I’ve always been an advocate for social justice, raising my voice for communities facing inequality and hatred, whether it’s people of color, LGBTQ, Ukrainians, or any other group that requires support. Krav Maga Experts has openly supported all of those causes without facing any backlash.
However, one KME member has left the studio because they felt we were taking a stance in this recent turmoil, and this time the stance is not in alignment with their ideology. While I’m saddened to lose any community member, I cannot apologize for my stance just as I have unapologetically supported any other group facing terror.
As I write this, my family is in a shelter because of continuing missile attacks around their homes. I’ve also learned about friends who lost family members, including babies, which is heart-wrenching.
Now it’s time to stand up for my own group and values. It’s time to support Jews and the Israeli people in their fight against terrorism. I do this with passion and pride as an Israeli.
I walk around the city wearing an “I stand with Israel” shirt. Some find it controversial, and others think I’m looking for a fight. Many asked me if I’m scared when I show my love for Israel.
I admit that I am scared of something. I’m not afraid of a physical fight, but I am afraid that I’m witnessing history repeat itself. I’m terrified that antisemitism is the only form of racism still allowed in 2023.
I won’t allow the world to make my children hide their Jewish identity due to safety concerns. I’ve stated “never again” in previous articles, and I mean it. “Never again” is now.
I’m not afraid to take a stand, but I am afraid of the consequences if I don’t. I won’t passively accept antisemitism or any other form of hate. This is why Krav Maga started, and it’s why we need it again now. I teach Krav Maga because it is my means of continuing to fight against all forms of hate, and to give a sense of empowerment and dignity to others. This is my legacy.
The acceptance of atrocities against Israelis by many in the Ivy League is concerning. It’s disheartening to see prestigious universities openly celebrating the massacre, rape, and kidnapping of Jews in the name of a “free Palestine.”
I, too, hope for Palestinian freedom – freedom from the terror of Hamas, freedom to live with dignity and respect, and freedom from the constant fear of war. This is what I wish for all people. Sometimes something amazing can be done by simply doing something.
Tsahi Shemesh
Founder & CEO
Krav Maga Experts
Thank you for taking a stand. Proud to be Jewish, proud of my family in Israel, and proud to be a part of this special, incredible community.
Thanks for publishing this, Tsahi, and for your longstanding work to stand up for oppressed peoples.
Bill Ackman, who has been publicly applying pressure to the Ivy League universities you mentioned which have failed to condemn antisemitism on their campuses, shared a nice post recently on how we can be both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian, while being anti-terror and anti-Hamas: https://twitter.com/BillAckman/status/1718382920518217968