Project leader: Yaakov Katz
October 7 changed everything. Before that day, Israel faced its share of challenges: threats along its borders and domestic issues like political instability and debates over judicial reforms. However, the Hamas terrorist invasion of southern Israel at 6:29 a.m. on October 7 sent shockwaves through the very core of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
Initially, the focus was on the immediate task of clearing the South, pushing back Hamas forces, and securing the border. This was followed by a determined effort to degrade Hamas’s capabilities and to rescue and return the hostages. As tensions flared on the northern border with Hezbollah launching drones and missiles, Israel found itself fighting on multiple fronts. This situation, once unthinkable, has now become a new normal, with attacks emerging from Houthis in Yemen to militias in Iraq and even Iran itself.
This year’s Annual Assessment examines past issues through the new lens of October 7. The region has undeniably transformed, as we write in the Geopolitical section. Meanwhile, we explore how the culture of charitable giving has shifted in the Diaspora as well as enrollment of Jewish children in day schools worldwide.
As in the past, we delve into the surge of antisemitism, and examine the rise of tent encampments on college campuses, a phenomenon that has reshaped how many Jews view higher education. There is also the ongoing challenge of the haredi draft, which, as we explain, has become more critical since October 7, but remains a complex issue with no easy solution.
Regardless of how the war concludes, there is a growing understanding among Israelis that this moment presents an opportunity to redefine our relationship with Diaspora Jewry. The attack moved all Israelis to witness the global Jewish community’s unwavering support. Jews worldwide have shown solidarity by donating to Israel, visiting on missions, and lining the streets of New York, London, Sydney, and Paris with posters of the hostages and Israeli flags, all in support of Israel’s struggle against Hamas.
This unity comes despite a dramatic rise in antisemitism, which now poses a significant threat to the future of Jewish communities in North America, Britain, and Europe. While Jews in Israel face the most immediate physical danger, the global surge in antisemitism highlights the shared vulnerability of Jewish people everywhere.
What we are witnessing today is an unprecedented level of connectivity between Israeli and Diaspora Jews. The spike in antisemitism reveals just how intertwined the fate of Jews worldwide is with Israel, regardless of how much they might want to distance themselves from the policies of the government in Jerusalem.
The war sparked by October 7 has underscored that, no matter where a Jew resides, their identity and sense of security are inextricably linked to the State of Israel. This reality imposes a responsibility on Israel – its government and its people – that cannot be ignored.
On a personal note, this is the first edition of the Annual Assessment that I am overseeing as editor. I have the honor of taking over the reins from my friend Shmuel Rosner who oversaw the compilation of the report for the last five years.
I’d like to thank Shmuel, and all the editors who came before him, for solidifying the Annual Assessment’s standing in Israel and Jewish policy circles.
Yaakov Katz, Project Head