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This piece is presented in partnership with the Z3 Conference, coming up on Nov. 5 in Palo Alto.

For the past nine years, the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto has proudly hosted the Z3 Conference, an annual event dedicated to exploring the dynamic relationship between diaspora Jews and Israel. The next one is set for Nov. 5.

However, as I write these words, it’s been just over two weeks since we witnessed the deadliest day for our people since the Holocaust. In the face of an impending larger-scale conflict and a substantial surge in global antisemitism and attacks targeting Jews, the notion of possessing a secure and thriving sovereign state and diaspora feels uncertain.

Images from Israel bear a haunting resemblance to historical accounts. Do we genuinely possess a resilient homeland and a flourishing diaspora? Have we truly reached a new chapter in the narrative of the Jewish people that enables us to elevate our communal identity?

To this, I respond with an unequivocal “yes.”

While each year has seen the Z3 conference evolve in its themes and focus, one unchanging principle remains: The Jewish people are at a pivotal moment in our history. Even with our current, unprecedented crisis, we have both a thriving sovereign homeland and a flourishing diaspora for the first time in our existence.

We champion the idea that open dialogue about Israel and engagement with Israelis will forge stronger communal bonds and minimize discord. Talking openly about Israel will make us less polarized, not more polarized.

In simpler terms, if we can come together for passionate conversations and constructive debates, we can overcome any challenge.

Much like our JCC gyms help build physical strength through consistent challenging exercises, ongoing robust conversations and debates with diverse ideas and individuals will fortify our communal resilience and sense of identity.

When we emerge from the war, we will be stronger, more united and better equipped to face all of our challenges.

Z3 asserts that our extraordinary historical juncture empowers us to collectively enrich our personal and communal identities. We advocate for a fresh perspective: one that proudly embraces Jewish heritage and unwaveringly supports Zionism. This approach, we believe, will resonate with more and more individuals and communities, encouraging them to embrace these values and regard Israel and its diverse Jewish traditions as integral components of their identity.

In the months leading up to our current emergency, Israel seemed on the brink of civil war. For 39 consecutive weeks, demonstrations engulfed the nation. Yet today, the picture couldn’t be more different. Israelis from all walks of life are supporting one another in ways we had almost forgotten were possible. The major protest movements have transformed into central agencies that mobilize volunteers and resources nationwide to aid soldiers and civilians alike. These movements are also at the forefront of the campaign to secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas.

Meanwhile, in the diaspora, we have seen a resurgence of activism, engagement and support for Israel. In just two weeks, the Jewish Federations of North America alone raised over $388 million. This figure doesn’t account for the millions collected through other channels across the Jewish world. And support isn’t confined to monetary contributions. It extends to rallies, community organizing and countless initiatives that are providing Israel with crucial backing in governmental and professional spheres. The level of support is truly remarkable.

Of course, nothing can be 100 percent. Within Israel, there are segments on the fringes that seek to exacerbate the conflict, be it extremists within the settler movement attacking Arabs or Israeli Palestinians supporting Hamas. These are perilous, inflammatory actions that won’t contribute to Israel’s security or the well-being of its residents, either in the short or long term.

Similarly, there are small pockets of diaspora Jewish groups and individuals who, at a time when our people are fighting for their lives, do not stand in solidarity with their families and friends in Israel. Advocating for peace and de-escalation is one thing; propagating the false notion that Israel is engaged in genocide or ethnic cleansing is another. Engaging in debates during times of security and prosperity differs vastly from doing so when our people’s lives are at stake.

So, are we still in a Zionism 3.0 era? Absolutely.

Although it may not feel that way right now, Israel stands stronger, more motivated and more unified than ever. Similarly, diaspora Jewry is rallying like never before.

When we emerge from this war, we will be more united and better equipped to face all of our challenges. We will prevail, and the Jewish people and Israel will reach new heights.

This piece is presented in partnership with the Z3 Conference, coming up on Nov. 5 in Palo Alto. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of J.