Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch Declares End of American Jewry's Golden Age
US religious leader blames Netanyahu's far-right policies for rising anti-Zionism and antisemitism.
1End of an Era
Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch has declared the end of the 'Golden Age of American Jewry' in a recent sermon. He argues that the era defining the lives of Baby Boomers and Gen X is over. Hirsch suggests that American Jews must now confront a new, turbulent reality in public life.
2Criticism of Netanyahu
Hirsch explicitly blames Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 'right-wing messianism' for eroding support for Israel. He highlights that religious-nationalist politics and West Bank lawlessness have fueled significant opposition. These policies, according to the rabbi, have alienated former allies and contributed to a hostile environment for Jewish communities in America.
3Rising Anti-Zionism
The rabbi expressed deep concern over the normalization of anti-Zionism within American public institutions. He cited specific political figures and rhetoric that equate liberal Zionists with extremists. Hirsch warns that this ideological shift is not merely critical of Israeli policy but is fundamentally opposed to the existence of Israel.
4West Bank Violence
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs documented over 2,060 settler attacks between early 2026 and October 12. These incidents resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and property damage across 300 communities. Hirsch identifies this ongoing 'lawlessness' as a primary driver of the deteriorating international perception of Israeli state conduct.
5Political Realignment
Following the US midterm elections, Hirsch urged Jewish leaders to conduct a searing reassessment of their traditional political alliances. He argues that organizations can no longer rely on past bipartisan support. The rabbi advocates for building broader, more realistic coalitions to navigate a landscape where antisemitism has become increasingly normalized.
6Symbolic Turning Point
While the erosion of the Golden Age was a gradual process, Hirsch marks October 7, 2023, as its symbolic end. He notes that Jews were previously respected and overrepresented in many societal fields. Now, he believes the community is reverting to a historical norm characterized by increased social and political turbulence.
7Provocative Religious Sites
Tensions have been exacerbated by visits from senior Israeli officials to sites sacred to both Muslims and Jews. In September 2026, Netanyahu visited tunnels beneath the Old City of East Jerusalem. Such actions, alongside rituals performed by settlers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, continue to serve as major points of contention.
8Future Outlook
Hirsch warns that the coming years will be fateful for the American Jewish community. He stresses the need for humility and smarter strategic planning in political engagement. By acknowledging the failure of past progressive alliances, he calls for a pragmatic approach to ensure the community's security in a changing political climate.
Original article: Middle East Eye — Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch Declares End of American Jewry's Golden Age