May 25, 2021
Dear friends and partners,
Jewish people — in Israel and around the world — continue to navigate an extremely challenging period following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. We are grateful for the love and tireless efforts of Jewish communities, leaders and organizations who continue to rise up for Israel and the Jewish people.
We also understand that events in Israel impact Jewish communities around the world. The current military operation sparked an opportunity for global antisemitic behavior to take over as global protests against Israel turned into dangerous demonstrations and a horrifying spike in hateful attacks. From South Africa to France to Los Angeles, I hear the pained voices regarding just how divisive and hostile life has become for Jews both in the online and offline space. This reality is unacceptable, and we, as a Jewish people, must stand with each other in full solidarity.
In addition to antisemitism, we see how the situation has exacerbated existing tension within Jewish communities and between the State of Israel and world Jewry. With all of this going on, communities feel stretched to capacity – navigating communal cohesion, responding to local anti-Israel and anti-Semitic events, and supporting your Jewish brothers and sisters near and far.
As your address within the Government of Israel, the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs is dedicated as ever to responding to your concerns. We are here to provide you with any needed tools or support and bring your voices into the government.
While each side continues to overcome their own challenges, we must understand these events as a global Jewish challenge, touching at the core of who we are as one nation, one family.
I send to you my heartfelt solidarity and the hope for brighter days to come.
Sincerely,
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