Dr. Rafael Medoff, in his new book The Road to October 7, explores the historical roots of the October 7 attack, tracing centuries of anti-Jewish violence and the role of education in perpetuating hatred. Medoff draws parallels between medieval pogroms, Nazi indoctrination, and modern-day Palestinian Authority and Hamas educational systems, arguing that children are taught to hate and commit violence against Jews. He highlights the phenomenon of 'trophy victims' and the use of technology to broadcast atrocities, connecting these acts to a long tradition of dehumanization.

The book also examines responses from American organizations and universities, noting a pattern of indifference or bias toward antisemitism, both historically and in the aftermath of October 7. Medoff criticizes certain feminist groups for failing to condemn the attacks on Israeli women, suggesting that political biases have overridden their stated principles. Despite the grim history and recent events, Medoff expresses cautious optimism, pointing to Jewish resilience and the existence of a strong Jewish state as signs of hope.