The unseen frontline: Diaspora Jewry needs Israeli shlichim now more than ever - opinion
Around the world, Jewish communities are facing unprecedented waves of antisemitism, isolation, and anxiety. They look to Israel not just for military updates, but for spiritual fortitude and moral c
In July 1976, a young boy in South Africa witnessed the enthralling Entebbe hostage rescue and the tragic loss of Lt.-Col. Yoni Netanyahu. This experience taught him that Jewish destiny is contingent upon mutual responsibility and that leadership involves personal sacrifice. This realization encouraged him to immigrate to Israel 42 years ago and eventually establish Torah MiTzion.
Three decades ago, it was evident that while day schools, youth groups, and synagogues were present, there was a significant void: flourishing Torah learning institutions rooted in religious Zionism. To address this issue, the movement started constructing Religious-Zionist batei midrash (Torah learning centers) worldwide, from Memphis to Melbourne, Buenos Aires to Moscow, and even establishing Lev Yehudi centers in India for Israeli backpackers.
The role of Diaspora shlichim (emissaries) has transformed, transitioning from traditional institutional functions to deploying living role-model families who embody both Torah scholarship and military service while integrating high-level Torah learning with aliyah. Over 1,700 shlichim have served as front-line warriors in the fight for Jewish continuity.
Despite their bravery, many returned to Israel in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks to join their reserve units on the front lines in Gaza and Lebanon. Upon returning to their overseas communities, they became beacons of courage and resilience. However, they now face a dual battlefront: the Diaspora front. Jewish communities worldwide are experiencing a surge of antisemitism, isolation, and anxiety.
They seek spiritual strength and moral guidance from Israel, not just through virtual lectures, but through authentic human connections, shared Shabbat meals, and Israeli leadership guided by faith and unity. This situation presents our most pressing wartime challenge. The young men and women considered ideal candidates for international shlichut are currently serving in the IDF, engaged in combat operations.
Consequently, we currently confront a severe shortage of new shlichim candidates at precisely the time when global Jewry requires them the most. While our most outstanding leaders are safeguarding our borders, assimilation persists across Jewish communities worldwide. We cannot afford to neglect the Diaspora front. The impact of this crisis has been felt directly within our Torah MiTzion community.
One of our fallen heroes, Rabbi Avi Goldberg, along with his wife Rachel, served as Rosh Kollel in Memphis for three years. Rabbi Avi epitomized the perfect balance of Torah scholarship and elite military service before losing his life in combat during this war. His sacrifice, along with other alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice for Israel, emphasizes that once you commit to shlichut, you are a shliach forever.
To young men and women, alumni of hesder yeshivas and midrashas, young religious Zionist families, and educators: our nation requires your presence on every front. Just like our soldiers who have answered the call to defend our land, we must answer the call to protect the soul of our global Jewish family. Jewish communities in Manhattan and Perth are eagerly awaiting our response.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
