Rabbi Weill's Blog

May 6th, 2024

Dear Friends,

Today is Yom Ha’Shoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Some have compared today’s anti-Semitism on American and European campuses to the devastating tragedy against our people 80 years ago in Europe. 

I understand the temptation to make such comparisons. Yes, we are living during fretful times. I am relieved that the academic year is concluding and our college students are returning home.  

Still, the Shoah and what we witness today are manifoldly different situations. While we remain wary and vigilant of anti-Semitism, this is not Nazi-era Europe. While we are troubled, we are by and large safe. While we anxiously read the news, we understand that the law protects us and others who feel vulnerable in this country. 

We should never, ever feel vulnerable - not here or Europe, not on campuses, synagogues or on the street. But we ought to maintain the perspective that the Holocaust was a uniquely horrific event - a true genocide against our people. This difficult time - I pray - will pass. And we Jews will continue to thrive.

Peace and Strength

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill