Hear Our Voice

“PopPop may have warned of the persecution and hate that comes with being Jewish. But having experienced the most utterly violent form of that hate, he remained a deeply kind-hearted person, an adoring grandfather and colorful painter who was fiercely proud of his Judaism. I’ve tried to follow his example of leading with an open heart as I’ve learned about Judaism, and it’s only strengthened my conviction that as a Jew I’ll have so much of which I can be proud.”

Above is a short excerpt from one of the most important articles about Israel I have read in a while (“Converting to Judaism Post 10/7; What I’ve learned about an ancient hatred in the process of becoming a Jew”).  Henry Wilhelm, the article’s author, is a Jew by Choice, who publicly struggles in this article to resist the gravity that pulls so many towards believing the worst about Israel (and the Jews).  Not only does he succeed, but his clarifications of the matzav (situation) are remarkably cogent, well researched, and moving.  

I am today working with nine conversion students, four of whom chose this path since October 7.  Most unfortunately, sometimes tragedy can have the most clarifying impact of all.  Israel is the one Jewish country in the world, and it strives and has always strived to be democratic as well.  It doesn’t get everything right, not by a long shot.  But the system in place does make it far more likely, if not absolutely assured, that the truth will out.  And if you compare it against its neighbors…can you honestly claim there’s a meaningful comparison?  Please take the time to read this article.  Its important and affirming of the journey of the Jewish people.