The deepening bond between American and Israeli Jews in the midst of a rising tide of hatred against not only Israel, but Jews worldwide following the terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, has been of historical and cultural significance. In response to these attacks, a plethora of campaigns promoting Jewish pride and resilience has unified Jews and allies across continents, and inspired increased solidarity among many.
Since the start of 2025, the Jewish community has taken a cautiously optimistic and trepidatious approach toward a vastly altered Middle East landscape, which echoes the experience of being Jewish throughout history. Despite the ongoing challenges in modern times, Jews around the world continue to display great strength and tremendous pride in being Jewish in 2025.
The Jewish community is strong
In Jewish culture, a strong emphasis on community, gatherings with friends and family for holidays and casual occasions, and paying it forward, can be found. This cultural mindset of standing together, supporting one another, and doing good deeds is hardly unique to one region or locale; regardless of where you live, this is a key commonality among Jews in the Diaspora.
Throughout 2024, supporters of Jews and Israel have come together to fight hate and drive meaningful change in defense of Jewish life. Advocating to expose radicalization and rally support for Jewish safety, communities in the United States and abroad demonstrated early successes that the tide can change despite remaining challenges. In the face of unrelenting threats and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, these strong shows of support have renewed a sense of faith and pride in being Jewish in 2025.
Atid
As 2025 progresses around this narrative taking shape, for Jewish people, a sharp awareness that the years ahead are going to be fraught with challenges still exists. Atid, a Hebrew word that means “future” in English, is dynamic, unpredictable, and full of complexities that require cooperation and demand preparation in order to thrive in the modern world.
Although Jewish humor and it’s role in resilience is no less important, the need for fostering new and significant thought on the crucial issues facing Jewish education among future leaders who will serve as lay leadership is greater than ever. Aiming to help individuals build communities, develop leadership skills, and explore their Jewish heritage is critical to safeguarding their long-standing traditions.
Arguably, the most impactful educational experiences for Diaspora Jewry happen in Israel, where thousands of students come to learn Torah and then return to the Diaspora, bringing Torat Eretz Yisrael with them. The impact Torah study in Israel has on world Jewry, and the role that the Torah can play as a link between all Jewish communities is vital to strengthening their resolve in standing up to anti-Jewish and anti-Israel hate.