I had the opportunity to participate in a screening of October 8 – a documentary about the rise of antisemitism in the USA following October 7. I thank the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans for enabling members of the community to watch this important film.
For me there were two practical takeaways from the film and the issues raised therein.
Firstly, at a time when the narrative continues to be hijacked by deliberate falsifications, it is critical that we insist on telling the truth. The film speaks of insidious planning by terrorists to use palatable language that will help capture the hearts of the western world in support of their cause. The film speaks of the abandonment of Jews by so many of the popular causes for which Jews stood historically. (I must say that it also highlights the good people who have stood by our side despite the widespread attempt to turn the narrative on its head, and the abuses they suffer for standing with us.)
We must seize control of our story and tell it unabashedly.
The second takeaway for me is the integral need for us to infuse our people, especially our youth, with experiences of Jewish pride. We must create an environment where the heart of a Jew soars when they hear the phrase Am Yisrael Chai. This is accomplished primarily by advancing the value of Jewish peoplehood, that we are really one Mishpacha! This is fed by having Jews do Jewish. When Jews, especially young Jews, come together to celebrate Shabbat, or to learn some Torah, or to lay Tefillin and light Shabbat candles, this is an infusion of Neshama energy that empowers a Jew to feel proud and strong about their Jewish identity.
On a practical note, in 2025, hearing the firsthand stories of freed hostages and October 7 survivors, is akin to hearing a Holocaust survivor tell their story (at least on a micro-level). Our New Orleans Jewish community is privileged to be hosting one such storyteller. Omer Shemtov spent 505 in Hamas captivity in Gaza. His survival story is both chilling and inspiring. He oozes Am Yisrael Chai. He will be sharing his story with us.
The event takes place on Monday, September 8. That room must be full to capacity. We need to hear his story and invite others to do so. In the “world gone crazy” in which we operate, the venue is being shared only upon registration due to security concerns. That itself should tell you how important this event is.
If you have not already registered, please do so at www.chabadneworleans.com/hostage. Share this with a friend as well.
This is our story. Let’s control the narrative. Am Yisrael Chai!
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin