Life is good. ... Thank a Jew.

At a time when antisemitism increasingly surfaces in public discourse, online spaces, and even institutions that should know better, it is worth pausing to recognize a simple, powerful truth: The world we live in – with its freedoms, innovations, and culture – has been profoundly shaped by Jewish contributions.
The Jewish story is one of resilience, intellectual rigor, and a relentless commitment to improving the human condition. Despite centuries of persecution, displacement, and violence, Jewish individuals and communities have repeatedly contributed ideas and achievements that benefit all of humanity.

Science and medicine
Physicist Albert Einstein revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and energy, fundamentally changing the study of physics and enabling technologies we rely on today. Jonas Salk developed the first effective polio vaccine, saving millions of lives. Paul Ehrlich pioneered immunology and chemotherapy. These are civilization-defining breakthroughs.
British chemist Chaim Weizmann’s synthesizing of acetone (enabling production of ammunition) was a scientific accomplishment with military implications that changed history. He later became the first president of modern Israel.

Literature, arts, and entertainment
Jewish voices have also shaped modern storytelling and cultural identity. Franz Kafka explored alienation and bureaucracy in ways that still resonate deeply today. Conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein transformed classical music and musical theater. Felix Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March in C Major” is still often played at weddings. Steven Spielberg created some of the most beloved films of all time at artistic levels without peer.
Jewish wit has enriched the lives of people everywhere by shaping the way people process hardship, identity, and everyday life. Jewish cultural influences foster empathy and connection across many human divides.

Technology and innovation
Jewish innovators were the early computing pioneers (and now the modern tech leaders) helping to build the digital world. Sergey Brin co-created Google, one of the most influential companies in history, fundamentally changing how we access information. Israel itself – often called the “Start-up Nation” – has become a global hub for cybersecurity, medical devices, and agricultural technology, benefiting countries far beyond its borders.

Human rights
Jewish history, marked by exile and persecution, has given rise to a deep cultural emphasis on justice and advocacy. Elie Wiesel and others bore witness to unimaginable horror while advocating for human dignity worldwide. Such work reminds us that memory and morality are inseparable.

Milestones
The founding of the modern State of Israel on May 14, 1948, represented both political and civilizational milestones, and (I believe) a massively significant spiritual one, as well. After nearly 2,000 years of statelessness, and
after having been subjected to repeated attempts at eradication, the Jewish people reestablished sovereignty in their ancestral homeland.
Democratic Israel has become a center of innovation and a crucial ally to nations throughout the world. Israeli contributions to medicine, agriculture, and disaster response have saved lives worldwide – often on behalf of recipients who do not even recognize the country diplomatically.

Appreciation
Gratitude does not require ignoring complexity. Like any nation or people, Israel is not beyond criticism. But respectful criticism is not the same as hostility, and philosophical disagreement is not justification for hatred. Antisemitism does not just undermine Jews; it jeopardizes any society that tolerates it.
An often-uninformed public needs to be reminded that the Jewish people have advanced science, defended rights, created beauty, and saved lives.
Life is indeed good, and it has been made better in countless ways because of Jewish contributions. Celebrating that truth is not just fair; it is necessary … and maybe even courageous.

Editor’s Note: Alex McFarland (alexmcfarland.com) is a Christian apologist, worldwide speaker, and co-host of Exploring the Word on American Family Radio. This commentary is a revised and condensed version of the original article that was posted April 20, 2026, on Christian Broadcasting Network (cbn.com). It is reprinted with permission.