• The key to success: Simple: nonpartisanship, in the most partisan town. “We have very deep connections with the leaders of Congress from both parties in both houses and with administrations of either side,” Rabbi Shemtov said. “Many people who normally wouldn’t find themselves in the same room do so at our events. It gives people a rare politically transcendent opportunity where party submits to the mission at hand.”
• Early relationships with global Muslim leaders: Long before the Abraham Accords, Rabbi Shemtov nurtured relationships with Gulf and Saudi leaders. “I have found that an honest presentation of our essence is invariably met with respect as well as curiosity in the Muslim world,” the rabbi explains. “When we try to be overly apologetic, it doesn’t make as much of an impact as when you present things from a religious and historic perspective and the mutual benefits of peace between peoples – and I’ve been told this by many senior royals in the Gulf region and their diplomatic representatives.”
• A different approach to anti-Semitism: While he doesn’t minimize the dangers, Rabbi Shemtov suggests that if Jews are proud of their faith, know more about it, and are not afraid to display their Jewishness, they can better overcome anti-Semitic hatred.
• ‘Semitism’: “One of my main lines is that the greatest antidote to anti-Semitism is an informed and robust ‘Semitism,’” the rabbi explains. “We have to know and remember who we are. We have to give our young people pride in what it means to be a Jew, and the only way to do that is to teach them what a Jew really is.”
• Okay. So what does being a Jew mean in a proactive sense? “First, I tell them that they’re part of the chosen people and there’s no reason to apologize for it. Second, my father taught me that we’re not chosen to be privileged, but we are privileged to be chosen. It comes with the responsibility to live beyond yourself and make sure the world is a better place.”
• And one more thing: ‘Third, I tell young people, not to be afraid. The one directive we receive in the Torah more often than any other is not to be afraid.”
• Is Rabbi Shemtov optimistic about the Jewish future? “I sleep quite well when I think about Jews who are engaged. Since they have a deep sense of who they are and why, they are more inoculated regarding the onslaught of anti-Semitism. Those who are not affiliated, educated or observant, I feel, are much more susceptible to the virus of anti-Semitism.”
• Jews returning home: “We are living in very good times in terms of our renewed strength,” the rabbi concludes. “Our attendance numbers are through the roof, both in Washington and those of our colleagues, because so many Jews are re-embracing who they are.”

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