From Atheist to Believer: The Viral Post That Shook the Internet

Rap artist Yoav Eliasi (better known by his stage name “The Shadow”) describes himself as a “simple Jew” and shares how his perception of Judaism has changed over the years—especially after once identifying as an atheist.

In a post on social media, he writes: “I used to call myself an atheist. In recent years I’ve woken up to the realization that there is absolutely no way our nation — with all the hatred, self-blame, and enemies from within and without, could survive without the intervention of a higher power.”

He compares the Jewish people’s survival to a sheep living peacefully among seventy wolves:

“It sounds like a fantasy story about a young lamb locked in a cage with 350 hungry wolves trying non-stop to devour it — and failing again and again. Meanwhile, the lamb grows and thrives. That’s exactly our life in the Middle East.”

“God doesn’t work for you”

Eliasi explains what he believes is the core mistake atheists make:

“Trying to turn God into a human being is a mistaken concept, and a desecration. People who say, ‘I prayed and nothing happened,’ need to understand: God doesn’t work for you. Every atheist is actually a great believer — they just define it differently.”

He emphasized that human choice, not divine puppeteering, shapes reality: “In everything, good and bad, the choice between good and evil has always been in our hands — otherwise we wouldn’t be here today. And prayer is about saying thank you, not giving orders.”

“The story of Israel’s survival is unbelievable”

“I’m not telling you what to believe,” he writes, “but when you look at the State of Israel, its history, its fight for existence, and the internal struggle we have — you have to admit the story of our survival sounds impossible.”

He concludes: ​“Yes, I once called myself an atheist. Today I’m a Jew who believes in a higher power that protects the nation, its identity, and its right to exist — but the choices are only in our hands. And as I always say: there are no atheists on a crashing plane. Everyone finds someone to pray to.”

Although Eliasi does not define himself (yet) as fully observant, his faith-based outlook is unmistakable: “I love when people say, ‘I don’t believe in God because I don’t believe in what I can’t see,’ and then speak to me about proof of aliens or ghosts.”

He ends with a message about heritage and gratitude: “I’m the last person to tell you what to believe — just remember what your ancestors went through so your religion and tradition would survive. Every now and then, close your eyes and thank them. Sincerely, a simple Jew — or more accurately, simply a Jew.”