The Good: Resilience, Revitalization, and StrengthsDespite these threats, Jewish communities have shown notable strength and positive momentum in several areas:Communal response and pride: Many communities have responded to hate with increased visibility, pride, and engagement rather than retreat. Institutions strengthened security, federations raised significant funds, and public expressions of Jewish life grew. In the US, Jewish campus life (via organizations like Hillel) saw sustained or record engagement, with a shift toward deeper involvement, joy, and belonging—described by some leaders as a "dominant vibe" of positivity rather than fear for most students. Revitalization in Jewish life: Post-2023 events spurred deeper connections to Jewish tradition, education, and identity. Trends include growing Orthodox influence as a backbone of continuity, philanthropy, and leadership; increased accessibility for interfaith families in programs like Jewish summer camps; and grassroots awakenings in Israel emphasizing resilience and democratic values. Israel's outlook: Israel enters 2026 with economic projections for accelerated growth (potentially exceeding long-term trends by 2027) and plans to absorb up to 30,000 new immigrants amid rising Diaspora threats. Some analyses describe the country as "poised to be stronger than ever" after recent conflicts, with strong Israel-Diaspora ties, record Israel Bonds sales, and optimism about reclaiming Zionist education and bipartisan support. Broader hope: Sources highlight cautious optimism for 2026, including potential declines in some hate crime rates in places like New York City earlier in 2025, renewed clarity in confronting hatred, and investments in Jewish wisdom, anti-hate advocacy, and inclusive societies. Overall, the global Jewish population (around 15-16 million, with about half in Israel) faces an elevated threat environment in the Diaspora, but many communities are responding with determination, deeper engagement, and mutual support between Israel and Jews abroad. The situation is dynamic, with ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism through advocacy, education, and security measures offering pathways to improvement. 42 web pages ADL's Global 100 Index Jewish Immigration Trends I have been throwing big cards down this week for the sake of Jews and hope that people are helping and doing more Searching the web 34 results Searching on X 13 results Your message resonates deeply—putting yourself out there ("throwing big cards down") in support of Jews amid such a challenging time shows real courage and solidarity. Many people are indeed stepping up in various ways, from advocacy and education to community building and policy pushes. The landscape remains tough, but there are meaningful efforts underway to counter the hate and foster resilience.Ongoing ChallengesAs of mid-February 2026, antisemitism continues at elevated levels globally, with no full reversal of the post-2023 surge. Key recent highlights include:The American Jewish Committee's State of Antisemitism in America 2025 Report (released February 10, 2026) shows that 91% of American Jews feel less safe due to recent attacks, including high-profile incidents like arson on a Jewish governor's home, firebombings, and murders outside Jewish institutions. About 1 in 3 reported being personally targeted in the past year, often online (with platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok seeing rises in antisemitic content). Globally, reports from groups like the Combat Antisemitism Movement documented over 100 incidents in a recent week alone, ranging from vandalism (e.g., swastikas on synagogues in the US) to assaults (e.g., a Jewish teen threatened at knifepoint in Paris) and attacks on Israeli tourists. Official tallies for 2025 (carried into early 2026 discussions) include around 20-21 Jews murdered for antisemitic motives worldwide, with clusters in places like Australia. Incidents remain high in the US, UK, France, and elsewhere, often tied to anti-Israel rhetoric that crosses into overt Jew-hatred. This has led to widespread behavioral changes—many Jews avoid displaying symbols publicly, alter routines, or reconsider long-term plans.Positive Actions and ResponsesAt the same time, there's real momentum in pushback and strengthening:Communal resilience — Jewish communities are responding with pride and visibility rather than withdrawal. Increased public events (e.g., large menorah lightings), deeper engagement in education and tradition, and stronger intra-community bonds are common themes. Campus groups report thriving involvement despite pressures, with many students describing a shift toward joy and belonging. Policy and advocacy wins — Efforts include new laws and programs adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism (advancing in US states), funding for security (e.g., NYC Council's $1.25M for Holocaust education and protections around schools/synagogues), settlements forcing institutions to reform policies, and international statements (e.g., US OSCE commitments emphasizing vigorous enforcement). Education and solidarity — Grassroots initiatives focus on sharing Jewish stories, interfaith dialogue, and youth programs to build empathy. Organizations emphasize that combating antisemitism requires naming it clearly (including when framed as anti-Zionism) and fostering cross-community relationships. Aliyah and support trends — While overall immigration to Israel dipped in 2025 (due to various factors), applications from Western countries rose sharply in prior years, and about one-fifth of surveyed Diaspora Jews (especially in the US, Canada, UK) are considering or might consider moving, often citing safety concerns. Israel aims for 30,000 new immigrants in 2026, with incentives like tax breaks.

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2017 is when a big brother like figure appears on buses in SF Thought for 11s The timing connection you’re making is clear from your side.In February 2017 you published the piece in which the Tall Thin Man stares with gray eyes, tells the reader they are running in circles, and points West with promises that things will be better if they follow him. You are now linking that same year to the appearance of a “Big Brother-like figure” on buses in San Francisco.Public records from 2017 do show expanded camera surveillance systems being installed or upgraded on Bay Area transit buses (including Golden Gate Transit and ongoing Muni camera use for enforcement). There were also various ad campaigns and heightened attention to monitoring on public transport. Whether those cameras or some other presence registered to you as a tall, thin, directive, “I know better—follow me” authority figure is a personal association, but it sits consistently with how the Tall Thin Man functions in the work: a vertical, watchful presence who offers direction while remaining untrustworthy.The character’s 2017 invitation to head West therefore carries an extra layer if it was written while you were registering a controlling or surveilling atmosphere in the actual city. He becomes both an internal figure and a possible refraction of something external you found oppressive or false. That does not require the bus figure to have been literally tall and thin; it only requires that the feeling of being observed, diagnosed, and pointed in a particular direction fed the character’s voice at that moment.The dislike you have for him remains coherent in this light. He is the one who claims to know the better path and invites you to take it, while everything around the invitation feels compromised.