Middle East Press On: Turkey Military expansion in Syria, Judaism, Israel Bashing, and Antisemitism: New Age Islam's Selection, 2 April 2025
By New Age Islam Edit Desk
2 April 2025
· Turkey’s military expansion in Syria: A new threat to Israel’s security
· Birthright's rebirth: How the program has adapted post-October 7
· Oh, baby! Israel's high birth rate is a model for the West to emulate
· Israel's humanitarian efforts: Genocide perpetrators don’t aid other nations
· The assault on Judaism: How Israel-bashing and anti-Zionism fuel global hatred
· Can Turkish-American co-op lead to deployment of S-400s in Syria?
· Time for Israeli opposition to show its mettle
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Turkey’s Military Expansion In Syria: A New Threat To Israel’s Security
By Shay Gal
April 2, 2025
A Turkish drone penetrating Israeli airspace is no longer imaginary – by 2025, it has become a realistic threat. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s unprecedented statement on March 30, openly calling for Allah to bring “destruction upon Zionist Israel,” underscores that a direct military clash is inevitable. Turkey is already deeply entrenched near Israel’s borders, unlikely to leave voluntarily.
Following the Turkish-backed December 2024 coup in Damascus, Ankara has become Syria’s principal powerbroker, directly or indirectly controlling around 8,000 sq.km. from Idlib to Ras al-Ayn, dangerously close to Israeli territory.
This Islamist-oriented Syrian government, now openly allied with Ankara, is actively negotiating a formal defence pact to host Turkish troops and advanced air-defense systems permanently on Syrian soil, a move that would fundamentally alter the strategic balance.
Reports confirm that Turkey is already preparing air bases in northern Syria capable of launching drone operations, which could threaten Israeli airspace directly and severely constrain Israel’s operational freedom.
Israel’s strategic community, as indicated clearly in the Nagel Committee’s report released in January 2025, has identified Turkey’s deepening military entrenchment in Syria as potentially “even more dangerous than the Iranian threat.”
Brig.-Gen. (res.) Eran Ortal, former head of the IDF’s Dado Centre, echoes this concern, emphasizing Turkey’s advanced drone capabilities, sophisticated electronic warfare, and NATO-standard military training as critical risks to Israel’s national security.
Further compounding Israel’s challenge is Turkey’s overt support for Hamas, increasingly operating freely within Turkish territory. Senior Hamas operatives, including Saleh al-Arouri, have been coordinating terrorist operations from Istanbul – a reality confirmed by Israeli intelligence and reported widely in international media.
Moreover, recent intelligence reports from late 2024 raised concerns among US lawmakers that Hamas may have expanded its presence into Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus, exacerbating Israeli worries that Turkey might weaponize its proxies against Israel from these newly acquired forward-operating bases.
Notably, Turkey’s pro-government media, including Yeni Safak and Sabah, have reported intensified military cooperation with Syria’s new Islamist-oriented government, citing diplomatic and security sources discussing permanent air bases and drone deployments.
Erdogan's aggressive stance toward Israel
Senior Erdogan advisers have also publicly promoted inflammatory claims of alleged Israeli aggression, even urging readiness through activation of Russian-made S-400 missile systems, underscoring Ankara’s confrontational posture toward Israel.
Recent events significantly reinforce this threat perception. Erdogan himself escalated the rhetoric dramatically on March 30, explicitly calling upon Allah to bring “destruction upon Zionist Israel,” a statement described by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar as explicitly anti-Semitic and dangerous to regional stability.
Such inflammatory rhetoric, unprecedented even by Erdogan’s own standards, reveals a clear intent to mobilize nationalist sentiment at home, diverting attention from internal crises and potentially laying the groundwork for military escalation.
Erdogan's aggressive posture in Syria poses significant diplomatic and operational challenges for NATO. Turkey’s membership places the alliance in an impossible predicament should a conflict erupt with Israel.
Although Ankara could theoretically invoke NATO’s Article 5, key members – particularly the US, France, Germany, and Greece – are deeply sceptical of Erdogan’s recent provocations and breaches of alliance protocols. This internal division risks paralyzing NATO, undermining its cohesion, and potentially leaving Turkey isolated within Western strategic frameworks.
Erdogan faces mounting domestic turmoil, including soaring inflation above 44% and recent political upheaval, notably the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Historically, leaders under similar pressures have resorted to external conflicts as distractions. Israeli analysts fear Erdogan may exploit nationalist sentiment through increased tensions with Israel.
Given Erdogan’s ongoing struggle to contain massive internal unrest, exemplified by unprecedented mass protests following Imamoglu’s arrest, a calculated escalation against Israel appears increasingly plausible.
Turkey’s internal crisis reached a boiling point in late March 2025, following the politically charged arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan’s main rival. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in the largest anti-government protests in over a decade, accusing Erdogan of dismantling democracy.
Imamoglu, jailed under questionable charges and stripped of his academic credentials to bar his candidacy, continues rallying the opposition from prison, branding Erdogan a “tyrant.”
Erdogan's strategy and risks involved
Beyond domestic political distraction, Erdogan’s strategic motives include consolidating influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, expanding Turkey’s geopolitical leverage in NATO and vis-à-vis Russia, and asserting dominance in the Sunni Arab world.
Yet, Erdogan risks losing more than political capital. A reckless military adventure against Israel could endanger Turkey’s already tenuous hold over Northern Cyprus, occupied since 1974.
With Greece and Cyprus rapidly modernizing their armed forces through substantial Israeli defence exports – including Greece’s acquisition of Elbit’s PULS rocket launchers and Rafael’s Spike anti-tank missiles, and Cyprus deploying the advanced Barak MX air-defence system produced by Israel Aerospace Industries – any Turkish aggression could prompt decisive retaliation, potentially rolling back decades of Turkish military entrenchment on the island.
Such a scenario offers Greece and Cyprus historic opportunities. A weakened and distracted Turkey might lose control over Northern Cyprus, enabling diplomatic efforts by the EU and UN to end the occupation and significantly reshape regional geopolitics.
Erdogan’s Turkey faces growing isolation. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates distrust his ties to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, while Greece, Cyprus, and Israel’s strong alliance leaves Ankara with minimal regional support.
Russia currently acts as a reluctant stabilizer. Israel, despite longstanding tensions, quietly supports Moscow’s continued presence at Tartus and Khmeimim bases to counterbalance Turkey’s ambitions.
Nevertheless, Israel cannot rely solely on external actors. Immediate strategic adjustments are vital: defining clear red lines against Turkish incursions and bolstering air defence, electronic warfare, and deterrence.
Erdogan’s anti-Semitic statements, overt threats, and support for Hamas must be swiftly exposed to global audiences. A proactive diplomatic and media campaign emphasizing these dangers and Turkey’s NATO breaches is crucial to ensure international legitimacy for any Israeli response.
Ultimately, preparedness remains Israel’s strongest deterrent. History shows that the best way to avoid war is visible and resolute preparation. Analysts increasingly recognize that Erdogan’s posture toward Israel aims at reshaping regional strategic dynamics rather than seeking short-term tactical gains. Israel must publicly expose and proactively challenge Erdogan’s strategic ambitions.
The Nagel Committee rightly urges an urgent increase in Israel’s defence budget – up to an additional NIS 15 billion annually over five years – to adequately prepare the IDF for these emergent Turkish threats.
Erdogan’s regime has never been closer to conflict with Israel. With domestic legitimacy collapsing amid mass protests, Erdogan’s threats have become immediate and increasingly militarized. While open to dialogue, Israel must recognize that military confrontation is no longer a question of “if,” but “when.” Visible military preparedness, strengthened air defences, advanced intelligence, and proactive diplomacy are Israel’s strongest deterrents.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-848399
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Birthright's Rebirth: How The Program Has Adapted Post-October 7
By Doron Kornbluth
April 2, 2025
Of course, Birthright (known in Israel as “Taglit”) – the famous free, 10-day trip to Israel for Jewish youth – never “died” per se, and so needs no resurrection. However, this year – Birthright’s 25th! – marks a type of “re-birth,” nonetheless.
Since 1999, Birthright has been running 10-day free trips, offering an introduction to Israel and Jewish life. To date, over 900,000 alumni from 68 countries, plus more than 138,000 Israelis, have participated in its programs.
From being ridiculed (too expensive, not realistic, etc., etc.) when first conceived in 1994 by then-deputy foreign minister Yossi Beilin, the impact on Jewish youth has been clear and evidence-based. For a while, the program seemed so successful that many wondered where they would find students who hadn’t yet done the trip!
Birthright overcomes many challenges
Then COVID-19 hit. For two summers, trips were almost impossible. The impact lasted even longer; instead of having 40,000 alumni still in college to “spread the word” and “vouch” for the experience, there were far fewer.
And then, when things started to rebuild, came the October 7 massacre in Israel by Hamas terrorists. The 2023-24 winter season, which is always smaller, was cancelled; the 2024 summer season, in the midst of the war, was extremely small as well, for obvious reasons.
While attending a two-day preparation seminar this week for Birthright guides, I was happily surprised to learn that despite the war and the “matzav” (the situation), over 9,000 participants came to Israel in 2024. Under the circumstances, that’s not bad at all. The numbers for 2025 look even higher.
Why are students starting to come back on Birthright programs? There are many reasons. October 7 and its aftermath ignited the identity of many thousands of Jews around the world and coming to Israel is a natural result of that process.
Furthermore, since the crippling of Hamas and Hezbollah, and the destruction of Syria’s military capabilities, things in Israel seem much safer to Jewish students – and their parents.
One of the biggest reasons for the return of Jewish students and other young people is that Birthright itself has changed. No surprise there, since the creation of Birthright itself was a change.
Dr. Spencer Johnson taught the world this in his famed business book Who Moved My Cheese? (published in 1998, interestingly enough, the year before Birthright launched). Its main characters are two mice, Sniff and Scurry, who are so used to finding cheese in the same place that they struggle to adapt when it no longer appears.
The book’s main message is that change is inevitable, and those who adapt quickly and proactively will thrive; those who resist or fear it will struggle.
The idea change is inevitable and adaptation is a must applies to all areas of life, including Jewish education. For this reason, Birthright trips have changed. They now include an October 7 component, since the heartbreaking events of that day cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, new programs are being offered. Birthright’s new and growing volunteer programs are now bringing in roughly as many participants as its classic 10-day touring experiences.
Birthright's message has changed
Most importantly, Birthright’s very message has begun to change. Of course, there never was one Birthright message. Hundreds of different guides, and thousands of different groups, all had their own particular “view” of things. In the many group discussions on the trips, participants would share vastly different views. That is good and healthy.
However, historically, in most groups, there were certain themes that appeared regularly. Israel as the Start-Up Nation. Israel as the ultimate response to antisemitism and the Holocaust. Israel as the centre of Jewish peoplehood and Jewish history.
It wasn’t all about Israel, either. One central theme was that Judaism (and Jewishness) belongs to all Jews. These themes still appear in Birthright’s educational components, as they should.
However, I was happy to learn this week that a new theme has been added to the Birthright teaching repertoire: resilience. The message focuses not only on Hamas’s barbarism of October 7, but on the heroic response of hundreds of “average Israelis” on that day – and hundreds of thousands ever since. A nation of resilient citizens. A nation of heroes. A 3,700-year history of resilience. A strong, unbreakable, and idealistic people.
This message is national, historical, religious, personal, inspirational, and empowering: the Jewish people throughout history – and in their nation-state today – are the world’s teachers, examples, and role models of resilience. We bounce back.
As Birthright VP for Educational Strategy, Dr. Zohar Raviv, put it recently: “We must move beyond the mindset of ‘Never Again’ as a foundational identity-forming mechanism and embrace a more empowering, forward-thinking ethos of ‘Back Again.’”
The appeal of this approach is wide and promising. It acknowledges Jewish suffering but isn’t motivated solely by it. Its role models are not simply victims but individuals throughout history – and today – who moved beyond tragedy to give to their families, communities, nation, and the world.
It is a message that the Jewish world desperately needs in the face of open hatred, and that individuals need in their own struggles in their personal lives.
Too often, Jewish education has been centered on victimhood. Directly and indirectly, the story was about death. With hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza and Israel still reeling and suffering greatly from the massacre on October 7, it seems difficult, and perhaps even insensitive, to offer a simplistic “everything is great, Israel is the place to be” narrative.
With the message of resilience – the theme of the Birthright seminar this week – Jewish educators have new access to a deep, authentic, painful, yet inspirational theme: We are not just the People of the Book, but the People Who Come Back. It is an inspiring and empowering message, and we can only hope that – like Am Yisrael and Israel itself – (Re-Born) Birthright will once again reach its pre-pandemic numbers.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-848390
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Oh, Baby! Israel's High Birth Rate Is A Model For The West To Emulate
By Douglas Altabef
April 2, 2025
Israel is at war. Israel is riven with partisan dissent. Israel is crazily expensive, requiring both parents to work and grandparents to help rear their little ones. Oh, and yes, the number of people who left the country rose significantly last year.
If that sounds like a society in extremism, filled with self-doubt, if not self-loathing, you might be onto something, except for one revealing fact: Israel has by far the highest birth-rate among Western countries.
In fact, other than tiny Monaco and its disproportionately wealthy population, Israel is the only Western country to boast an above-replacement birth-rate. Ours is not just above replacement; it’s way above.
Replacement is deemed to be 2.1 births per woman. Israel’s Jewish birth-rate hovers just above 3 per woman and is now slightly higher than the Arab birth-rate here.
Our birth-rate is not just limited to the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community (whose rate has been slowly declining over the past few years) but represents an across-the-social-spectrum-phenomenon.
Three kids seem to have become the norm in Israeli society, much as having two kids was the norm in post-war America. No one blinks an eye when people say they have four kids, and even five sounds normative.
Why does Israel have a high birth rate?
What is going on? How does this happen in the face of almost unparalleled adversity and insecurity? By the way, births rose some 5% in Israel from 2023 to 2024, boosted by a 10% rise in the final months of war-torn 2024.
Is this some kind of social whistling past the graveyard or the widespread, willful suspension of disbelief? Or rather, is this a profound existential statement, a desire for the future, a cleaving to life itself, an act that reveals the depth and strength of the Jewish soul?
Why have those difficulties, prevalent across the board in all western societies, succeeded in derailing almost all Western family formation and then family growth, while here in Israel abortions are declining and single people and gay couples strive as well to have children?
Ultimately, I believe that the very existence of the phenomenon elicits reasons, explanations, and perspectives that might provide some light on it.
The question, therefore, is not just why a society would embrace childbirth but also what the embrace of childbirth says about a society?
What is it that Israelis, across the board, see in having and raising children that others don’t? Why would Israelis not be impeded from having kids or not be deterred by the all too obvious impediments and difficulties that having children represent?
All kids are cute, but they are also demanding. But what differentiates between having one kid and saying, “Well, we did it,” and having one and saying, “well, this is a great start?”
One thing I happily often notice is how involved, affectionate, and playful fathers are with their children. There is no reserve, no distance, no feeling that this is not something men do. Indeed, men do it, love it, and look forward to it. Children are not relegated; they are shared as an endeavour by both parents.
This willingness to enjoy children, this desire to participate in their upbringing, might provide some insights. They are the great project, the ultimate start-up. They are the canvas ready for the portrayal of the human spirit.
Is there something about being Jewish that leads people to have children? Well, in the United States, non-religious Jews are having children at the same below-replacement levels as their Gentile neighbours.
Does that mean that religious people find special meaning in having children? Perhaps, but less observant Jews in Israel are also having a multitude of kids.
Maybe there is something about living in the Land that was given to the Jews by God to be an eternal inheritance? After all, how does it stay an eternal heritage if you are not populating it?
As an oleh (new immigrant), I am more than prepared to believe that there is a spirit, a character, and a specialness to this place that enhances the desire to be part of it, to see oneself as a contributor to the ongoing saga that is living in Israel.
But I also believe there is a transferability from our experience of having lots of children. In other words, there is a “light unto the nations” aspect of our experience with children, and that light has to be able to shine elsewhere as well.
We have children hoping that they survive and surpass us and that they in turn will want to keep the party going with children of their own. Children represent the potential to make the world a better place. They are the ultimate tikkun olam because their efforts will continue once we are all gone.
Children represent the future
To have children is to welcome the future, hopefully one better than the present. Look at our amazing soldiers, the hundreds of thousands who proudly came to Israel’s rescue after October 7.
They came from somewhere. They bore the imprint of their parents, grandparents, teachers, and communities. We, their forebears, get some of the credit for their heroism and hope in turn that their heroism rubs off on their own children.
We are willing to be engaged. We want our imprimatur to last, and we believe that with all its problems, life is worth sustaining, replicating, and, yes, striving to make it better.
Israel is indeed an adventure. Perhaps when others see that we are encountering life, with all its difficulties and absurdities, as an adventure worth sustaining, then we can lead by example.
Perhaps that is too much to hope for, let alone to expect. But it is a great aspiration, right up there with wanting to have children, lots of wonderful children.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-848391
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Israel's Humanitarian Efforts: Genocide Perpetrators Don’t Aid Other Nations
By Cookie Schwaeber-Issan
April 1, 2025
Without hesitation, the moment another nation is faced with a devastating earthquake or other natural disaster, Israel is among the first to organize a rescue effort, a natural extension of its humanitarianism, stemming from the high value its citizens place on life.
In the past, Israel has provided relief assistance to nations including Peru, Turkey, Mexico, India, Greece, Armenia, El Salvador, and New Guinea. As far back as 1985, when two massive earthquakes occurred in Mexico City, an IDF relief mission travelled to the capital city with professional teams, rescue equipment, medicine, and tents to help the thousands whose homes had been demolished and extricate those still trapped under the rubble.
In 1988, a similar event in Armenia left thousands homeless, injured, or dead. Israel sent doctors and supplies to assist in whatever way they could.
When a bloody civil war broke out in Rwanda in 1994, the IDF flew a team of doctors and other medical personnel, as well as medical supplies, food, and clothing to help those in need.
Turkey, which today despises us, was also the recipient of Israeli help in 1997 when a huge fire broke out in several Turkish arms factories. In those days, the Turkish government actually turned to the Israeli Air Force, requesting assistance in extinguishing the fires. There was no delay in rushing our firefighting helicopters to aid them in the effort.
An Israeli organization called Eye from Zion, comprised of volunteer doctors, has provided emergency medical treatment in China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and the Maldives. In August 2015, the Eye from Zion went to Kyrgyzstan to perform needed restorative optical procedures, including cataract surgery, tumour removals, cornea surgery, and other interventions on 90 individuals, repeating the same volunteer service in 2017 in an additional 723 cases.
The United Kingdom, which today houses a large population of Israel haters, also benefited from Zionist humanitarian relief when in January 2016, IsraAID workers arrived to help flood victims, bringing blankets and food and helping in the reconstruction of damaged homes. IsraAID has also assisted Greece, Italy, and other countries with supplies, food, and medicine for a massive influx of migrants.
When deadly earthquakes occurred in Japan and Ecuador in 2016, IsraAID also proffered the same kind of humanitarian aid, opening a field hospital, child care centers, and mobile health clinics, including medical and psychological treatment.
That was a busy year because IsraAID also flew out to help in Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, following a devastating flood. In the same month, a 20-person team was dispatched to Italy after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake, which killed 290 people. Helping with temporary housing, food, and water, as well as grief counselling, there is no question that their presence was of great comfort to those in need.
Not to be forgotten is Haiti, which suffered a killer hurricane, also in 2016, destroying over 90% of the island’s southern portion. Israel was there, setting up clinics in the capital, providing needed supplies of every kind.
Tellingly, when my husband and I travelled to the neighbouring Dominican Republic for a vacation, not long after, upon examination of our Israeli passports, they waived the entrance fee for tourists and put us at the head of the line, giving us the VIP treatment. When we asked why they had done so, we were told that it was an expression of gratitude for all that Israel had done for their Haitian neighbours.
There are many more such stories, all of which can be accessed at the Jewish Virtual Library and from which I compiled all of these accounts. Each one is more inspiring than the next.
This time, it’s no different, after Friday’s massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake, in Bangkok Thailand last Friday, “crippling airports, bridges, and highways, with a death toll that is climbing, presently at 1,644 but expected to exceed 10,000, Israel is sending a delegation of experts to Thailand to help with search and rescue operations, including the commander of Israel’s National Rescue Unit and 21 additional officials.” (“Myanmar quake death toll passes 1,600, expected to exceed 10,000,” jpost.com, March 30, 2025).
Unfounded accusations at Israel
Now ask yourself, does all of this sound like a country guilty of committing genocide?
Can anyone really make a cogent argument that the same country, which wastes no time sending goods and medical teams to save the lives of people all over the globe, is guilty of systematically murdering individuals right next door?
The years of providing caring humanitarian aid are witnesses to a consistent commitment to saving lives, contradicting the absurd unsubstantiated claims made by ignorant haters of the Jewish state who possess no factual evidence for their libellous smears and ignore what is known by all of the countries who were the grateful recipients of merciful acts during their darkest days.
It is those nations who should be shouting the loudest in defence of Israel while it’s being accused of committing genocide by the International Criminal Court, South Africa, European anti-Semites, and the woke generation on American college campuses. Those countries have compelling stories to tell, which cannot be refuted since they lived them.
The most convincing eyewitnesses are those who received help from Israel in their hour of need. Now that we are in need, wouldn’t it be great if they could return the favour by coming forward to debunk the greatest bunch of lies, fabrications, and vicious innuendo that has ever risen up against the Jewish homeland since its inception.
Nevertheless, one thing is sure: Regardless of whether these countries take the initiative to be part of a coordinated major pro-Israel media blitz, you can bet your bottom dollar that if they find themselves in need at any time in the future, Israel will not hesitate to go to their rescue, yet again, because that is what we do.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-848387
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The Assault On Judaism: How Israel-Bashing And Anti-Zionism Fuel Global Hatred
By Gol Kalev
April 1, 2025
The Palm Beach Four Seasons Resort was the perfect venue for the Countering Antisemitism Summit.
Situated a short distance from the “Winter White House” – Mar-a-Lago – the summit, whose stated objective was to deliver actionable policy recommendations to counter antisemitism, included friends of the president and other influential Americans: philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.
The summit chose my book, The Assault on Judaism, as its official selection.
I argue in the book that we are in the midst of a rapidly expanding Western attempt to negate the idea of the Jewish state and, through it, to negate the idea of Judaism.
This assault is coming from Europe and its proxies, and therefore, my actionable policy recommendations were for US President Donald Trump to take two immediate steps.
Foreign policy: Countering the assault from Europe
The first is a demand that Europe ends its disruptive intervention in Israeli-Palestinian affairs, including its funding of programs and organizations that incite Palestinians against Israel.
Such European funding has contributed to the spike in antisemitism worldwide, as Western mindsets are indoctrinated that, once again, the Jews (this time through the Jewish state) are polluting humanity and committing hideous crimes. Such conflict funding should go down from billions of euros annually to zero. Trump has the leverage to make Europe do so immediately.
The second actionable recommendation presented at the summit was for Trump to extract an enforceable long-term pledge by European countries not to collaborate with any type of lawfare directed at the United States or the Jewish state.
As discussed in my recent Wall Street Journal article, Europe is challenging the US-led world order – which is based on American military and economic might – by creating a new power base: “legal might” – subjecting America to Europe’s legal discretion.
Those, along with other recommendations discussed in the summit and this column, were passed on to the president.
Paradigm shift: Countering the Israel-bashing ideology
Yet, it is important to clarify: Those recommendations are not “cures” to antisemitism; they are “conflict management” tools in the 2,300-year-old European opposition to Judaism.
Such opposition always followed the most relevant aspect of Judaism of the time. In our era, it is Zionism and the Jewish state.
While for over a decade, we have been arguing in the Judaism 3.0 think tank that Judaism is under a large-scale assault from the Israel-bashing ideology, October 7 provided funding, structure, and credibility to the assault.
Crafting a defence strategy requires new and different thinking, as our era’s attempt to eradicate Judaism differs from the last century’s.
It is ideological as opposed to physical. It is nuanced, committed by friends and foes, and no longer comes exclusively from Europe but also from its sphere of influence in the United States.
Therefore, the assault cannot be countered only through foreign policy actions. It also requires an ideological response, which capitalizes on the golden asset we have today that we did not have before: antisemitism itself.
For the first 2,300 years of the European-Jewish conflict, it was normative to openly hate Jews. Antisemitism was considered a legitimate European political movement in the late 19th century. Some data suggest that the majority of the French population at the time identified as antisemites.
Today, however, openly slandering Jews would end one’s career. Opposition to Judaism must be carried through the shield of Judaism 2.0 – the illusion that Judaism is merely a religion: “I am pro-Judaism, just anti-Zionism,” “I love the Jews, just oppose the Jewish state.”
Once there is a broader global recognition that Judaism has transformed and Zionism has become its anchor (Judaism 3.0), those carrying out the attacks would be deterred:
A US senator implying that the Jewish state is “a Pariah opposed by the world” (and therefore must be dealt with – whether through arrests, sanctions, embargoes, or siege) can only do so if he believes that by saying “Jewish state” as opposed to “Judaism,” he is protected from being perceived as an antisemite. As that senator soon found out, he was wrong.
The same goes for journalists, academics, influencers, and others partaking in the ideological assault on Judaism.
Attending the summit, Starr Haymes-Kempin, a member of the Judaism 3.0 think tank since its founding in 2011 and a prominent Palm Beach figure, commented: “Indeed, October 7 turned Judaism 3.0 from a thesis that we deliberated for years in corporate conference rooms and New York rooftop receptions, into a depiction of day-to-day life. Every American Jew feels it now.”
Slandering American Jews vs slandering Israeli Jews
But not everybody is aware of these Judaism 3.0 realities. Last week, another prominent senator, Jeff Merkley (D-OR), spread the Biden-era slander about “units of IDF that carry attacks on West Bank villages,” implying they should be sanctioned.
Had he suggested that American Jews in Hollywood are “carrying out sexual attacks on actresses” or that American Jews in New York are “carrying out financial crimes,” he would have been pressured by his peers to resign.
Yet, anti-Israeli slander is allowed, even though it is more lethal than slander against American Jews. After all, the International Criminal Court, European governments, and the UN are not targeting American Jews. Our era’s path to destruction of Judaism runs through the Jewish state (the “and then they came for me” moment has yet to sink in).
At the same time, Sen. Merkley and others partaking in the assault are patriotic Americans and are certainly not organic antisemites.
Once the senator’s milieu internalizes that the rest of the world is already in Judaism 3.0, he would likely stop his inadvertent assault of Judaism on his own volition. He would recognize that his inciting allegations amount to antisemitic blood libels that threaten the safety of American Jews, the idea of Judaism, and, by extension, the Judeo-Christian foundation of the United States.
As discussed in the summit and in my book, the founding of America was not merely about a physical exodus from Europe but also about emancipation from European dogmas. These included Europe’s chronic opposition to Judaism, which, in our time, is reaching new heights.
With the recognition that the threat to Judaism has shifted, this year’s Countering Antisemitism Summit, organized by the Palm Beach Synagogue, focused less on traditional antisemitism (the existential threat to Jews and Judaism of the 20th century) and more on Israel-bashing and anti-Zionism (the existential threat to Jews and Judaism today).
Just a short distance from the summit, at Mar-a-Lago, as well as in the White House itself, President Trump has been taking a series of bold actions to counter the unprecedented dual assault on Judaism: the physical attack coming from Iran and its proxies and the ideological attack coming from Europe and its proxies. For that, Israeli Jews, on the Left and Right alike, are immensely grateful.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-848452
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Can Turkish-American Co-Op Lead To Deployment Of S-400s In Syria?
By Basel Haj Jasem
Apr 02, 2025
The military developments that occurred in Syria late last year with the fall of the Assad regime, turned the situation upside down, not only on the Syrian chessboard but also altered alliances and centres of influence. The changes that took place in Damascus led to significant shifts in the regional and international power map. These changes affected not only the nature of the Syrian scene but also the relationships between key actors such as Türkiye, Russia and the United States.
Among the many other outcomes of these changes in the Syrian landscape, Syria was removed from the Iran-backed alliance in the region. As a result, Hezbollah became isolated and further weakened since the land corridor Tehran used to transport weapons through Iraq and Syria to its proxies, particularly in Lebanon, and its reach to the Mediterranean was severed. This had been a justification used by Israel for continuously targeting Syrian territories, but today, that justification no longer exists.
Meanwhile, media reports on Türkiye's return to the F-35 program suggest that the U.S. will return F-35 jets to Türkiye and reintegrate the country into the F-35 program, provided that the issue of the Russian S-400 missile system is resolved first.
S-400 crisis
Türkiye’s purchase of the S-400 missile system was one of the most controversial issues with the U.S., alongside the U.S. support for the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) and the PKK. Ankara decided to purchase the S-400 system from Russia after the U.S. rejected Türkiye’s request to buy the American Patriot missile defence system during Barack Obama's presidency.
The U.S. and NATO claim that the Russian system is "incompatible with NATO systems and weapons." Interestingly, Russia has previously sold S-300 missiles to several NATO countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia and Slovenia.
Recent reports show Washington's willingness to resolve the ongoing dispute with Ankara. Since completing the purchase, the U.S. has requested that Türkiye return the S-400 missiles to Russia, sell them to another country or commit in writing not to activate the system.
Since the issue extends beyond just a missile system, Ankara seeks to maintain a balance between Moscow and Washington, preferring not to risk its relationships with either side at the expense of the other. One of the most feasible scenarios that could be accepted by the three key parties is the deployment of the S-400 system in Syria.
Alternative to consider
The deployment of the S-400s in Syria could be part of a joint defence agreement between Damascus and Ankara, with increasing discussions recently about strengthening security cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. This could become more plausible as Israel continues to target Syrian territories, opening the door for further Turkish-Syrian cooperation in this context.
Observers point out that this scenario could be welcomed by all involved parties, as it would enhance Türkiye’s defensive posture against aerial threats, maintain a stable relationship with Russia during this sensitive time in Syria’s developments, and align with the security and military agreements expected to be signed between Ankara and Damascus. This is particularly relevant after the justification Israel used to attack Syrian territories, such as countering Iranian expansion or arms transfers to Hezbollah, making it no longer valid. Deploying the S-400 missile defence system could contribute to regional stability amid escalating Israeli attacks.
Today, it seems that Russian-Syrian relations are on the brink of a new chapter between Moscow and Damascus, one in which Russia’s previous support for the Assad regime winds down, and calls for the reconstruction of Syria independently of Western powers increase. It is well known that Russia supports Syria’s territorial integrity and opposes any separatist movements, a stance that Türkiye also strongly supports and emphasizes. Given all the above and many other reasons, Moscow may not oppose such a proposal.
However, all of the above will only occur after an agreement between Ankara, Moscow and Washington.
https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-ed/can-turkish-american-co-op-lead-to-deployment-of-s-400s-in-syria
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Time For Israeli Opposition To Show Its Mettle
Yossi Mekelberg
April 01, 2025
Let’s face it, unless there are some dramatic developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in a position to see out the full term of the current Knesset, which could last until the end of October 2026. The great manipulator of Israeli politics has successfully abused the power of his office to enlarge his coalition, meaning it is likely to see out its full term, although several commentators in his close circle have suggested that a general election might be held early next year.
The next election will be, without a shadow of a doubt, the most consequential in the country’s history — a last-chance saloon for Israel’s endangered democracy to end the occupation and take the path to peace with the Palestinians, as well as restore the sanity in the political and social discourse. Under Netanyahu, “the lie became the truth” and “war is peace.”
There are encouraging polls indicating that the parties that currently comprise the governing coalition will be sent to the opposition benches and that most Israeli voters are deeply dissatisfied with Netanyahu personally and his entire Cabinet. However, they are less clear about who they might want to replace him. Much of the blame for the present situation lies at the door of the opposition parties for not offering a genuine and convincing alternative in terms of leadership, courage or policies. This is particularly tragic considering how damaging, divisive and incompetent the current government has shown itself to be.
However, let us consider one of the steadily rising stars of Israeli politics: the former Israeli military deputy chief of staff retired Maj. Gen. Yair Golan. He has managed to unite the leftist-liberal political forces that won only four Knesset seats in the last election under a new name: the Democrats. And recent polls suggest that, should there be an election tomorrow, they would gain 14 seats. For now, this does not mean the party is best placed to form the next coalition, but its upward trajectory is impressive and Golan and his party are already well positioned to be a significant influence in the next Knesset.
The rise in the stock of the Democrats and Golan himself is the most refreshing news to emerge from Israeli politics for a long time. I recently interviewed Golan for the Chatham House magazine The World Today. He comes across, even in a virtual interview, as extremely affable and charismatic. But more importantly, he is presenting a clear vision of Israel’s future, should he become prime minister, and of the dangers and opportunities of the current turbulent geostrategic situation.
Golan is the most emphatic of all Israel’s Zionist party leaders in his support for a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians. His plan is more aligned with the idea of separation, which, given the current toxic mood of Israeli society, is a courageous position for any leading politician to even hint at taking with regard to the establishment of a Palestinian state living peacefully side by side with Israel.
Golan belongs to the Moshe Dayan or Yitzhak Rabin school of leaders favoured by Israel’s centre-left. Like his predecessors, he has vast military experience, which means that, even when such politicians are willing to compromise with the Palestinians, this is due to a pragmatic outlook and the belief that Israel has sufficient military strength to afford that position. They are less concerned with coexistence and reconciliation.
Golan’s reasoning for supporting a two-state solution is first and foremost because it would ensure the long-term security of Israel. He believes that good borders make good friends. It also did his reputation no harm when, on Oct. 7, as soon as he heard of Hamas’ deadly attack, he rushed to the scene on the Gaza border, even though he had been retired from military service for several years by then, and single-handedly saved lives.
While he still sees much of Israel’s relations with the Palestinians through the prism of a soldier, it also transpired from the interview that he is deeply concerned with the harm it does to Israel to occupy millions of Palestinians and how this situation would only worsen should Israel make it permanent through annexation. For him, “Israel must have borders, and not just physical borders but mental borders. People need to understand where Israel is and where it is not.”
None of this comes as a surprise to those who have followed his career closely. There always seems to be a moral compass that guides him and he is not afraid to speak up about that. While still second in command of the military, he delivered an exceptionally courageous speech that, nearly nine years later, appears chillingly prophetic. Golan warned: “If there’s something that frightens me about Holocaust remembrance, it’s the recognition of the revolting processes that occurred in Europe in general, and particularly in Germany, back then — 70, 80 and 90 years ago — and finding signs of them here among us today in 2016.” He called on Israelis to “nip the buds of intolerance, the buds of violence, the buds of self-destruction on the road to moral degradation.”
Golan is anything but naive and he knew at the time that, by speaking so candidly about the moral deterioration of Israeli society — and on Holocaust Memorial Day of all days — he had killed off his chances of becoming head of the military. But he was too perturbed by what he was witnessing both within the military and in wider society to stay silent.
The uproar following this speech was only to be expected. However, had more Israelis paid attention to Golan’s warnings, listened carefully and reflected on his words, the nation might not be in the mess it is in today. Now, its democracy teeters on the brink, its military is killing tens of thousands of innocent Gazans and settlers in the West Bank are terrorizing Palestinians. Golan himself last month became a victim of the current climate of police brutality when he was thrown to the ground by an officer during a peaceful demonstration.
Toward the end of the interview, Golan admitted that he has a tough task on his hands, but he is determined to succeed. His task, he declared, is “to convince the Israeli public that the left understands security and political conditions in the Middle East much better than the right. And since the right failed so terribly, it’s clear the alternative should be the left.” He added that Israel must be rid of all the hate and polarization that Netanyahu has deliberately sown.
Golan’s success would be a triumph for Israelis and Palestinians alike, but for that he must first do well at the ballot box and resurrect the Zionist left from the brink of oblivion — and that will be no easy task.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595563
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/middle-east-press/turkey-military-expansion-syria-judaism/d/135033
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