Aliyah is indeed one of the greatest privileges in Jewish history, and every family that chooses it should be celebrated. Israel needs builders, dreamers, and committed Jews to strengthen the homeland.
At the same time, you’re right — fear should not be the primary driver. The Diaspora has always played a vital role in supporting Israel politically, economically, and spiritually, and strong Jewish communities outside Israel remain essential for the future of the Jewish people.
The Jewish story has never been “either/or.” It has always been both the homeland and the Diaspora working together under the same covenant. Confidence, not panic, is the stronger foundation.
Appreciate the call to show the real Israel — its history, its people, its resilience, and its extraordinary achievements — to the world. That kind of bridge-building is exactly what’s needed.
Cpl Dan, how beautifully said! I love our country and can’t imagine living anywhere else, and I will fight antisemitism anywhere I find it, even as an old woman! I support our military and will continue to support the IDF by being a member of the FIDF!
It’s beautiful to hear your love for our country and your unwavering commitment to fight antisemitism wherever it appears. That kind of steadfastness, even as an older woman, is a powerful witness.
Supporting the IDF through FIDF is a meaningful way to stand with Israel and the Jewish people in these difficult times. We need more voices like yours — clear, courageous, and rooted in love for truth and justice.
I agree that we should look at Aliyah through the lens of being part of the Land and our story as Jews. It's a positive thing and should be talked about as such. But I think there is evidence suggesting we may be coming to the end of the long era of diaspora. I'm not an expert, but the Prophets seem to say that we will all return to the Land and they've been right about too many things to dismiss it.
Our expression of Judaism itself is changing. For 2000 years, we've only been able to study and follow the mitzvot that can be done outside the Land. Today we can build, farm and think about the mitzvot that can only be done in Israel. We can see Jews building confidence and a refreshed identity in real time, and it makes me think that those who are attached to Judaism as it exists, attached to the Land, will feel compelled to go to the Land. Those who don't will stay where they are and evolve out of being part of our People and into another religion.
Of course fear should not be the major motivation to making Aliyah. But, it is a strong reason. The European settlers, most of whom were Holocaust survivors, lived in fear that such a genocide could happen again. Today, England, France and Germany are not Jewish friendly, especially with their influxes of Muslims bent on jihad. If you live in those places, it is wise to be feeling some fear. It is best if Aliyah is made from a passionate desire to live in the Holy Land, not just due to fear.
Yonah, after my incredible visit to Israel, I have learned so much that I will be even more supportive, and have become even more vocal about how extraordinary Israel is as well her vibrant and inspiring people!
Thank you for this thoughtful and balanced piece.
Aliyah is indeed one of the greatest privileges in Jewish history, and every family that chooses it should be celebrated. Israel needs builders, dreamers, and committed Jews to strengthen the homeland.
At the same time, you’re right — fear should not be the primary driver. The Diaspora has always played a vital role in supporting Israel politically, economically, and spiritually, and strong Jewish communities outside Israel remain essential for the future of the Jewish people.
The Jewish story has never been “either/or.” It has always been both the homeland and the Diaspora working together under the same covenant. Confidence, not panic, is the stronger foundation.
Appreciate the call to show the real Israel — its history, its people, its resilience, and its extraordinary achievements — to the world. That kind of bridge-building is exactly what’s needed.
BZ and Semper Fi!!!
Cpl Dan, how beautifully said! I love our country and can’t imagine living anywhere else, and I will fight antisemitism anywhere I find it, even as an old woman! I support our military and will continue to support the IDF by being a member of the FIDF!
Thank you, Joanna — your spirit is inspiring.
It’s beautiful to hear your love for our country and your unwavering commitment to fight antisemitism wherever it appears. That kind of steadfastness, even as an older woman, is a powerful witness.
Supporting the IDF through FIDF is a meaningful way to stand with Israel and the Jewish people in these difficult times. We need more voices like yours — clear, courageous, and rooted in love for truth and justice.
Semper Fi Ma'am and have a Blessed evening 🙏
I wish I was younger and fitter!
I agree that we should look at Aliyah through the lens of being part of the Land and our story as Jews. It's a positive thing and should be talked about as such. But I think there is evidence suggesting we may be coming to the end of the long era of diaspora. I'm not an expert, but the Prophets seem to say that we will all return to the Land and they've been right about too many things to dismiss it.
Our expression of Judaism itself is changing. For 2000 years, we've only been able to study and follow the mitzvot that can be done outside the Land. Today we can build, farm and think about the mitzvot that can only be done in Israel. We can see Jews building confidence and a refreshed identity in real time, and it makes me think that those who are attached to Judaism as it exists, attached to the Land, will feel compelled to go to the Land. Those who don't will stay where they are and evolve out of being part of our People and into another religion.
Thoughtful!
Of course fear should not be the major motivation to making Aliyah. But, it is a strong reason. The European settlers, most of whom were Holocaust survivors, lived in fear that such a genocide could happen again. Today, England, France and Germany are not Jewish friendly, especially with their influxes of Muslims bent on jihad. If you live in those places, it is wise to be feeling some fear. It is best if Aliyah is made from a passionate desire to live in the Holy Land, not just due to fear.
Yonah, after my incredible visit to Israel, I have learned so much that I will be even more supportive, and have become even more vocal about how extraordinary Israel is as well her vibrant and inspiring people!
How absolutely lovely! Thank you for your invitation!
The ground is burning. It is time to abandon the Diaspora and come to Israel - before it is too late.
The way things are headed is clear.
Unfortunately