Zionists run the world. That’s been the traditional refrain among the far-left, far-right, and Islamists for years. Since October 7 this rhetoric has, of course, escalated.
As Hadley Freeman recently pointed out in this publication, the former background noise of hate has been turned up to a cacophony. “Defeating Zionism” is now the Omnicause; the one true path to fixing all that’s wrong with the world. Of course all Zionism really means is the self-determination of Jews in our ancestral homeland.
But for racists, one free Jew, let alone a small nation, is simply too much to bear. Thus they see it as right that Jews should be murdered, kidnapped and raped at a music festival. Thus useful idiots show their solidarity with the perpetrators through the boycotting of music festivals in the UK.
And thus the British Jewish community does our best to show solidarity with the victims and those trying to bring the hostages home. One such opportunity arose a few weeks ago when a friend posted about an upcoming Matisyahu performance, organised by the World Zionist Organisation. Being a longtime fan of the fluctuating frummer, and a music gig being a particularly apt expression for showing support, tickets for the entire family were immediately purchased.
All seven of us. Even with no discount for children. Because that’s how much I love Israel.
As the day approached I got more excited, playing the album on repeat on the school run. Where was this special event to be held I won.