The values we most cherish – freedom of expression, democracy, and the rule of law – are being misused and abused to attack the Jewish state. Indeed, they have become our soft underbelly; through the courts, the media, academia, and NGOs, extremists seek to undermine Israel’s right to defend its citizens. These relentless and coordinated campaigns are taking their toll; many are beginning to accept discriminatory treatment of Israel. Attitudes once considered extreme have begun to drift dangerously close to the mainstream.  

 

Europe stands out as a central battleground in the fight to combat delegitimzation. Last May, I joined leaders from throughout the continent for the EJU’s Conference on anti-Semitism, a gathering that highlighted an alarming shift in attitudes towards Israel in Europe. I was encouraged by the growing voice of European Jewry – the passion, conviction, and commitment that so many are bringing to the challenges ahead. Yet, it is clear that there is much to be done. 

We must focus on the younger generation, ensuring that they have a firm grasp on the rich history and great heritage of the Jewish people. This means expanding Jewish education and building our Israel advocacy programs across college campuses. Our youth must understand our past, so that they can lead our communities into the future. 

 

Jewish organizations should seek to enhance their coordination. Initiatives like the European Jewish Parliament can advance this goal, bringing focus and structure to Europe’s communal efforts. 

 

Most importantly, we must encourage every member of the Jewish community to take responsibility. Now more than ever, we must say unequivocally, passionately and courageously that we are proud to be Jewish, proud to be Zionists and proud of the centrality of Israel to our identity.

 

In the coming days, some of these challenges are likely to come into sharper focus. The effort to isolate Israel internationally will take center stage at the United Nations, where the Palestinians are planning to unilaterally seek UN recognition of statehood. UN Member States that support this initiative are indulging a march of folly. They are feeding the fantasy that direct negotiations can be bypassed – and sending the message that statehood can be imposed from the outside.  It is a recipe for instability, the breakdown of cooperation, and, potentially, violence. Israel and World Jewry must join together to oppose this unilateral action. As partners, we must make clear to the international community that our region needs solutions, not resolutions. 

 

Against persistent threats and overwhelming odds, the State of Israel has not only survived, but thrived. We have risen to new heights as a free people in our own land. Israel is a center of innovation. We are a nation that sends satellites into space, puts electric cars on the road and develops the clean and green energy solutions of the future. Driven by our free and open society, rooted in ancient Jewish values, and strengthened by our connection to Diaspora communities everywhere, the State of Israel embodies the ingenuity and resilience of the Jewish people. 

 

Even in the face of great adversity, history has shown that nothing is beyond us. As we approach a new year, let us resolve to work closer together in the spirit of our forefathers. Whether in the halls of the United Nations or among the nations of the world, we must unite around our common bonds, writing the next chapter in the history of our people and the future of our state.

 

By Ambassador Ron Prosor 

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations