Episode Details

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch, Senior Rabbi of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York, reflects on the shock many American Jews experienced after October 7 — and why so many felt abandoned by the very liberal institutions they helped build.Rabbi Hirsch argues that October 7 did not create antisemitism — it revealed attitudes that were already there. He describes the sense of betrayal Jewish communities felt as universities, activist movements, and cultural elites refused to stand with Jews after the massacre — even when they had done so in the past.In this conversation, we discuss:• Why October 7 shattered the moral assumptions of many American Jews• The feeling of betrayal from progressive allies and institutions• How identity-politics ideology turned parts of the Left against Jews• Why universities failed Jewish students — and what that exposed• The rise of Jewish anti-Zionism among young people• “As-a-Jew” activism and how it gives moral cover to anti-Israel movements• Why antisemitism is now emerging from both Left and Right• Whether Israeli religion-state issues push Reform Jews away — or if the real problem runs deeper• The link between distancing from Judaism and distancing from IsraelChapters00:00The Eruption of Antisemitism in America06:04Betrayal and Disillusionment Among Allies11:50The Shift in Liberalism and Its Impact on Jews17:47The Role of Universities and Institutional Failures23:48The Political Landscape and Jewish Voting Trends29:36The Challenge of Jewish Identity and Education35:10The Future of Jewish Relations with Israel📌 Watch, share, and join the conversation to uncover what’s really at stake.📌 Support the channel by buying me coffee! ☕️ https://buymeacoffee.com/westernspirit📌 For business inquiries, including advertising opportunities on our show, please email us at: thewesternspiritpodcast@gmail.com#Jews#Israel#Antisemitism#October7#JewishCommunity#Judaism#USPolitics#Culture