On: Israel’s right to exist

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has once again thrust the Jewish people into the spotlight, and for many, it’s becoming a catalyst for introspection. Across the political spectrum, in Israel and beyond, people are finally asking deeper questions about Jewish identity, the nation’s sovereignty, and what it really means to be “a light unto the nations.” Are we at a point where the Jewish community can seize this moment to reassess core values and address longstanding challenges, or is it just another crisis on the endless cycle of history?

Unity among diverse groups, the roots of antisemitism, and the moral duties of Jewish people were all up for discussion in a recent episode of TheJewFunction podcast. Hosts Lio and Seth welcomed Charles Moscowitz — sociologist, podcaster, and author of The Antisemitic Imagination: The Great Establishment Deception. Together, they tackled not just what’s happening right now in the Israel-Hamas conflict but what it might teach the Jewish people about themselves.

A common purpose

It’s no secret that the Jewish people often find themselves divided politically, religiously, and culturally. But despite their many differences, something remarkable is happening. As Charles Moscowitz pointed out, “Israel is very united today. The society is united, the people from all diverse political backgrounds are united,” referring to the surprising cohesion emerging in the midst of the conflict. In times of war, usually, divisions deepen, yet Israel seems to be showing the opposite effect.

Asked whether this unity was a temporary alignment due to crisis or a potential turning point, Lio reflected, “Maybe it’s time to reassess who we are. What we believe in as Jews.” Indeed, the tragedy and destruction faced by Israelis also bring an opportunity for collective reflection, a rare moment to define, once again, what the Jewish mission is, not just for Israel, but globally.

One of the key lessons from this emerging unity is how it showcases the strength of common purpose, even among people with vastly different political views. It’s a glimpse of what could be if these moments of crisis were channeled into long-term solidarity.

Israel’s Hard-Earned Sovereignty

“Israel does not have a right to exist,” said Moscowitz provocatively. “Israel achieved the right to exist through its own sacrifice.”

What does this mean? Moscowitz emphasized that no country simply has an inherent right to exist. Rights in this context are not handed out; they are earned — often painfully so. Israel’s right to its land wasn’t simply granted by others. It was achieved through wars, through the building of institutions from the ground up, and through the deep-rooted sacrifices of countless individuals.

This is an important distinction, Moscowitz suggests. By framing Israeli sovereignty as an achievement rather than just a God-given “right,” we can understand the weight of what has been built over decades and why it’s worth defending so fiercely.

Lio and Seth noted that when Israel became a sovereign state in 1948, it wasn’t like any other post-colonial nation entering into independence. Israel was ready. The project had been building quietly for decades. “It was like flipping a switch,” remarked Lio. “There was already an infrastructure, government institutions, all in place, ready to go.” Most other nations entering independence at that time couldn’t claim the same sense of preparedness.

Misconceptions About Israel’s Right to Exist

For some, Israel’s existence is framed as controversial. Even its mere “right to exist” is debated by critics and enemies alike. But as Moscowitz sharply clarified, this argument itself is misplaced. Nations don’t have a “right” gifted to them. They have to earn it.

“Israel achieved the right to exist. What does that mean? Its own sacrifice. It fought wars, it settled land, it built businesses,” Moscowitz explains. This wasn’t some international handout. No superpower was going to swoop in and give Jews a free ride on sovereignty. They bled for it.

And yet, misconceptions swirl. Some still argue that Israel was “given” this land via sympathetic global politics post-Holocaust. Or others insist Israel’s establishment came at the expense of Palestinian rights. But the historical reality paints a different picture, one of immense struggle and resilient nation-building, earned through hard sacrifices. The Jewish people didn’t wait for anyone’s permission.

What Does it Mean to Be Jewish?

As the conversation deepened, the hosts and Moscowitz turned inward. “Internally, we’ve forgotten the basic principles of what it means to be a Jew,” Moscowitz reflected. In his view, many Jews have drifted away from core tenets that once united them as a people.

“We need to revisit who we are,” said Seth. “Are we chosen just to keep surviving? Or is there more to it?” It’s not enough to wave the banner of Jewish identity, they argued. Jews might need to come back to their roots, both ethically and religiously. The question of being “chosen” often turns into a theological and philosophical puzzle. The hosts urged their audience to grapple with that question in the modern world.

One of the most poignant moments came when Moscowitz described the Jewish mission as being more than just to defend or extend sovereignty. According to him, the Jewish people were chosen as a “priestly sect” to serve a higher moral and ethical purpose, not to impose dominion over others. “Not to rule over people, but to serve,” he stressed. And this is where some have gone astray — forgetting or even abandoning those fundamental values.

The Antisemitic Imagination

Moscowitz’s book The Antisemitic Imagination touches on a harsh reality. Antisemitism is far from a relic of the past. It keeps returning in different forms, from the far left to the far right. “It’s almost like antisemitism gets used as this convenient joker card,” said Lio, “whenever things get politically tense.” Moscowitz agreed. In his view, antisemitism often becomes a tool for political elites to deflect attention from their own failings.

Historically, establishment powers have used antisemitism to distract populations or justify political actions. “They might say, ‘Oh, see, it’s the Jews!’ to shift blame,” Moscowitz noted. From medieval Europe to modern power structures, Jews have been made convenient scapegoats.

Sometimes, it’s less overt. As Lio pointed out, “There’s the healthier kind of antisemitism where people think, ‘They might be smarter or better at this.’ But the envy escalates, and that’s where trouble starts.” Moscowitz urged people to differentiate between mere grievances and deeply rooted hatred against Jews that persist within political systems.

Idol Worship in Modern Times

But antisemitism’s persistence is part of a bigger puzzle. Lio posed a curious question: What does modern idol worship look like today?

Moscowitz explained that in today’s world, idol worship isn’t carved figures, but instead, it presents itself as worship of the state or unattainable ideological utopias. Movements like radical communism or Nazism that sought to build a “perfect” world through violent means are modern-day manifestations of idol worship, idols we build from our flawed worldviews.

“Jewish history, by contrast, teaches us to aim for something higher,” said Seth. For Jews, this higher aim is not to rule the world or build a utopia but to serve a higher moral code established by an eternal Creator. It’s a call toward something more spiritual, and the constant challenge is to keep moving in that direction, even in the face of antisemitic myths or internal divisions.

A Positive Path Forward

Despite the gravity of the current situation, both Moscowitz and the hosts found reasons to feel hopeful. Israel’s ability to unite during times of crisis shows that, even in chaos, the Jewish people can come together. “We’re not just waiting for someone else to save us. We’re not waiting for an elected official, new laws, or anything,” Lio noted. “The answer is closer than you think.”

However, the work isn’t over. There’s still an urgent need for Jews to “wake up,” as Moscowitz put it, to the dangers of modern antisemitism, political games, and the allure of secular ideals that distract from deeper principles.

As the hosts concluded, the real solution may lie in something simple but powerful: embracing the light that Judaism offers. Not by preaching or forcing others to adopt values, but by leading through example. “Our lives should be the light. How we live is what they’ll see,” said Seth, summarizing a core takeaway of the discussion.

Conclusion: Toward a Unified Jewish Mission

The Israel-Hamas conflict has reignited discussions that go beyond geopolitical strategy. It has forced the Jewish people to ask: Who are we? What is our mission? And how do we unite not just in times of war but in peace as well?

As TheJewFunction podcast and Charles Moscowitz discussed, the Jewish path forward involves a mixture of critical internal reflection, reclaiming sovereignty as earned through sacrifice, and rejecting the idolatry of modern utopias. But beyond the theory and debate, action is required — small steps like living a unified, morally consistent life can make a global impact.

This isn’t just a lesson for Israel but for Jews worldwide. Whether on college campuses, in boardrooms, or places of worship, the Jewish people have a unique opportunity, and perhaps responsibility, to unite in their mission. And as Moscowitz and the hosts emphasized, the world will be watching.

Stay tuned with TheJewFunction to explore more in-depth conversations on topics affecting the Jewish community and global affairs. They are streaming important discussions about the heart of these issues — covering antisemitism, identity, and the potential for unity.