Let’s not slip from surge to slumber

Since October 7, 2023, there has been a marked increase in American Jews doing “Jewish.”

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) labeled this the “surge.” Its latest survey found that 31% of us have become more involved in Jewish life since that horrific day.

What does that look like?

• Deeper connection to Israel. (71% compared to 58% 5 years ago.)

• Spending more time with other Jews.

• Greater participation in communal programs.

• Renewed interest in Jewish learning.

Those constitute a thin but meaningful silver lining to what has happened since 10/7.

Images of October 7 in Israel, and the subsequent ones we’ve seen here in Chicago, on our campuses, streets, and city halls, have shaken, but not broken us. We have met them with resolve.

Yes, anti-Zionist protests attract media attention, especially when led by Jews. But “only” 7% of Jews identify as anti-Zionist. (Distressingly, it is 14% of young Jewish adults.) Yet most American Jews, across all generations, are even prouder of and more connected to Israel today than previously.

The past 18-month, the 6-front war has been Israel’s longest, with all the attendant heartaches and weariness.Unfortunately, neither the fragile ceasefire nor the return of the hostages has brought peace. And there is no ceasefire in the metaphorical multi-front wars we American Jews fight on the public policy, social media, legal, and economic battlefields.

Two-plus years into this crisis, there is a palpable “battle fatigue” among us. JFNA found that 37% are simply tired of talking about Israel to fellow Jews, never mind non-Jews.

Even as our most fervent prayer remains peace, Israel cannot now disarm, and we cannot abandon our advocacy posts. Tired though we may be, we must continue fighting…for the sake of peace.

Why? Those demonizing Israel and our advocacy on her behalf have had a surge of their own. They have been buoyed by decreasing American public opinion support for Israel and their frequent protests.

The enemies of peace are not exhausted. They are energized. We, for the sake of Zion, did not slumber post 10/7. We must not now.

Trying to maximize our community’s urgent desire to help after 10/7, JUF posted the list below ( juf.org/actions ) of concrete actions everyone could do. Today, they remain a reliable road map for those still-or newly-asking, “What can I do?”

1. Donate to JUF and/or the hundreds of non-profits helping Israel and American Jews.

2. Contact and express solidarity with the Israelis you know.

3. Amplify pro-Israel messages on social media.

4. Host informal parlor meetings, inviting Jews and non-Jews to learn more about Israel.

5. Attend public programs or plan one for your Rotary or Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, alumni organization, or another civic group.

6. Political advocacy. Say “thank you” to those meriting it, and challenge those who don’t.

7. Support Jewish college students and Hillels, be it at your own alma mater, or your kids’ and grandkids’ Hillels.

8. Talk to your kids about Israel and antisemitism.

9. Read English-language Israeli media. Times of Israel. Jerusalem Post. Ynet News. Ha’aretz. I24TVNews.

10. Monitor local newspapers, radio, and TV, letting them know when they got it right, and when they didn’t. Do the same with your alumni and professional magazines.

11. Pray for the murdered, the injured, and the bereaved families.

12. Counter and report antisemitism.

13. Buy Israeli products.

14. Travel to Israel and bring others.

15. In all these endeavors, involve your children and grandchildren.

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These actions remain relevant. Urgent. Let’s celebrate the hostages’ return and more. But let’s not sleep on the surge.

Jay Tcath is JUF’s Executive Vice President.