On Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, we were once again confronted with unimaginable pain: an attack on a synagogue in Manchester in which Jews were murdered during their prayers. The scenes are chilling and take us back to painful chapters in Jewish history; chapters we believed that the existence of the State of Israel as the Jewish state would prevent.
For me, Manchester is not just a name in the news. As a child, I lived in England as part of my parents’ shlichut, and a decade later I returned for my university studies. There, I met my wife, a native of Manchester, who, thanks to her education in the Bnei Akiva movement, made Aliyah to Israel, where we built our home. Her parents remained in England, and we visit my mother-in-law from time to time in Manchester.
On every visit, we are welcomed by a warm, Israel-supporting community. Yet sadly, over the years, the community has been weakened by rising waves of antisemitism.
English Jewry has historically been strong and devoted to Israel, producing figures of immense significance, such as Rabbi Sacks z”l, who was widely and highly respected including the royal family. Yet over the past years, the community has gradually weakened in the face of growing antisemitism. Just four years ago, some Labour Party candidates ran campaigns under the slogan of “cleansing the party of antisemitism,” reflecting a formal effort to confront the problem.
Today, reality shows a growing and alarming wave of antisemitism: public and electoral pressures have allowed hate rallies openly chanting “Death to Zionism,” blocked arms shipments to Israel, and prevented government ministers from visiting Jerusalem – unprecedented moves by any standard. This is without even considering the problematic recognition of a Palestinian state, which sends a message of support to extremist elements rather than standing firmly with a democratic ally.
Israel's responsibility towards Jewish communities in the Diaspora
As an Israeli and CEO of ANU – Museum of the Jewish People, I cannot help but return to the words of the Declaration of Independence. The historical journey described there, rooted in the Torah and our collective history, establishes our right to a national home while reminding us of our duty to protect Jews around the world. The State of Israel’s responsibility extends also to Diaspora Jewry.
It is important to state the truth: not every Jew can make Aliyah. Many remain in their countries of residence for family, career, economic circumstances, or other legitimate reasons. Our responsibility is not to ignore them or demand they choose between their Jewish identity and their lives.
On the contrary, we must ensure that wherever Jews live, they can do so in safety, dignity, and with a sense of belonging. If Jewish communities in the Diaspora weaken, if they feel vulnerable and unprotected, ultimately, Israel itself will be affected, for the strength of the Jewish people as a whole is inseparable from the security of the state.
The Manchester attack forces painful questions: Has Israel done enough in the face of rising antisemitism in recent years? When in Britain demonstrations calling for a “Global Intifada” were permitted, when Jews had to guard synagogues and schools around the clock, when major media outlets broadcast hateful comparisons and in political conferences rhetoric blurred criticism of Israel with de-legitimization of Jews themselves – has Israel done all it could to warn, act, and protect?
Recognition of a Palestinian state is not inherently problematic, but when coupled with public discourse portraying Israel as an evil state, it weakens not only Israel’s legitimacy but also the security of Jews living in Britain. Whoever directs hatred at the Jewish state ultimately directs it at Jews living around them.
Therefore, alongside our solidarity with the bereaved families and the Jewish community in Manchester, we must set a clear demand: the State of Israel cannot settle for statements of condolence after an attack. It must act decisively to demand concrete measures from governments worldwide – education, legislation, enforcement, combatting online and public incitement – and ensure that Jewish communities receive real protection.
On Yom Kippur, we pray “and forgive all the congregation of Israel” – all of us together, one people, one heart. The Manchester attack reminds us that this unity is not an abstract idea. It is a living, moral, and practical responsibility of the State of Israel toward the Jewish people everywhere. Israel has a duty to stand up and demand the security of our brothers and sisters across the seas.
The writer is CEO of the ANU – Museum of the Jewish people in Tel Aviv.