Why does the Torah demand empathy toward Egypt, yet insist on the eternal memory of Amalek? In this reflection on Parshat Ki Teitzei, we explore Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ insights on rational fear versus irrational hatred. Because Amalek—the timeless archetype of antisemitism—attacks out of pure malice rather than reason, it cannot be cured through debate or appeasement. Confronting this groundless hostility requires a total shift in posture: replacing passivity and self-doubt with unshakeable pride, moral clarity, and unwavering self-respect.