The challenges in relations between US Jewry and Israel are changing. Each community is dealing with its own challenges. As the national security risks to Israel ebb, the rivalry between the two communities is growing, and the communities are moving in different directions.
In Israel, with 6 million Jews, most Jews are not Orthodox, but the Orthodox establishment decides all issues of their Jewishness, and there is increasing religious pressure. In the United States, also with 6 million Jews (where most are not Orthodox, and intermarriage among the non-Orthodox approaches 70%), the individual decides. It is not the State of Israel that is looking askance at American Jewry – it is the rabbinical establishment.
There is deep-seated ignorance on both sides of the ocean regarding the other community. In addition, worldviews are different. While national security is a driving force for most Israelis, American Jews have a different perspective. The big challenge before us: how to understand one another. We must learn about the other side. To Israelis, I say: it is important to listen to American Jews. To American Jews I say, Israel is not what the New York Times says it is.
Israel’s national security is strengthened by strong ties with the American Jewish community. Similarly, weakening ties will weaken Israel’s national security. The Israeli government is not doing enough to further and bolster that connection. We must be above political disputes, and create a mutual framework for understanding Jewish identity.
This is not a lost cause. The Jewish establishment in Israel must recognize that there is pluralism, that there are different streams within the jewish community, and that the future of Judaism does not rely exclusively on haredi Jews. We must foster and strengthen connections. Sending Israeli youth for year of service in the US is a major positive step.