Yifat Ovadia Luski, head of the Department for Combating Antisemitism at the World Zionist Organization, and former chairwoman of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund, addressed one of the defining challenges facing world Jewry today when she addressed the Jerusalem Post New York Conference – the battle over the meaning and perception of Zionism in a post–October 7 world.
“When Israel defends itself and its home,” said Luski, “antisemitism strikes again. Anyone who calls for the destruction of Israel, or denies the Jewish state’s right to exist, is promoting antisemitism. The goal is not only to harm Israel. It has always been an attempt to weaken the confidence of the Jewish people, to make Jews afraid of their identity and ashamed of their roots.”
Luski called on those in attendance to recognize the seriousness of the threats confronting Jews worldwide. “If there is one lesson we learned from October 7, it is this: When your enemies tell you they want to hurt you, believe them. For too long, many people believed that hateful words were only words. October 7 proved to us that words turn into actions. That is why we must never ignore incitement, hatred, and calls for violence against Jews and against Israel.”
She said the Jewish response to hatred should be rooted in greater Jewish and Zionist pride, stronger identity education for the next generation, and communities that stand confidently in their connection to Israel without apology.
Luski pointed out that the people of Israel and Diaspora Jewry are not two different groups. “We are one people. Therefore, the fight against antisemitism begins by strengthening the connection between us, taking mutual responsibility, and ending the division between us.”
She concluded her remarks by pointing out that the strength of the Jewish people is not measured only by its accomplishments on the battlefield. “It is also measured by our ability to continue to create, innovate, lead, and dream — even during the most difficult times.” The answer to antisemitism, she said, is not only to fight the darkness, but to strengthen the light.
Written in collaboration with WZO