Sep 25, 2025
7 min
Do Jews play an essential role in the world?
A summary of TJF Talks episode 90 with Ollie Anisfeld of J-TV



Introduction
The world feels more fractured than ever, conflict dominates the news, mistrust fills public discourse, and everyone seems drawn to extremes. Yet amidst this chaos, some voices are searching for something deeper. Ollie Anisfeld, the London-based founder of J-TV, a digital channel exploring Jewish identity and culture, joined TheJewFunction Podcast to discuss his vision for Jewish unity, and why the Jewish role in the world still matters deeply in this unraveling global environment.
Ollie’s perspective on the Jewish people as an essential voice in the world comes from both personal experience and a broad understanding of history. His reflections are timely and relevant, especially in light of recent events that shook not just the Jewish community but the global stage as well.
The conversation with hosts Lio and Seth touches on a wide range of themes, from the October 7th attacks in Israel to the troubles dividing Jewish communities today. Through it all, the message is clear: a strong, united Jewish voice may hold solutions for more than just the Jewish people.
J-TV: A Response to a Quiet Crisis
Ollie’s quest to create J-TV came from noticing something unsettling: apathy about Jewish identity amongst younger Jews. “There wasn’t enough being done to reach people on modern platforms,” he recalls. It wasn’t just about preserving ancient wisdom, but making it accessible, engaging, and relevant for today’s generation.
His teenage years were marked by a deeply transformative experience. A trip to Poland that left an indelible mark on him. As his group walked through a tunnel of names, memorializing the many who perished during the Holocaust, the weight of Jewish history hit him like a wave. “It became real to me at that moment,” Ollie remembers. From then on, there was a fire in him, a conviction that something had to change.
J-TV was born from that fire. It’s not merely a media channel but rather a bridge, a way to infuse modernity with the depth of Jewish wisdom. And Ollie’s approach is simple yet bold: to make Judaism’s core ideas accessible not just to Jews, but to anyone who seeks to understand the Jewish contribution to the world.
The Jewish Role in the World: To Be or Not to Be?
One of the themes in the conversation centered around the role that Jews play in the world. Ollie is matter-of-fact: “The Jewish people are God’s chosen people. He chose us to be His voice to the world, to express His vision.” Yet he’s just as quick to point out that this doesn’t earn the Jews any special favor in the world’s eyes. In fact, it usually lands them in trouble.
The question that looms large, and has for centuries, is why? Why are the Jews, despite contributing so much to the world, always faced with animosity? Nobel prizes, groundbreaking innovations, global philanthropy, none of it seems to ever alter the suspicion or hostility others direct at Jews.
Lio brings an interesting perspective: “Maybe all the contributions we’ve made aren’t it. Maybe that’s not what the world needs from us.” He suggests that the issue might not be about a lack of visibility, but a misunderstanding of the deeper role Jews are meant to play.
Too Good at PR, or Not Good Enough?
Seth presses on with a question that often puzzles many within the Jewish community: “Why are we so bad at PR?”
Why, with all the media, all the political work, and all the efforts, does the world still see Israel, or the Jewish people as a whole, through such skewed and hostile lenses? It’s a frustrating reality. Jews, as Seth puts it, should theoretically be “exceptionally skilled at PR”, and yet every day brings a new controversy that frames them as aggressors or conspirators.
Ollie offers an insight: “We’re too scared to say who we are.” It’s not about designing yet another public relations campaign or meticulously crafting a message. It’s about authenticity, letting people see Jews for what they are and unapologetically sharing that truth.
The real work, as Ollie suggests, is in showing the world that the Jewish mission isn’t about domination or exclusion. It’s about partnering with God in making the world better for everyone. He puts it plainly: “God needs us here.” The idea of Jews being “needed” strikes a sharp contrast against the typical portrayal of Judaism as a people obsessed with their own survival.
Obstacles to Jewish Unity
But what about when Jews can’t agree among themselves? Lio and Seth frequently return to this point: that the real challenge isn’t external, it’s internal. As much as antisemitism from the outside hurts, it’s often the infighting within the Jewish community that poses the greatest threat.
Ollie agrees. “We’re fighting this war talking to the West on secular, democratic values… meanwhile, the world we’re fighting in respects just two things, strength and God.” The Jewish community, he notes, is still afraid to fully own either of these. And without a shared understanding of both strength and spiritual purpose, they’ll continue to be at odds both with themselves and the world around them.
Ironically, non-Jews often seem to understand the Jewish role far more clearly than Jews themselves do. “They know it,” Ollie says. “They don’t like it, but they know it.” The responsibility therefore falls heavier on Jews to express and live out that identity, not just for themselves but for the world’s sake.
Unity
While the conversation touched on several important aspects of Jewish identity and global perception, much of it circled back to one central theme: unity.
It’s a theme that Lio and Seth have pounded on time and time again throughout their journey in TheJewFunction. From their first 22 episodes, the point has been clear, as Lio reminded us, “Time and again, history shows the same thing: when Jews are not united, we fall.” And sadly, October 7th was just the most recent tragic reminder of what happens when internal divisions take priority over national unity.
The divide in Israel leading up to that event was visible to everyone. Politically, socially, and even religiously, Jewish society was at odds with itself.
Yet when the attack hit, something extraordinary happened. The divisions melted away. For a moment, perhaps too brief, Jews embraced one another, realizing they needed each other far more than they had been willing to admit. Olly pointed out a story he had heard from an Israeli girl who was taken hostage. She overheard one of her captors watching the news of Israeli soldiers and civilians uniting in response to the tragedy. “These Jews are scary when they unite,” the terrorist said.
Seth added that, historically, every time Jews have allowed internal strife to fester, the consequences have been devastating. He referenced not just 2023, but ancient history, the periods leading up to the destruction of the First and Second Temples, the Spanish Expulsion, and even the dark days leading up to the Holocaust. “It’s the same lesson over and over again,” he said.
But knowing this isn’t enough. How should Jews actually achieve this elusive unity?
Reconnecting with the Core: Purpose and Responsibility
One of the solutions, Olly explained, lies in shifting Jewish identities from a place of “neediness” to one of being “needed.”
“I think the most simple way to put it is: Am I needy or am I needed?” he said. “The second you look at life that way, suddenly life is no longer burdensome.” Rather than thinking of survival as securing your needs, Olly suggested that Jews, and humanity in general, should frame life around fulfilling their purpose.
This isn’t about achieving personal happiness through material means or even selfish aims of salvation, but about realizing one’s role in serving the greater good of the Creator. “He needs us,” Olly emphasized. “We are here to partner with God in making the world better, not because we need it, but because He needs us.”
Jews have a responsibility not just to survive but to lead the world in a direction toward universal morality and peace, ideals that come from their unique covenant with God. Instead of shying away from this responsibility, Jews should lean into it. “It’s all connected,” Olly observed. “When we step into this role, when we understand why we’re here and who we’re meant to be, the rest can start falling into place.”
Yet, true unity won’t come easy. Seth and Lio pointed out that while awareness of purpose is a great first step, the real challenge will be translating that awareness into action. This shift has to happen not just on an intellectual level but within the fabric of daily life. How Jews treat one another, how they engage with the wider world, and how they balance their identity in modern societies.
Concluding Thoughts
Unity. Responsibility. And an unwavering sense of purpose. These are the pillars around which Jews can start building a better future, both for themselves and for the world.
But it requires courage. It requires a bold admission of who Jews are, not just defending themselves with earthly justifications but embracing a higher calling. Jews must realize that their role isn’t just to survive but to lead, to be a light, both in deeds and in spirit.
As Olly eloquently wrapped up, “The world knows who we are, even if they can’t say it, even when they pull away. But if we, as a people, embraced what we’re meant to be, they might start coming toward us instead.”
History has shown time and time again that when Jews aren’t united, both internal and external forces unravel them. It’s no longer a matter of “when” or “if” Jews should unify under a common mission. The time is now, lest history repeats itself yet again.
It’s a tall task. As Lio put it, “Let’s hope more people tune in and start realizing what’s at stake.”
Introduction
The world feels more fractured than ever, conflict dominates the news, mistrust fills public discourse, and everyone seems drawn to extremes. Yet amidst this chaos, some voices are searching for something deeper. Ollie Anisfeld, the London-based founder of J-TV, a digital channel exploring Jewish identity and culture, joined TheJewFunction Podcast to discuss his vision for Jewish unity, and why the Jewish role in the world still matters deeply in this unraveling global environment.
Ollie’s perspective on the Jewish people as an essential voice in the world comes from both personal experience and a broad understanding of history. His reflections are timely and relevant, especially in light of recent events that shook not just the Jewish community but the global stage as well.
The conversation with hosts Lio and Seth touches on a wide range of themes, from the October 7th attacks in Israel to the troubles dividing Jewish communities today. Through it all, the message is clear: a strong, united Jewish voice may hold solutions for more than just the Jewish people.
J-TV: A Response to a Quiet Crisis
Ollie’s quest to create J-TV came from noticing something unsettling: apathy about Jewish identity amongst younger Jews. “There wasn’t enough being done to reach people on modern platforms,” he recalls. It wasn’t just about preserving ancient wisdom, but making it accessible, engaging, and relevant for today’s generation.
His teenage years were marked by a deeply transformative experience. A trip to Poland that left an indelible mark on him. As his group walked through a tunnel of names, memorializing the many who perished during the Holocaust, the weight of Jewish history hit him like a wave. “It became real to me at that moment,” Ollie remembers. From then on, there was a fire in him, a conviction that something had to change.
J-TV was born from that fire. It’s not merely a media channel but rather a bridge, a way to infuse modernity with the depth of Jewish wisdom. And Ollie’s approach is simple yet bold: to make Judaism’s core ideas accessible not just to Jews, but to anyone who seeks to understand the Jewish contribution to the world.
The Jewish Role in the World: To Be or Not to Be?
One of the themes in the conversation centered around the role that Jews play in the world. Ollie is matter-of-fact: “The Jewish people are God’s chosen people. He chose us to be His voice to the world, to express His vision.” Yet he’s just as quick to point out that this doesn’t earn the Jews any special favor in the world’s eyes. In fact, it usually lands them in trouble.
The question that looms large, and has for centuries, is why? Why are the Jews, despite contributing so much to the world, always faced with animosity? Nobel prizes, groundbreaking innovations, global philanthropy, none of it seems to ever alter the suspicion or hostility others direct at Jews.
Lio brings an interesting perspective: “Maybe all the contributions we’ve made aren’t it. Maybe that’s not what the world needs from us.” He suggests that the issue might not be about a lack of visibility, but a misunderstanding of the deeper role Jews are meant to play.
Too Good at PR, or Not Good Enough?
Seth presses on with a question that often puzzles many within the Jewish community: “Why are we so bad at PR?”
Why, with all the media, all the political work, and all the efforts, does the world still see Israel, or the Jewish people as a whole, through such skewed and hostile lenses? It’s a frustrating reality. Jews, as Seth puts it, should theoretically be “exceptionally skilled at PR”, and yet every day brings a new controversy that frames them as aggressors or conspirators.
Ollie offers an insight: “We’re too scared to say who we are.” It’s not about designing yet another public relations campaign or meticulously crafting a message. It’s about authenticity, letting people see Jews for what they are and unapologetically sharing that truth.
The real work, as Ollie suggests, is in showing the world that the Jewish mission isn’t about domination or exclusion. It’s about partnering with God in making the world better for everyone. He puts it plainly: “God needs us here.” The idea of Jews being “needed” strikes a sharp contrast against the typical portrayal of Judaism as a people obsessed with their own survival.
Obstacles to Jewish Unity
But what about when Jews can’t agree among themselves? Lio and Seth frequently return to this point: that the real challenge isn’t external, it’s internal. As much as antisemitism from the outside hurts, it’s often the infighting within the Jewish community that poses the greatest threat.
Ollie agrees. “We’re fighting this war talking to the West on secular, democratic values… meanwhile, the world we’re fighting in respects just two things, strength and God.” The Jewish community, he notes, is still afraid to fully own either of these. And without a shared understanding of both strength and spiritual purpose, they’ll continue to be at odds both with themselves and the world around them.
Ironically, non-Jews often seem to understand the Jewish role far more clearly than Jews themselves do. “They know it,” Ollie says. “They don’t like it, but they know it.” The responsibility therefore falls heavier on Jews to express and live out that identity, not just for themselves but for the world’s sake.
Unity
While the conversation touched on several important aspects of Jewish identity and global perception, much of it circled back to one central theme: unity.
It’s a theme that Lio and Seth have pounded on time and time again throughout their journey in TheJewFunction. From their first 22 episodes, the point has been clear, as Lio reminded us, “Time and again, history shows the same thing: when Jews are not united, we fall.” And sadly, October 7th was just the most recent tragic reminder of what happens when internal divisions take priority over national unity.
The divide in Israel leading up to that event was visible to everyone. Politically, socially, and even religiously, Jewish society was at odds with itself.
Yet when the attack hit, something extraordinary happened. The divisions melted away. For a moment, perhaps too brief, Jews embraced one another, realizing they needed each other far more than they had been willing to admit. Olly pointed out a story he had heard from an Israeli girl who was taken hostage. She overheard one of her captors watching the news of Israeli soldiers and civilians uniting in response to the tragedy. “These Jews are scary when they unite,” the terrorist said.
Seth added that, historically, every time Jews have allowed internal strife to fester, the consequences have been devastating. He referenced not just 2023, but ancient history, the periods leading up to the destruction of the First and Second Temples, the Spanish Expulsion, and even the dark days leading up to the Holocaust. “It’s the same lesson over and over again,” he said.
But knowing this isn’t enough. How should Jews actually achieve this elusive unity?
Reconnecting with the Core: Purpose and Responsibility
One of the solutions, Olly explained, lies in shifting Jewish identities from a place of “neediness” to one of being “needed.”
“I think the most simple way to put it is: Am I needy or am I needed?” he said. “The second you look at life that way, suddenly life is no longer burdensome.” Rather than thinking of survival as securing your needs, Olly suggested that Jews, and humanity in general, should frame life around fulfilling their purpose.
This isn’t about achieving personal happiness through material means or even selfish aims of salvation, but about realizing one’s role in serving the greater good of the Creator. “He needs us,” Olly emphasized. “We are here to partner with God in making the world better, not because we need it, but because He needs us.”
Jews have a responsibility not just to survive but to lead the world in a direction toward universal morality and peace, ideals that come from their unique covenant with God. Instead of shying away from this responsibility, Jews should lean into it. “It’s all connected,” Olly observed. “When we step into this role, when we understand why we’re here and who we’re meant to be, the rest can start falling into place.”
Yet, true unity won’t come easy. Seth and Lio pointed out that while awareness of purpose is a great first step, the real challenge will be translating that awareness into action. This shift has to happen not just on an intellectual level but within the fabric of daily life. How Jews treat one another, how they engage with the wider world, and how they balance their identity in modern societies.
Concluding Thoughts
Unity. Responsibility. And an unwavering sense of purpose. These are the pillars around which Jews can start building a better future, both for themselves and for the world.
But it requires courage. It requires a bold admission of who Jews are, not just defending themselves with earthly justifications but embracing a higher calling. Jews must realize that their role isn’t just to survive but to lead, to be a light, both in deeds and in spirit.
As Olly eloquently wrapped up, “The world knows who we are, even if they can’t say it, even when they pull away. But if we, as a people, embraced what we’re meant to be, they might start coming toward us instead.”
History has shown time and time again that when Jews aren’t united, both internal and external forces unravel them. It’s no longer a matter of “when” or “if” Jews should unify under a common mission. The time is now, lest history repeats itself yet again.
It’s a tall task. As Lio put it, “Let’s hope more people tune in and start realizing what’s at stake.”