Essay from Afar

Essays From Afar: 700 Days of the Diaspora Experience Since October 7

In the wake of October 7, 2023, Jewish life across the globe changed forever. From Toronto to Tel Aviv, from dinner tables to boardrooms, the echoes of that day have shaped how Jews see themselves and how the world sees them.

In this searing and deeply personal collection, Adam Hummel gathers more than 700 days of reflections, essays, and observations first published in his Catch: Jewish Canadian Ideas Substack. With clarity, conviction, and a voice both rooted in tradition and unafraid of hard truths, he captures the anguish, resilience, and hope of the Jewish Diaspora during one of the most turbulent chapters in modern history.

Essays From Afar is not just a chronicle of events. It is an exploration of identity, belonging, and responsibility. It challenges readers to grapple with antisemitism’s resurgence, the complexities of Israel-Diaspora relations, and the enduring strength of Jewish peoplehood.

For Jews and non-Jews alike, this book is a call to bear witness, to reflect, and to stand firm in the face of uncertainty. It reminds us that while the diaspora may be “afar,” its voice, spirit, and destiny remain inextricably bound to the heart of Israel and the survival of the Jewish people.