The American Jewish Community and Israel’s National Security

Lt. Col. (res.) Shahar Eilam

 

What is the connection between American Jewry and Israel’s national security?

American Jewry was instrumental in the establishment of the State of Israel and continues to contribute to its development, security, and robustness – through strong bilateral relations; contributions to Israel; and indirect ties throughout the world. Israel is influenced by its relations with other nations and Jews throughout the world. In addition, the relations between Israel and American Jewry are crucial for the future of the Jewish people.

Today: there are 14.5 million Jews in the world. 85% live in Israel or the United States. In addition to the 5.7 million Jews in the US (Jewish according to Jewish law), there are 1 million more who identify as Jews (most from mixed marriages) The community is less than 2% of the US population, but wields much influence in American society. Approximately 90% are not Orthodox – and identify as Conservative, Reform, or other. There is a low birth rate among the US Jewish community (outside the Orthodox community), and intermarriage is nearly 60%. Thus continuity is a major challenge before this community.

In ideological terms, the US Jews community is the most liberal in the US (50%, vs. 20 in the general population) – reflected also in political opinions and voting patterns. More than 70% support the Democratic Party. Israel holds a central place in the American Jewish collective; this trend is much lower among the younger generation.

In contrast, very Jews in Israel identify as non-Orthodox, and Israel is a much more conservative society, and tends more to center-right political views.

This is the basis of the wide gaps between Israel and US Jewry. A major question is Israel’s recognition of non-Orthodox Jews. The most recent major issues are the arrangement for egalitarian prayer at the Kotel and conversion. There is increasing criticism of moves and processes in Israel that are perceived as non-democratic, e.g., the nation state law. And there is much criticism of Israel regarding the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Our research pointed to ignorance in Israel of American Jewry, and if at all an interest, is a peripheral one – certainly not an issue of national security. The haredi community disparages all non-Orthodox sectors. The national religious community has less acceptance of the diaspora, and resents the criticism voiced by US Jews of Israel. The secular community is indifferent and not interested.

Similarly, American Jews have a superficial acquaintance with Israeli society. In addition to the criticism of Israel among some sectors, there is growing indifference and a sense of alienation, and even hostility – primarily among young, non-religious and liberal sectors.

The Jewish communities in Israel and the United States are two success stories  that support one another. Their core challenges are different: Israel needs to encompass and balance among different sectors, in order to be a Jewish and democratic society, while US Jewry face the challenge of continuity, as they continue to be part of American society.

In order to effect a long term system change in relations between Israel and the US Jewish community, a change in the fundamental attitudes is needed – among both the publics and the leaderships. We propose a framework that builds on a joint effort, renewing and building better relations, whereby each sector helps the other confront the challenges facing it. This involves education and knowledge; experiential encounters (e.g., Birthright – but in both directions), meeting and personal encounters, dialogues, and joint updated stories.

In order to realize this – we need a national effort that will encompass Israeli society, communities outside of Israel, and national institutions. There should also be a national effort that toward this objective, including through the contribution of resources.