What if we have misread our own response to the hatred gathering around us?

Since 7 October, fear has been driving the proverbial bus. It had every reason to seize the wheel. Jewish names have been circulated online. Homes and businesses have been targeted. People have been filmed, followed, threatened and assaulted. Children have faced antisemitic abuse from classmates and, in some cases, violence on their way to school.

In Britain, the Community Security Trust recorded 204 antisemitic incidents involving schools, pupils or staff during 2025. In the United States, the Anti-Defamation League recorded 825 incidents in non-Jewish primary and secondary schools.

The figures vary from year to year. The direction does not.

Under pressure from the hard Left and the growing confidence of Islamist radicalism, Jews have been told that our history is suspect, our grief excessive and our connection to Israel morally disqualifying. The language of minority rights suddenly becomes elastic when the minority is Jewish. People unable to identify the river or the sea demand our removal from the land between them, then expect to be congratulated for their concern for humanity.

We have fought back. We have marched, written, briefed politicians, strengthened security, challenged institutions and documented abuse. Much of that work has been necessary. Some of it has required genuine courage.

Still, an uncomfortable question remains.

Have we fought from fear, or from love?

Fear is an excellent alarm. It is a terrible commander.

It spots the danger, then starts bargaining with it. Remove the Star of David before entering the station. Do not complain too loudly to the school in case your child is singled out again. Perhaps postpone the event. Perhaps change the venue. Perhaps say nothing about Israel at the dinner table when guests are present.

Above all, do not be provocative.

That word has done a great deal of work.

The Jew who objects to intimidation is accused of inflaming tensions. The Jew who remains silent is praised for restraint. The aggressor is treated like a dangerous weather system. Nobody rebukes the hurricane. They advise the residents to stay indoors.

Each concession may look........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)