A Greek-Jewish perspective on combatting hatred in Australia

As an Australian of Greek and Jewish heritage, I have long been aware of the parallels between Greek and Jewish histories, cultures, and philosophies that reach back into the ancient world. Today, as war rages in Gaza and as renewed conflict threatens in the Eastern Mediterranean, I am conscious of the long relationship between our two peoples and the importance of strengthening that relationship in the modern world.

Historical parallels: Greek-Jewish syncretism

The Greeks and the Jews have a long-shared history. We are syncretic cultures. Our worlds have melded for at least 2500 years. Our civilisations and cultures are watersheds in launching universal philosophical, legal, and political narratives. We argue and debate. We seek the whole wisdom, life, and peace. Also, we fight for survival, for ethnos, and nation.

Greek and Hebrew remain unchanged for almost 2,500 years.

Philo, the Greek Jewish philosopher, translated the Torah and Old Testament from Hebrew into Greek and imbued Jewish thought with Hellenistic values. Greeks were the only non-Jews to attend the Synagogue, a Greek word. Arguments and debates guide us both as people.

Greeks and the Jews traded with each other and influenced each other’s ideas. Zionism may be considered a modern-day concept, part of 19th-century nation-building. However, the notion of a Jewish homeland and Hellas has existed for thousands of years.

Moreover, Zionism, like Hellenism, in the modern context of ideas, sparked two Diaspora nations. And Zionism, like Hellenism, has its left, centre and right. Greece’s revolution in 1821 was a key influence for Theodor Herzl, the father of modern Zionism.