The recent surge in anti-Semitic sentiment in the West has marked the end of a long period of relative safety and prosperity for Jewish communities. Many are seeking historical parallels to understand this new era, with some comparing it to the Holocaust. However, the author argues that the current situation more closely resembles the British Mandate period in Palestine, where Jews faced violence, unreliable protection from authorities, and constant obstacles to their security and self-determination.

During the Mandate, Jews contended with a 'three-ring circus' of hostile enemies, conflicted or indifferent authorities, and their own efforts to survive and build a future. Today, diaspora Jews face similar challenges: rising hostility, political and social isolation, and a reliance on governments that may not always prioritize their safety. Unlike in the past, today's Jewish communities are more integrated and less prepared to defend themselves independently.

The article warns that current trends in demographics, assimilation, and political support are troubling, and urges vigilance and preparedness as the future becomes increasingly uncertain.