On Sunday, the JC presented Israeli president Isaac Herzog with our Am Echad (“One People”) award for his contribution to Jewish unity. President Herzog was generous in speaking of his “great regard for the Jewish Chronicle and its iconic role, not just in the modern history of the Jews of the UK and Jews around the world but of modern Jewish history, period.”

There is no more important cause for our people than unity – or more deserving an honouree. Unity has been crucial to our survival throughout history but now, as Israel fights to defend itself from terror, unity is the essential foundation of that defence.

The threat is directed not just through bombs and rockets targeted at Eretz Yisrael itself but across the planet, in campaigns against the Jewish state, against its right not just to defend itself but to exist, and against the Jewish people. Antisemitism has surged in the wake of the October 7 massacre. In response, we must stand together.

As we have seen all too clearly since October 7, when we attack each other, whether from camps on the left or the right, observant or secular, we only give succour to our enemies. It is vital, as Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said at the same JC event on Sunday, that every Jew gives “unequivocal support” to Israel. Our homeland, he said, is fighting not just in its own defence but is “on the frontline” for civilisation itself.

This, of course, is not the same as supporting any particular politician. When tempers are high, this can be a difficult distinction to make. But it is vital that our sense of togetherness is not lost even as we engage in the most passionate debate. The President has been exemplary, conistently raising his voice for compromise and solidarity.

When we do not stand united, we undermine everything Israel is fighting for.