Trying to process his own emotions, Mustafa, who now goes by Ariel, reached out to a Jewish friend who recommended that he speak to a rabbi. Thus began Ariel’s journey to Judaism. Currently, Ariel is studying for his Orthodox conversion and planning to move within walking distance of a synagogue.
He explains, “I did a lot of research because I couldn't understand why I wanted to convert, why I felt connected to the Jewish people, why I felt connected to God through the Jewish people. Now, I would say that I had a Jewish soul all along, and that’s what really pushed me.”
Ariel is one of a growing number of non-Jews who were drawn to Judaism in the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas massacre and the rise in antisemitism around the world. Ariel says, “I'm not the only one, because when I speak to other people, instead of scaring us, October 7th really only just hardened our resolve.”
The evil they witnessed on October 7th propelled these converts to bring more good into the world and to seek out God. Ariel continues, “We just had to move forward, knowing that God is behind us, and if He's with us, then who could be against us? So I just went for it and it's been the best decision of my life. I have never been more satisfied and more happy.”
Though Ariel encounters plenty of antisemitic sentiments from his friends, he says, “I deal with antisemitism through education. Antisemitism is a fear, it's a phobia of what people don't understand, or what people sometimes don't want to understand.” He speaks of seemingly educated people who believe ridiculous blood libels. When confronted with facts, some of his friends recognize the truth and apologize, while others stubbornly cling to their irrational fears. “Sometimes, no matter what you say, people are still going to hate you,” he concludes.
Read the full article: https://aish.com/a-surge-of-converts-to-judaism-after-october-7th/
