Oct. 7: A wake-up call for American Jews to stand unwavering with Israel

(JNS) — As we mark one year since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, it’s impossible not to reflect on the profound implications of that day—not just for Israel, but for the 7 million Jews in America that make up half of the world’s Jewish population.

The attack, often described as “the largest pogrom since the Second World War,” is a grim reminder of the persistent threats that the Jewish people face, no matter where we reside. The public response in America, where the Jewish community’s mourning was met with “protests” across cities and college campuses outright celebrating the massacre of Israeli civilians, was a chilling reminder: You cannot assimilate enough to forget that you can still face the point of the spear. Oct. 7 was not just a tragic event; it was a wake-up call for American Jews about the fragility of our safety and the importance of our unwavering support for Israel.

The only true safe haven—the only place where Jews are not “visitors”—is Israel.

The founding of the State of Israel in 1948 was a monumental moment in modern history, born out of centuries of persecution, the horrors of the Holocaust and the Zionist dream of a safe haven for Jews. Leaders like Theodor Herzl and Chaim Weizmann understood that without a Jewish state, the Jewish people would remain vulnerable to the whims of history’s darkest forces. The establishment of Israel was not just the creation of a nation; it was a declaration that the Jewish people would never again be at the mercy of others.

Yet the support for Israel from the United States has been and remains crucial to its survival. The United States and Israel are not just allies; they are the best two democracies in the world, standing together and valuing personal freedom in an increasingly volatile world. The strength of American support is vital, and the erosion of that support could have catastrophic consequences—not just for Israel, but for global stability.

Reflections on the significance of Oct. 7 are rooted in a deep understanding of history. For Israel, Oct. 7 will be remembered in the same way America recalls the attack on Pearl Harbor or 9/11—days that forever altered a nation’s trajectory and defined the course of its future.

But the lesson of Oct. 7 goes beyond Israel’s borders. For American Jews, it is a stark reminder that our security is inextricably linked to the survival of Israel. We are “visitors” in every land except Israel. The historical lesson is clear: No matter how comfortable or successful we become, we are never immune to the tides of hatred that have swept through history, repeatedly targeting the Jewish people.

You cannot assimilate enough to forget that you can still face the point of the spear.

This reality demands a response from American Jews—a response of solidarity, commitment and action. We must recognize that our future and the future of Israel are one and the same. Divisions within our own community—whether along political lines or differing views on Israel’s policies—must be set aside. Our collective focus must be on ensuring that Israel remains strong, secure and capable of defending itself against all threats.

Through education and advocacy, we can ensure that the significance of Oct. 7 is recognized, remembered and taught to future generations. We must educate not only our own community but also our non-Jewish allies, helping them understand why Israel’s security is vital—not just for Jews, but for the principles of democracy and freedom that both Israel and the United States represent.

This support must be tangible—through philanthropy, advocacy and by standing against the rising tide of antisemitism that often disguises itself as anti-Zionism.

Oct. 7 can live on not just as a day of tragedy, but as a reminder of our collective responsibility. It is a call to action for American Jews to stand with Israel and recommit ourselves to a future where Israel—and the Jewish people—thrive.

“Never forget is more important than never again.” We must remember, we must act, and we must stand together. Only then can we ensure that the promise of “never again” truly becomes a reality.