Israel-Gaza: Two of our Jewish writers reflect on the past two weeks
Oct 19, 2023
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In this podcast, two Jewish writers reflect on the emotional impact of the Israel-Gaza conflict on British Jews. They discuss the fear and anxiety surrounding the conflict, the spike in anti-Semitism in Britain, and the complexities of the British Jewish relationship with Israel. They also explore the diversity of opinions within the Jewish community and the rise of anti-Semitism. The speakers highlight the importance of having conversations about the ongoing war and upcoming reporting and analysis.
British Jews feel a strong connection to Israel and are experiencing increased anxiety and trauma due to the recent events, leading to a sense of unity and support for Jewish life in Israel.
British Jews have a complex relationship with Israel, with diverse opinions on Israeli politics, but recent events have brought about a temporary set aside of differences to stand together in support of Jewish life in Israel, despite concerns about biased media coverage.
Deep dives
The Impact of Recent Events on British Jews
The recent events in Israel have deeply affected British Jews, triggering a sense of anxiety and trauma. Many British Jews feel a connection to Israel, viewing it as the spiritual center and a place of belonging. The spike in anti-Semitism that accompanies conflicts in the Middle East further heightens their concerns. Solidarity among the British Jewish community has grown, with increased attendance at synagogues and a sense of togetherness. While there are diverse opinions on Israel among British Jews, there seems to be a temporary set aside of differences to support Jewish life in Israel during this challenging time.
The Complexity of British Jewish Relationship with Israel
The relationship between British Jews and Israel is multifaceted. While some Jews do not feel personally connected to Israel and refrain from expressing political opinions about it, many British Jews maintain a orientation towards the state of Israel and its importance to their religious and cultural identity. Despite diverse opinions about Israeli politics, the recent events have brought about a sense of unity among British Jews, who stand together to support Jewish life in Israel.
Media Coverage and Impact on British Jews
The media coverage of the recent events in Israel has raised concerns among British Jews. The reporting of atrocities and violence has led to increased anxiety and a spike in anti-Semitic incidents. Some media outlets have been criticized for their biased or irresponsible reporting, particularly when it comes to verifying information and considering the source. The psychological impact of such coverage on the Jewish community cannot be underestimated, as it shapes the perception and experiences of British Jews in their own country.
Two weeks into the current Israel-Gaza conflict, we take a moment to reflect on the events of October 7th and their aftermath. In this personal conversation, our colleagues Josh Glancy and Gabriel Pogrund discuss the impact on British Jews.
Stories of Our Times will continue to cover this story from many different angles, including further conversations with members of the communities affected by the conflict.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.
Guests:
- Josh Glancy, News Review Editor, The Sunday Times.
- Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall Editor, The Sunday Times.