I believe that the Jewish people have throughout our long history identified as a unified culture in opposition to and in conflict with powerful tyrannies. The result has been suspicion, hostility, isolation and abuse (anti-Semitism)! This animus has been conditioned into the collective psyche of the nations for four millennia.

But this animosity (while stubbornly persistent and self reenforcing) has been tempered with respect and recognition for our strength. Many Jews have tragically mistaken this as encouragement to assimilate into the host cultures. This has had the contradictory effect of pouring gasoline over glowing embers.

I maintain that the only way to combat anti-Semitic hostility is to hold on to our glorious identity.

We must find a way to provide a true Torah education for every Jewish child. While we gratefully contribute to our host cultures, we must always hold on to our ancient mission of opposing tyrannical injustice.

We must remember our ancient Godly heritage and our awareness of who we are!