This simple verse marks a turning point in Israel’s fate in Egypt. Joseph was Pharaoh’s prime minister, who reached heights unheard of before that. 

From now on, Israel will suffer from what could be read as the first anti-Jewish manifesto: “Look, says the new king, the Israelite people are much too numerous for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase. Otherwise, in the event of a war they may join our enemies in fighting against us and rise from the ground” (1:9-10). Israel is enslaved and with that the possibility of liberation is offered. 

That echoes what Haman will say to King Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther (3:8): “There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws. And it is not in Your Majesty’s interest to tolerate them.”

Our history is replete with rulers who see us as a fifth column, as too numerous, as completely alien, unable to be part of the larger group. Antisemitism kills again — and I come from a country, France, where this has been a reality for the last decade. However assimilated we feel, there is always a moment when our presence is questioned. 

This is why we need to be constantly vigilant and alert. But we also need to remind ourselves that we have many friends, that we live in solid democracies that value diversity and difference. Jews can only thrive in open societies alongside other minorities. 

We cannot allow anyone to weaponise Antisemitism for ulterior political motives, as it is a disservice to our community. We have a strong, positive and ethical message to pass on to the world: diversity is good, it is in God’s plan for humankind; life is sacred, and each of us deserves love and compassion. We are all human beings embarked on the same journey, facing the same challenges, and this shared humanity is our common precious gift.