If apathy breeds complacency, nothing ignites a fire quite like the recognition that our survival is at stake. October 7 has generated a powerful sense of urgency and motivation in the Jewish community – not seen in many years.

I’ve been involved in Jewish and Israeli activism for decades. Throughout my philanthropic career, I’ve witnessed the ebb and flow of community involvement. From the ever passionate to the occasionally engaged and one-time donors, the Jewish community’s taste for proudly standing up and taking action wavers with the times. Yet, this past year has been unlike any other period I have seen.

For the first time, I’ve observed an unprecedented surge in passion, commitment and determination. This renewed vigor is a promising sign for the future of Jewish life both in Israel and in the Diaspora. My optimism, however, comes with trepidation. Can we turn this extraordinary energy into real impact, or will it fade?

Here’s how we got there and what we can do.

1. A legacy of comfort and complacency

Our post-Holocaust generation(s) lived in a time of newfound Jewish engagement. Organizations like the Jewish Federations of North America, ADL and AJC thrived. Despite conflicts like the Six-Day and Yom Kippur Wars, antisemitism in America seemed to wane. “Never Again” felt sufficient.

This sense of security led to complacency. Beneath the surface, antisemitism festered, promoted not only by white supremacists but also by the Islamo-Leftist alliance. The latter exploited this comfort, advancing radical agendas in universities, media and politics. Many in the Jewish community refused to acknowledge the growing threat, particularly from their perceived allies on the far left.

2. A new awakening to persistent threats

The atrocities of October 7 were a wake-up call. Rabid antisemitism exploded on the streets of major cities, college campuses became hostile, and social media amplified hateful propaganda funded by misguided sympathizers, including self-hating Jews, as well as foreign actors.

The Jewish community now realizes that antisemitism isn’t a relic of the past but a current and urgent danger. October 7 may not be another Holocaust, but its impact will resonate for generations. Today’s advocates are required to be strategic, drawing on lessons from history to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

3. The Jewish support for Israel is as strong as ever

Contrary to the mainstream media’s obsession with the anti-Zionist fringe, the Jewish support for Israel remains robust, strategic and deeply organized. Groups like “Jewish Voice for Peace” attract media attention, but they represent a tiny fraction of the Jewish community. The overwhelming majority of Jews stand firmly behind Israel – 85% of American Jewish adults believe U.S. support for Israel is crucial post-October 7, and 57% feel a stronger connection to Israel and their Jewish identity since the attacks. Meanwhile, groups such as “Queers for Palestine” and “If Not Now” make headlines, but don’t achieve anything meaningful.

4. Affluent Jews have the means, but they search for impact

Since October 7, wealthy Jewish Americans, who traditionally donated to institutional giants, are now searching for effective, scalable ways to combat Jew-hatred. They’re convening, brainstorming and investing in strategies that include legal action, traditional and social media, influencing elections and building alliances with Christians, African Americans and others.

However, these philanthropists often lack the time or expertise to identify effective, smaller nonprofits making a real impact. They rely on institutional gatekeepers, who often overlook innovative organizations and ideas. This disconnect needs to be bridged.

5. Young Jews have the will. They need a way to engage

The Impact Forum, which I co-founded in Los Angeles in 2017 to convene a community of philanthropists who together empower and mobilize nonprofits, has seen unprecedented growth since October 7. Young Jews are gathering not just to show solidarity but to take meaningful action.

The challenge ahead is ensuring that this energy is harnessed strategically. New philanthropists must align with proven efforts and established organizations to maximize their impact. Platforms like the Impact Forum provide the structure to guide this momentum.

Still, too many young Jews remain glued to their phones, doomsurfing. Now is the time to step up: to get involved, support effective initiatives and fight for our future. The resilience and determination I have witnessed since October 7 should infuse the Jewish people with hope and optimism for the future. And we must not waste this moment.

With the right direction and philanthropic expertise, the determination of today’s Jewish community will lead to a more vibrant and secure future for the Jewish people.

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Adam Milstein is an Israel-American “Strategic Venture Philanthropist.” He can be reached at adam@milsteinff.org, on Twitter and on Facebook.

This content is sponsored by the Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation.