The crisis currently facing the human race does not discriminate by views, nationalities, religions or countries. It is affecting every single one of us – whether directly or indirectly – and infringing on our ability to lead normal lives. As humans with a shared destiny, our role in this crisis is to mobilize and help others, regardless of their past, faith or ethnicity.
Like all other nations, the Jewish nation and its diaspora are exposed to the deadly virus. We have witnessed countless cases where the disease has harmed Jewish communities. Our people's long history has taught us the importance of unity, faith and mutual assistance between people in general, and between Jews in particular.
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Our daily routine is filled with mutual responsibility. The World Zionist Organization serves as the body that represents the Jewish people and acts as a bridge between the various Jewish communities around the world and Israel, and vice versa. It is the organization that constantly has in its sights the importance of maintaining the bond between the diaspora and the State of Israel.
It is not a medical solution for the propagating disease, but rather its focus is finding ways – wherever possible – to maintain the routine, Jewish life, the study of Hebrew, the bond with Israel and the Jewish-Zionist identity. In these difficult days when the world has ground to a halt and the virus has totally transformed our lives, we have the moral and historical duty to stand side by side.
Moreover, in addition to dealing with the health and financial impact of the disease, our brothers and sisters in the Jewish communities around the world also have to deal with the cynical and ugly use of the disease by anti-Semitic organizations who fan the flames of hatred and put the blame for the spread of coronavirus around the world on the Jews – who else?
Across the world through the internet and the media, private individuals, organizations and politicians are finding the opportunities to spread harsh statements, incitement, and finger-pointing at the Jewish people. The era we are living through, which no doubt will go down in the history books as one of the most critical for the human race, is sending us back to the darkest of times. To the bleak times of pogroms, drumhead court-martials, and massacres of our people.
But it is precisely at this time that we can bring together the heads of Jewish communities around the world and put together an operational plan for an uncompromising battle against anti-Semitism. We must use all means at our disposal and proudly raise our heads in these difficult days.
The World Zionist Organization strengthens the hand of the diaspora Jewish community at this time. It is an expression of the shared destiny of our people, and we will act as a fortified wall against anti-Semitism in all its forms.
The current uncertainty is likely to reinforce the sense of mutual responsibility in our people, and highlight the Jewish and Zionist values in continuing our shared destiny. The crisis may also help us get over disputes within our people – for example between some parts of the American Jewish community and the State of Israel – if we learn to listen, to converse and to come together in unity.
The nation of Israel with its history of persecution, and exile, is a strong nation. The milestones paved by the nation of Israel, that long path that was built over thousands of years and led to remarkable progress in civilization, will also pave the way for the unyielding unity of the nation at this time.
"They helped every one of his neighbors; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage," it says in the Book of Isaiah. The nation of Israel is stronger than ever today. With hope and unity before our eyes, we will continue to raise our heads proudly and face the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the pandemic of bigotry and anti-Semitism.
