We must empower the next generation
The social cohesion we once spoke of as a defining feature of this nation now feels fragile.
Australia is at a crossroads. The rise in antisemitism over the past year has been undeniable. From protests in our streets to antisemitic rhetoric in universities, social media, and even Parliament, the landscape has changed. We’ve all witnessed the courage of those standing up for Israel and the Jewish people – journalists, politicians, community leaders and everyday Australians who refuse to be silenced. But as our voices rise, so do those of our opponents – louder, more aggressive and unrelenting.
The Australia I chose as home, a country known for its multiculturalism, tolerance and fair go, is at risk of irreparable damage. The social cohesion we once spoke of as a defining feature of this nation now feels fragile, almost like a distant dream. The past year has exposed a deep fracture – one that cannot simply be ignored or patched over with empty slogans of harmony. The question is no longer whether things have changed; it’s how we respond.
For Jews, giving up is never an option. Hatikvah, the anthem of Israel, literally means “the hope”. It is not a passive hope but an active, relentless, determined belief that no matter the circumstances, we do not give in. And to me, hope is not just an idea – it is an investment. An investment in our future. An investment in our youth.
This is where our greatest responsibility lies. The events of October 7 changed everything. Our young people – whether in Jewish schools, university campuses or the workforce – have been forced to navigate a world where being Jewish is no longer something neutral. They have had to defend their identity, explain their connection to Israel, and in many cases, endure outright hostility. It is confronting, disheartening and, at times, overwhelming. But it is also an opportunity. Because now, more than ever, they need guidance. They need tools. They need a vision of Jewish identity that is not reactive but proactive, not defensive but proud.
The challenge is not simply to “engage” them. That word has become a cliché, a vague idea thrown around in communal circles. Engagement isn’t a program or an event. It’s not about getting young people in the door of a shule or convincing them to attend a rally. True engagement is about empowerment. It is about giving them knowledge, the ability to articulate who they are and what they stand for. It is about instilling in them a Jewish pride so strong that it cannot be shaken by an angry protest or a social media smear campaign.
At Caulfield Shule, we recently appointed two dynamic youth directors to help shape this next generation. But this is not just about one shule. This is about a collective responsibility. Every parent, teacher, rabbi and leader in our community has a role to play in this moment. We cannot afford to outsource Jewish identity to schools, movements or institutions alone. Jewish pride starts at home, in the conversations we have, the stories we tell, the values we live by.
We must also recognise that identity is not just built through education – it is shaped by experience. If we want our young people to love Israel, we must give them moments that make their connection real. Singing Hatikvah in a stadium full of Jews. Volunteering in Israel. Sitting at a Shabbat table in Jerusalem. Seeing firsthand the resilience, the strength and the humanity of Israel beyond the headlines. It is in those moments, more than any debate or seminar, that Israel becomes part of their soul.
Australia is changing. That much is clear. But so is the Jewish community. The events of the past year have brought a new level of unity and determination. We cannot afford to be passive spectators in this shift. We must build, invest and empower the next generation – not just to survive as Jews but to thrive as leaders.
Hope is not a slogan. It is a responsibility. And if we do our job right, our youth will not only inherit the future – we will entrust them to shape it.
Rabbi Daniel Rabin is rabbi of Caulfield Shule in Melbourne.
comments