Jews with Views – Tisha B’Av 5785
What changes have you seen in your community as a result of the challenges of the last two years?
BY ISAAC BARCHICHAT
Over the past two years, the French Jewish community has experienced profound changes, shaped by increasing challenges – most notably the tragic events of October 7th and the sharp rise in antisemitism that both preceded and followed it. Even before this dark day, antisemitic incidents had already reached alarming levels in France, with Jewish institutions and individuals regularly targeted. However, since October 7th, there has been an undeniable intensification: verbal aggression, physical attacks, and public displays of hatred have become far more frequent.
In response, our community has become more vigilant, resilient, and united. Security is a daily concern for schools, synagogues, and community centers, but there is also a renewed sense of solidarity across generations and organizations. People who were less engaged in the past are now actively involved, whether through advocacy, education, or support networks.
We’ve also seen a deepened connection with Israel, as well as an increased awareness among the broader French society of the threats we face. These times have forced us to reflect on our identity, our role in French society, and the importance of standing proud and united in the face of adversity. The challenges continue, but so does our resolve.
Isaac Barchichat is the President of Mizrachi France. Isaac is a Yeshiva University graduate, Deputy Mayor in the Paris region, an activity community leader, director of a youth movement, married to Batya and a father of four.
BY REBBETZIN ELISE PETER-APELBAUM
The past two years have been incredibly challenging for Am Yisrael. I cannot recall ever feeling such intense fear for Israel in my entire life. Living in chutz la’aretz, we initially felt powerless, with our only recourse being to pray and send messages of empathy. Shortly after the war began, our community launched a fundraising campaign, successfully raising thousands of euros for the rebuilding of Kfar Azza. The Jewish school in Prague swiftly opened a class for Israeli families who had relocated here temporarily. The outpouring of love and support from our community toward Israel and Israelis was truly remarkable.
Last year, I led a three-day mission with Mizrachi Prague to Israel. Our goals were to meet with wounded soldiers, witness the aftermath of the conflict, and volunteer with Leket Israel in one of their fields. Many who could not join the mission contributed by sending gifts, money, or even children’s drawings through us. It was heartening to see the positive impact our visit had on those in Israel, but equally on ourselves.
In summary, the past two years have demonstrated the unwavering support of the Prague Jewish and non-Jewish communities for Israel. I am immensely proud of our collective efforts and solidarity, and I daven for the swift and safe return of all the hostages.
Rebbetzin Elise Peter-Apelbaum is the head of Mizrachi Prague. She is a Yoetzet Halacha and a certified Kallah teacher. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in finance. Together with her husband, Rabbi David Peter, she raises their five children.
BY RABBI YITSHAK ASIEL
When I began serving as a rabbi in March 1995, two representatives from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited Belgrade. Their message was clear: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must never be allowed to escalate into a broader conflict between all Jews and Muslims, or between Judaism and Islam itself.
At that time, Yugoslavia was torn apart by war between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks across Bosnia and Croatia. Over the years that followed, we built strong relationships with the Islamic community in what became the Republic of Serbia. Together, we demonstrated that people of different faiths could coexist with mutual respect and understanding. For six years, we hosted a weekly prime-time television program where a Mufti, an Orthodox priest, and I would sit together to discuss matters of broader social importance. The program reached audiences throughout the former Yugoslav region and was valued for fostering greater interfaith dialogue and understanding.
After October 7th, exactly what those Ministry representatives had warned against in 1995 came to pass. This new reality has prompted our Jewish community to focus on strengthening Jewish identity and developing a deeper understanding of the situation in Israel.
Rabbi Yitshak Asiel is Chief Rabbi of Serbia and President of the Federation of Jewish communities in Serbia.
BY DAVID ALEJO COHEN DUEK
Over the past two years, our community has been deeply affected by the global and regional challenges, especially the events in Israel. We’ve seen both heartache and remarkable resilience. There has been a clear intensification in the emotional and spiritual connection to Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. People who were previously distant from communal or religious life have found renewed meaning in tefillah, Torah study, and, most of all, acts of chesed.
One significant change is the rise in grassroots initiatives – individuals and families taking responsibility for helping others, organizing Tehillim groups, shiurim, and support for lone soldiers or displaced families. There’s also been a greater sense of unity across ideological lines. Our community has become more attuned to the needs of others, more present, more real.
At the same time, we’ve also had to navigate fatigue and uncertainty. But through it all, we’ve witnessed that hardship can become a catalyst for growth when channeled with purpose and shared values.
We continue to work on strengthening the fabric of our community through empathy, education, and a strong sense of mission.
David Alejo Cohen Duek is the President of “LA CASA” Mizrachi Argentina, in Buenos Aires. He has been active in Jewish education and community building for over 7 years, working at different institutions as a volunteer.
BY RABBI SHUA SOLOMON
Our community has always been hugely supportive of Israel and the IDF, but since October 7th this support has taken on a new level of commitment and urgency. Almost everything we do as a kehilla is somehow connected to Israel. We recite Tehillim for our chayalim at Shacharit, Mincha, and Ma’ariv every day, and many in the kehilla have taken on a particular person – whether an injured soldier or hostage – to daven for.
Additionally, there are a number of people within the Mizrachi kehilla whose children are currently serving in the army or were serving during and after October 7th. This has brought an increased level of awareness and appreciation for the IDF, as it has become deeply personal for so many of us.
Despite Israel’s many challenges, the aftermath of October 7th has also led to more people seriously considering Aliyah as an option. The connection to Israel, its citizens, and soldiers has never been stronger.
Rabbi Shua Solomon serves as the Senior Rabbi of Bondi Mizrachi Synagogue in Sydney, Australia. Together with Rabbi Ryan Levine, he founded the Shalhevet leadership program which aims to send Jewish educators all over the world.