Always Remember That the Minority May Be Loud but Loud Doesn’t Equal Majority

October 7th is only a few days away, and our minds and hearts are once again turning toward the remembrance of the horrific, murderous attack by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians that took place on that day.

Many people will be writing about the attacks and the inhumane acts perpetrated by the madmen and women who participated in the heinous assault on the music festival and the kibbutzim that surround the site of the festival. Others will be writing articles focusing on the surprising surge of antisemitism that seemed to be a response to the October 7th attacks. Still others will write about the wave of hatred against Israel and the Jewish people that has resulted in marches, demonstrations, and protests around the world, especially at colleges and universities.

Like those who will write about these realities of our present world, including the antisemitism that led to the October 7th massacre and the antisemitic response that followed, my heart breaks for those who were murdered. And because of the very real and growing threat against the Jewish people—my people—I grieve for what is happening.

I would never want to minimize the death and trauma that have been and continue to be caused by this growing group of people who have acted, and continue to act, hatefully because they have embraced this ancient hatred of the Jewish people. We have all watched as this archaic hatred, bigotry, and racism has raised its ugly head like a serpent.

But as I sat down to write this morning, instead of focusing upon the increased violence and animosity caused by this historically irrational evil, once again manifesting itself through demonically inspired violence that is being justified and perpetrated against the Jewish people by both political and religious forces, I was reminded of what else happened on and after October 7th.

Even as the news media was covering the terror attack live, I was receiving phone calls and text messages from non-Jewish friends sharing their shock and their prayers for Israel and the Jewish people. I received emails, Facebook messages, and phone calls from hundreds of pastors and political leaders, not only sharing their concern and prayers, but asking what they could do to help.

Where could they send money and resources? How could they effectively and honestly share the truth of what was happening in light of the almost instantaneous anti-Israel sentiment and justifications that were being presented by the media and on social media?

I received emails asking where the best place was to order Israeli flags, hats, and other pro-Israel items so that their congregations could “Stand with Israel.” Two local pastors sent teams of men to our synagogue on the Shabbat following the attacks so they could stand watch outside our building, allowing our congregation members to worship freely without concern.

While the news media was showing the protests, marches, and tents being set up on campuses, with people shouting, “From the River to the Sea,” in an attempt to convince the world that the tide had turned and support for Israel and the Jewish people was waning, I was receiving cards, messages, emails, and phone calls from every spectrum of society reminding me that, although antisemitism was once again growing, those who promoted it were still a minority. They may be a loud minority, but they are still a minority.

While antisemitism may be propagated by some social media charlatans and snake-oil sales people seeking relevance, likes, followers, othering, hatred, and bigotry will always find a platform among people who only feel value when demeaning others.

My memories of the days, weeks, months, and now years after October 7th are filled with anecdotes and reminders of the thousands of people who reached out to stand against the terrorists, against the violence, and against the hatred directed toward Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.

So, while I will always remember the terror, hatred, and tragedy of October 7th, I will also always remember the love, support, and friendship demonstrated by millions of people in opposition to that terror and hatred.

One last thing: the painting shown above hangs in the entrance to our synagogue sanctuary. It was given to our synagogue two days after October 7th by a group from a local church who simply wanted to stop by, pray with us, reassure us that we were not alone, and give us the painting.

So, every time we walk into our sanctuary, we are reminded that although the antisemitic minority may be loud and may receive more coverage from the media, they are still the minority.