In the 20 months since October 7, Israel has faced its greatest trial in over half a century. From the horrific massacre that shattered our sense of security, to a war of self-defense that brought us to the very heart of Iran’s nuclear threat, the Jewish people have risen in a moment that will echo for generations.
The US preemptive self-defense strike on Iran’s key nuclear sites was a moment of historic military coordination and moral clarity. However, if the ceasefire holds, a different kind of mission begins: to heal the deep divisions threatening our strength from within.
While our enemies coordinate attacks, spread lies, and seek our destruction, we bicker. We insult. We divide.
In both Israel and throughout the Diaspora, too often we let our differences define us – political, religious, cultural – and label entire groups instead of seeing people as individuals. Too many within our communities see one another as threats, not partners. And as we tear ourselves apart, we hand our enemies a gift: our distraction, our division, our weakness.
Let me be clear: no army, no matter how brave, can win the long war if the people behind them are at war with themselves.
The brave men and women of the IDF, the Mossad, and Israel’s entire security establishment have performed miracles of biblical proportions since October 8, 2023. But they cannot hold the line forever if the nation behind them is cracking.
We must make a choice.
Do we want to keep pouring energy into internal feuds – or will we build on the military achievements of the IDF and the US military to become the most formidable force the Jewish people have ever known?
The power of Jewish unity - it is our choice
And we’ve already seen the power of Jewish unity: in the weeks following the October 7 massacre, and again during Israel’s most daring operations. But it cannot remain a flicker. It must become the eternal fire that drives our future.
Imagine a Jewish world where Israel and the Diaspora are not just connected, but move in true partnership. Where secular and religious Jews build together instead of reducing each other to blame or labels. Where political opponents argue fiercely – but respectfully – and still work side by side for a shared future.
We need a new standard for our public discourse – one rooted in respect, not disdain. Our leaders must stop trading in insults and start trading in ideas. We should debate the substance of policies, not attack the people proposing them or reduce entire communities to labels. Strong opinions are not the enemy – contempt is.
Because if we choose unity – not uniformity, but unity in purpose – our potential is unlimited.
With unity, we can transform Israel into a global model of resilience and innovation. We can unleash Jewish diplomacy and advocacy that shapes world opinion, not just reacts to it. We can rebuild Israel’s South and North – even stronger, safer, and more vibrant than before. We can strengthen Jewish education, Jewish security, and Jewish pride – everywhere.
We can inspire our children with a Jewish identity rooted not in fear or division – but in belonging, strength, and purpose.
Now is the moment to build bridges – within Israel, between Israel and the Diaspora, and across our global Jewish communities. That means reaching out to those with different opinions or backgrounds, and choosing conversation over confrontation. It means listening with respect, disagreeing with dignity, and actively seeking common ground. Every one of us has a role to play in healing the divide – by being a voice for unity, not division.
We owe it to our ancestors who dreamed of a reborn Jewish homeland. We owe it to our children who will inherit what we build. Most of all, we owe it to our soldiers who risk everything to defend us.
As the ceasefire with Iran is still holding and the existential threats have been set back, it has now become our turn to act: to repair, to build, to unite.
The world has seen what we can endure. Now let’s see what we can become, together.
The writer is deputy director of the World Jewish Congress’ Jewish Diplomatic Corps, a global network of 400 Jewish leaders across 60 countries advocating for and supporting Jewish communities worldwide.