Not much is happening in the Noahide world here in the UK. This post is an attempt to set things in motion.
The world has changed since 7 October 2023. It is not exactly like August 1914 or September 1939 but the change is very serious and similar in that the world is clearly starting to move in a different direction where former assumptions and certainties are no longer viable. Where we are going and what the final outcome will be are debatable, but it is quite clear that both Medinat Yisrael and Am Yisrael are under attack in a way which has not been the case since the 1940s. Israel has been at war before, and terrible things have happend, but has been able to count on the civilised world's sympathy and support. This not the case now, as can be seen in the spate of anti-Israel demonstrations across Europe, the US and elsewhere, and the feebleness of government support for an important ally. There has always been a hidden hatred of Jews, certainly in Europe, but now it has become open, vocal and even fashionable. Yet again the official response is weak and vacillating with much talk of "tolerance" - as if no one knows where anti-semitism leads!
As Noahides we are totally indebted to the Jewish nation for keeping alive the Jewish faith and passing it on from generation to generation and we depend on sympathetic Rabbis for our continued study of Torah. Noahides would be completely lost without considerable Jewish support. In fact our situation would be hopeless. Surely, it is a mitzvah for us to give strong support to the Jewish people in the current situation.
I propose that Noahides in the UK start by in a coordinated way publicly supporting both Israel and (with their permission) our own resident Jewish communities - remembering that individual congregations may wish to be left alone. This support may take various forms, and frustration, disappointment and rejection may ensue, but if I am right that this is a mitzvah for us (and if someone knows better, please say) we will do it because it is HaShem's command to defend the innocent from violence, be it physical or verbal. We should join in counter demonstrations against the mobs of liars, bigots and ignoramuses, offer our services as volunteers to such Jewish organisations as accept help, attempt to secure interviews on the media and so on. And always making it clear that we are involved, not because we are good people (although I hope we are), but because we are truly Jewish by faith, though not by race, and are commanded to keep HaShem's Laws.
There is so much more to be said but I want to keep this brief and set the ball rolling and I would welcome responses. Some people may be taking action already: please say what you are doing. People outside the UK may recognise in my description their own national circumstances - are Brittons particularly slothful and inactive? Please say what is happening elsewhere.
HaShem's blessing on the Jewish people, their Rabbis and the IDF - I wish you a speedy and complete victory over Hamas and all your enemies. And HaShem's blessing on the world's Noahides.
Thank you everyone for replying, and thank you Sarah for your follow up letter.
There was successful resistance to the demonstrations in London in very respectable East Finchley where the Phoenix, a well loved local cinema, dared to show the explicit documentary of the October 7 massacre as part of a festival of Israeli films organised by Seret and UJIA. A mob of about 50 tried to prevent the screening. A counter-demonstration of 2000 (presumably) local people was able to ensure the performance went ahead. Unfortunately, some anti-Israel demonstrators returned later and besmeared the entrance with the meaningless slogan: "Say No To Art Washing", which reads like the work of silly students rather than vicious Islamists. The Phoenix was built in 1910 and one hopes will withstand this indignity.
London Noahides should have been there - I wasn't, in fact I didn't even know there was an Israeli film festival in London. This is giving me much to think about - not least that awareness of Jewish secular activities is also required. More on this subject in the next few days.
HaShem's Peace and Blessings on you all.
Nicholas