In the Moment

Recent events in the city have kept me very much in the moment. I guess strong emotions do that to you. The rise in antisemitism in Toronto is insane, and with Israel Apartheid Week rapidly approaching, I don't see the situation improving. While all this craziness fuels my desire to make aliyah it also helps to keep me focused. Rather than just sitting around and constantly agonizing over the idea of more rejections from Bezalel I am actively advocating for Israel.

I think this year will in effect make me a better Jew. Had I got on a plane to Israel last summer and never returned to Canada I probably would have gone through life living with my head in the sand. I would have thought if I help to strengthen Israel's economy by building her some international brands that is enough. This year has taught me that is not enough. Antisemitism is on the rise and no amount of brand strategizing and marketing buzz words are going to change that.

Don't get me wrong. I have no intentions of suddenly dropping everything to pursue a career in politics. I don't think I would make a good politician. But I have to do something. Even if that something is simply spreading awareness about the situation in Chutz La'Aretz, or maintaining some sort of online presence. The key is just to do something.

As George Jonas wrote in today's National Post, "It isn't silent majorities that drive things, but vocal minorities. Don't count heads; count decibels." We do not need to be the majority to have our voices heard. We just need to speak out. We have to stop allowing ourselves to be bullied and we must take a stand against those who try to tear us down. If we each do that, with the help of God we will not relive the 30s and 40s.