Hebrew for '
unity'. From the word
achad, or '
one'.
Lack of achdut is often cited by commentaries and scholars as one of the reasons the Jewish people have been conquered by other nations. The devisiveness of Jews today is often used as criticism by others and as a call to action by leaders within the Jewish community.
Achdut is known to strengthen groups, but has also lead to their downfall, due to the cause for unity. Lack of unity caused the downfall of a generation before Abraham was even around. While lack of achdut has hurt the Jews, they truly brought destruction down upon themselves by taking it one step further.