08/24/2025
Fool Us Once in Germany, in 1933, Shame on You. Fool World Jewry Twice, in 2025, Shame on Us.
Even in stable democracies, Jewish communities often assume their safety is guaranteed. Synagogues thrive, Jewish schools operate behind security gates with armed guards, and Jewish leaders excel in politics, business, medicine, and the arts. Routine government condemnations after antisemitic attacks reinforce the false belief that Jewish life is secure. But history shows that legal rights and social acceptance do not guarantee protection when extremist movements gain legitimacy.
European current events offer a stark warning. Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ), a N**i-linked movement, has repeatedly captured over a quarter of the national vote. Germany’s AfD holds significant parliamentary influence, with members promoting Holocaust-revisionist ideas. Hungary’s Jobbik and Poland’s Confederation openly campaign on anti-Jewish, ultranationalist platforms while holding real legislative power. These are not fringe agitators—they shape laws, policy, and public discourse. Assimilation and integration have historically proved no shield when extremists entered the halls of power.
In the U.S., far-right extremist groups like the Proud Boys, Boogaloo, A***n Freedom Network, and the Three Percenters intersect with mainstream politics, sometimes inspiring deadly violence. On the left, radical elements such as the Squad have supported policies and rhetoric aligned with BDS and, Mandami’s antisemitic campaign, show that antisemitism is gaining political support.
Canada's People’s Party of Canada, the Canadian Nationalist Party, and the Maverick Party normalize populist, xenophobic rhetoric. Even when electoral influence is limited, these movements shape public opinion and social tolerance for hatred.
The consequences are real. Synagogue and community murderous attacks—Pittsburgh, Poway, Jersey City, Monsey,—demonstrate that Jewish life is targeted. BDS-aligned divestment resolutions in city councils, show how antisemitism can cloak itself in ideology or “human-rights advocacy.” Comfort and visibility alone are no guarantee of safety.
Complacency is dangerous. Jewish communities must act:
Invest in security for synagogues, schools, and events.
Engage politically—vote and file legal action to protect Jews.
Build coalitions with other minority and civic groups to amplify opposition to hate.
Educate the next generation on Jewish history and promote Jewish identity.
Speak out against antisemitism, whether it comes from the right or left.
Train for personal safety—preparedness is not paranoia.
German Jews once believed they were untouchable. When radicals gained power, their trust ended in tragedy. We must not repeat that mistake. Fool me once in Germany—shame on them. Fool world Jewry again, in 2025, shame on us.
Let’s start a dialogue of best practices about what you are personally doing to stand up for your Jewishness and Jewish civil rights.
