I forever doubt the efficacy of apologies.
Let alone those for Jew hate.
Such sentiments, often forced and therefore false, are simply admissions of presumed guilt and failure.
Meanwhile, any expression of regret for perceived wrong deeds or words, be they private or on a vast public scale, change nothing as the wrongdoing forever scars the memory of the victim, no matter the passage of time.
I consider this on the back of last week's report from the Combat Antisemitism Movement that noted there had been more signatories to the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and against the anti-Israel Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement even as both evils continue to rise and explode like missiles in a war zone.
I've also thought hard about it again today as it was reported that UK communal leaders have complained that Israel could do more to help them fight antisemitism.
What?
Israel's first job is to care for its own citizens, who include a fair proportion of non-Jews and a presently soaring influx of refugees fleeing the Ukraine Russia war.
It's very nice when Israel's government and civil service have the physical and financial resources to help the Diaspora as we enjoy an important symbiotic relationship.
But as I write, Israel is coming to grips with the start of a new terror wave already being likened to the Second Intifada.
It was predicted some weeks ago that Israel's neighbouring foes would strive to deflect attention from events in eastern Europe back to themselves - and that's exactly what has happened.
In the past week, 11 Israelis have been murdered in terror attacks, two of them Ukrainians; another two were 19-year-old Border Police officers and the oldest victim was a year my junior, aged 67.
So as the panelists at the World Zionist Organisation-hosted event expressed a 'clear commitment to Israel', I urge them to stop special pleading and to focus instead on the following who will never again be able to speak for themselves:
Laura Yitzchak, 43.
Moshe Kravitzky, 50.
Doris Yahbas, 49.
Menachem Menuchin Yechezkel, 67.
Yazan Falah, 19, Border Police Officer.
Shirel Abukarat, 19, Border Police Officer.
Amir Khoury, 32, Police Officer.
Ya’akov Shalom, 36.
Rabbi Avishai Yehezkel, 29.
Victor Sorokopot, 38.
Dimitri Mitrik, 23.
Sorry to have bothered you.
But you know how it is.
© Natalie Wood
30 March 2022