Chronicle poll results: Will the new year be better for the Jews?
We asked our readers if the new year will be better for the Jews. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Will the new year, 5786, be better for the Jews than 5785?” Of the 207 people who responded, 58% said no; 17% said yes; and 25% said they weren’t sure. Comments were submitted by 66 people. A few follow.
The actions of Israel in the war against Hamas have brought that nation into international disrepute — a characterization that spills over to Jews outside of Israel. Demonstrations held at multiple locations here, as well as official governmental actions abroad, appear to support that negative view. So next year doesn’t look better.
Almost every Rosh Hashanah, I say to myself, “How could next year be any worse than this one?” Given how horrendous life has been for the Jews since Oct. 7, 2023 (aka, the 22nd of Tishrei, 5784), the arrow has no choice but to finally be pointing up for 5786.
The prime minister is leading Israel into darkness. Under his authoritarian administration, life will worsen for Israel and the Jews.
Things will not improve until the Gaza situation is resolved and for as long as Trump is president.
President Trump’s efforts to stamp out collegiate antisemitism and prosecute in federal court those who violate our rights make me feel optimistic.
Antisemitism will increase and more incidents will occur. The level of antisemitism is the worst it has been since the Nazis came to power.
We have to be hopeful, but it’s scary. There is so much hate and misunderstanding out there. And there is nowhere else to go.
We can hope, we can pray we can be better and we can do better. Only one much greater than us knows the answer, but we can certainly move toward a better year with our own behaviors.
Open antisemitism seems to be back “in style” now. No one is embarrassed to be called antisemitic in today’s world.
If this country continues to allow Islamists to disrupt colleges, brainwash our youth, and inflict harm on society; if they continue the disgusting mantra of “from the river to the sea”; if they are not stopped, I fear for the Jews not only in this country, but in the entire world.
I think not, and that has me scared to death. I fear for the world I will be leaving for my children and grandchildren.
I’m afraid things are going to get worse before they get better.
Who would we be, and where would we be, if we were not optimistic about the future and do not work to make it better? PJC
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