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In today’s world, we find ourselves at a critical moral crossroads, witnessing the disturbing resurgence of an age-old hatred that many believed society had long overcome. Antisemitism is not merely on the rise in America and the broader Western world; it has evolved into a more pervasive influence threatening the very foundations of civilization. History teaches us that unchecked hatred does not confine itself to one group but undermines the principles of freedom and justice for all.
Recently, we journeyed to Israel, where one of us is the son of Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives by reviving Torah scholarship. The other is the nominee for America’s ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom. Our experiences in Israel offered profound insights into the current crisis and should concern anyone who values faith and freedom.
Fear Among Jewish Communities
Across numerous major Western cities—from Paris and London to New York and Los Angeles—Jews are once again living in fear. Disturbingly familiar scenes arise; Jewish students hide their identities on college campuses, synagogues are increasingly protected like military outposts, and businesses owned by Jewish individuals face boycotts. Additionally, families find themselves whispering before sending their children to school, creating a culture of fear that is both alarming and unacceptable.
The Plea of ‘Never Again’
Eight decades after the Holocaust, the phrase ‘Never Again’ has transformed from a solemn pledge into a desperate plea. How is it that within the lifetimes of those who endured this atrocity, the same toxic hatred resurfaces with disturbing social acceptability? Anti-Jewish expressions have been shouted in the streets, trended online, and rationalized by individuals who should know better.
A Civilizational Crisis
It is crucial to confront a harsh reality: when antisemitic sentiments are tolerated, it is not just a Jewish issue. Such tolerance signifies a civilizational crisis. The fundamental moral architecture of the Western world, rooted in the Judeo-Christian ethic, rests on the principles of human dignity. Abandoning this ethic paves the way for the dehumanization of any group. Antisemitism remains an adaptable form of hate, evolving its rhetoric while retaining its core—a blatant denial of human dignity.
The Echoes of History
During our visit to Israel, we confronted the complex legacy of history firsthand. At Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial, we witnessed the consequences of a lost moral compass. For Rabbi Hofstedter, whose parents survived unimaginable horror, this moment was deeply personal—a stark reminder that evil can flourish when silence prevails in the face of wrongdoing. Hours later, we stood at the Western Wall, our hands resting on its cold stones in prayer for wisdom, courage, and strength. This ancient wall, battered yet enduring, symbolizes the resilience of the Jewish spirit and the essential truth that faith can persevere against extreme adversity.
The Light of Knowledge and Freedom
That night, we participated in a gathering of devoted Torah scholars, individuals who dedicate their lives to understanding sacred texts. Their commitment serves as a powerful reminder that moral and spiritual light must not fade. Each generation carries the responsibility of safeguarding and revitalizing this light, just as it must protect the values of freedom and human dignity.
The Importance of Leadership
This context highlights the significance of leadership. The United States requires a voice—clear, principled, and unapologetic—more than ever. We take pride in witnessing a presidential administration that prioritizes confronting antisemitism and defending religious freedom. The battle against hatred cannot remain just political rhetoric; it must translate into actionable policy. Silence and neutrality are untenable. History shows grave consequences for those who remain passive.
A Pivotal Moment
We now stand at a pivotal moment in history. The world is being tested, not just in theory but in reality. Will we choose to confront the hatred simmering within our communities? Or will we avert our eyes until the consequences become too severe to ignore? Rabbi Hofstedter’s parents experienced the horrors of silence and indifference first-hand, paying with their lives. Our generation holds the privilege and the obligation to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.
Threats Beyond the Jewish Community
Tolerating the unchecked growth of antisemitism poses risks that extend far beyond the Jewish community. It threatens to undermine the foundational values of Western democracy—truth, justice, freedom, and faith. The journey this hatred leads us down is well known. The pressing question before us is not whether we will see the same patterns emerge again, but whether we possess the courage to stop it before history repeats.
In this fight for faith and freedom, we discover that our collective future may hinge on our ability to stand against hate together. Failure to act not only endangers the Jewish community but also jeopardizes the moral survival of free societies around the globe. Faith demands action. Freedom requires vigilance. The well-being of civilization may depend on it.
Mark Walker is President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom and a former Republican congressman from North Carolina.
