Thanks to the last two years, we all know more than we’d like about viruses and risks of their mutations. The same could be said about antisemitism, as we see that ancient hatred take on new, dangerous forms. There is a delicate irony for us diaspora Jews, in that Israel is both one of our biggest blessings and our biggest curses. 

It’s a global centre for our people, a home from home where our ancient religion can be openly lived, the tongue of our forefathers spoken (and shouted) once again. It is also a safety raft, if things become too uncomfortable in our countries. Knowing it is there, should we need it, gives us a freedom our great-grandparents never had.  But in the last few years it has also become a beating stick, a new reason to hate us. 

On top of hating Jews because of our religion and race, they now hate the one Jewish nation and we all pay the price. The danger this poses was brought home in the latest Community Service Trust (CST) statistics. The worst year on record for antisemitic attacks saw a huge spike last May,  during the conflict between Israel and Gaza.