyond military-strategic cooperation to include scientific, technological, economic and cultural ties, which gives us great hope for the Middle East and the world. We are grateful to our friends for their unwavering commitment to condemning terrorism, expressing support for Israel, and providing our country with much-needed assistance.
These are difficult times for our people, both within Israel and beyond its borders. In addition to terrorist attacks on Israel, we have seen intense anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic sentiment in the United States and across Europe. The debate about the limits of freedom of speech and protest has reignited. In our view, this should be pretty simple: freedom of speech ends where hatred and calls for violence begin.
Expressions of hatred and violence against Jewish people should be illegal, just as they are against any other people. With regard to Israel, criticism of its actions is acceptable, just as criticism of any other nation is acceptable. Calls for the destruction of our nation or the denial of the right of Jewish people to self-determination are unacceptable, as are similar calls against any other nation or people. And there can be no other interpretation.
The legality of America’s calls for a global intifada and its open support for terrorist organizations is a question that American society must answer for itself, but we hope the answer is clear and serves as an example for the free world.
The people of the free world must understand that the unpunished hatred of Jews, disguised as freedom of speech, will soon be directed at other groups as well. America’s leaders must remember that America serves as an example to many around the world. Thus, America’s loss of its moral compass could have serious and far-reaching consequences.
Any group that justifies terrorism as a means to an end must be condemned globally. There can be no dialogue with people who espouse extremist ideologies that condone murder, rape, hostage taking and the violation of all international norms. Their delegations should not be accepted, nor should they be allowed to move freely around the world with impunity. They should certainly not be glorified in any way. National leaders should be clear on this point. We are grateful to the American lawmakers who are taking an interest in this issue and taking action.
Meanwhile, we, the leaders of the Jewish world, must develop initiatives and plans to address this situation. In my view, we need to work with US and European authorities to rethink our education system on Middle Eastern issues. Departments, professors, textbooks and educational programs funded by countries and organizations that support terrorism produce a one-sided and distorted view of reality. We are witnessing the results of this, and we cannot allow it to continue.
Middle Eastern studies should include Israeli professors and have a balanced curriculum. We have been advocating for broader education on the history of the Holocaust for many years, and we can say that some positive progress has been made. It is time to take responsibility for honest, truly pluralistic, and academically validated education about the complex reality of the Middle East. This will require open and challenging dialogue and significant resources, but we have no other choice.
I would like to say to my colleagues, peers and representatives of the Jewish world that we must approach the term “antisemitism” with particular care. We cannot take this most important term lightly. Antisemitism has clearly defined boundaries by Jewish communities around the world. We must approach it responsibly, identify what is and is not antisemitism and communicate it to society.
Israeli leaders must play a special role in this critical historical moment. It is time to recognize that they are responsible for the future of the entire Jewish people. This is no longer a matter of political affiliation or preference. The very existence of the only Jewish homeland on Earth is at stake.
The darkest moments in our history have always revealed the greatest strength of our national spirit. But the most remarkable moments in Jewish history have always been accompanied by our unity. Unity was driven by trust. And trust was earned by exceptional leadership with the highest moral standards. We, the leaders of the organized Jewish world and international Jewish organizations, have no political ties and are obliged to support the fairly elected Government of Israel. However, while we have no intention of interfering in politics per se, we cannot help but express our deep concern at the heated political situation in Israel at such a fateful time.
Our people have the right to demand, and are entitled to, full transparency, accountability for every statement and action, and an open dialogue about our future. We call on the government and all members of the Knesset to fully understand the gravity of this moment. We are at a crossroads. Every step we take can shape entire Jewish life for decades and generations to come, and there is no turning back.
So there is no room for political intrigue, blackmail or narrow interests. There is room for mutual respect, obligation and even self-sacrifice – the very qualities that the Israeli people have demonstrated on the battlefield and at home for almost nine months.
Now is the time to face one of the most difficult periods in Jewish history with dignity. We have no privilege to fail.
Dr. Michael Mirilashvili is president of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.
