Los Angeles – A recent attack on a synagogue in Los Angeles has drawn strong condemnations from political leaders, including the mayor, the governor, and President Joe Biden. Against this backdrop of violence, a significant event inside the synagogue painted a contrasting picture of resilience and optimism.
Gidon Katz, CEO of International Marketing & Promotion (IMP), teamed up with Emanuel Vatari to organize a real estate fair at the synagogue, targeting the Jewish community interested in relocating to Israel. Despite the disturbance, more than 350 participants—comprising young adults, heads of families, and other community members—attended the event to explore opportunities for making Aliyah, the act of moving to Israel.
While acknowledging the attack’s seriousness, Katz emphasized that the fair itself signified a more profound movement. He pointed out the importance of recognizing the focal point of such unsettling protests, which often overshadow the underlying stories of hope and communal strength.
The violent protests outside the venue, marked by chants such as “From the river to the sea,” did little to deter the spirit inside. The attendees’ commitment to relocate and strengthen their ties with Israel seemed not just an act of purchasing real estate but a significant cultural and spiritual declaration. Katz described this as an affirmation of the biblical claim, “The Land is very, very good,” suggesting that through their actions, the attendees are addressing historical grievances and showing resilience.
This instance of antisemitism, Katz believes, inadvertently highlighted the enduring connection between the Jewish diaspora and Israel, prompting an even stronger resolve among many Jews in the U.S. to make Aliyah.
The story also connects to broader historical and religious narratives, notably the weekly Torah portion discussing Korach’s rebellion. Similar to the tale where destructive envy leads to downfall, modern communal conflicts often reflect deep-seated rivalries that can either divide or strengthen community bonds.
Historically, envy and discontent have been viewed as profoundly damaging traits. Conversely, contentment and gratitude, as highlighted in religious teachings, are seen as virtues that enrich one’s life. This philosophy is particularly relevant in a world where public personas are often curated to reflect only success and prosperity, potentially stirring envy and dissatisfaction.
In a brighter spotlight, Emily Austin, an NBA reporter and advocate for Israel, shared her reflections during a meeting in New York. After nine months of promoting Israeli perspectives and unity among Jews worldwide through social media, Austin observed a stronger sense of community. Her summary of the experience resonated with the Hebrew phrase, “B’yachad nenatzeach,” meaning “together we will win,” underscoring a collective strength that can overcome adversity.
Tragically, not all stories of connection to the land end positively. During a conversation, Maor Shaked recounted the passionate bond her sister, Noy Zafrani, had with Israel. Zafrani, who was killed in a violent attack, exemplified love and dedication to her country through song and community engagement. The period leading up to her death was marked by celebrations and affirmations of the value of the land—activities that stood in stark contrast to the brutal reality she faced.
Maor’s determination to continue celebrating her country’s culture and history, despite her sister’s tragic death, echoes a broader communal resolve to view their circumstances through a lens of gratitude and optimism, rather than despair.
This complex interplay of history, faith, and current events highlights an ongoing struggle to define community identity in the face of external pressures and internal disagreements. It reveals the resilience and depth of a people determined to uphold their values, traditions, and connections, no matter the challenges they encounter.