It feels like up until three weeks ago, there was this illusion that while we knew Antisemitism was a thing, of course, it was the exception rather than the rule. That while we knew there were people out there who would be at best indifferent and at worst celebratory about an attack on Jews, most would come to our defense and aid if we found ourselves in need of it. Well, that illusion was shattered three weeks ago. Anti-Israel rallies were held around the world after the attacks on 10/7, but before Israel started carrying out air strikes targeting Hamas in Gaza. The rallies weren’t protests of Israel’s actions. They were rejoicing celebrations of the slaughter of Jews. What deluded fools we were, thinking that we fell under that umbrella of justice for all.

There’s a passage in our prayer book that is often read as part of our weekly services:

In a world torn by violence and pain, a world far from wholeness and peace, give us the courage to say, Adonai: there is one G-d in heaven and earth. The high heavens declare Your glory; may earth reveal Your justice and love. From bondage in Egypt, we were delivered; at Sinai, we bound ourselves to Your way. Inspired by prophets and instructed by sages, time and again we overcame oppressive forces. Though our failings are many and our faults are great, it has been our glory to bear witness to our G-d, keeping alive in dark ages the vision of a world redeemed. Let us continue to work for the day when the nations will be one and at peace. Then shall we rejoice as Israel did, singing on the shores of the Sea.”

Well…in a world torn by violence and pain, the cheese stands alone.

I watched on Facebook as, a week or so ago, someone made a sharply defensive, grumbling post about how just because they aren’t commenting or posting about Israel doesn’t mean they don’t care, and they absolutely won’t be sharing any posts about it to cave into peer pressure like that, and they disparage the idea that you have to speak up or else it’s assumed you either don’t care or feel one way or the other about it. That same person just the other day made a simple post regarding the horrific mass shooting in Maine that took place this week, in which they said, “I have friends in Maine. I hope people are safe.”

(I too have friends in Maine, in the very town where that shooting took place, and I want to emphasize that I am praying for their well-being, physical and emotional.)

Now, I want to take this opportunity to point out that one could literally replace the word “Maine” with the word “Israel” and the sentiment would be exactly the same, and wouldn’t have to be at all incendiary. Somehow, condemning terrorism in Maine is a no-brainer, but condemning terrorism in Israel is far too conditional to consider. Condemnation of horrific terrorist acts against Israel is such a complicated idea for some that the preference, apparently, is to post about resentment that we Jews even dare to ask for it. Our right to exist in safety and peace is a very nuanced issue, after all; don’t we realize that as we are literally running for our lives across the desert while terrorists shoot us down like target practice?

The cheese stands alone.

Oh, yes, the cheese stands alone. But not idly. We will continue to work for peace, in spite of those who delight in our destruction and with or without those who decline to show they care. I suppose only time will tell how many of us all will be left standing when that time comes.