If we momentarily ignore the strained relations between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden, and if we set aside the recent Israeli political disputes that have divided society over the past ten months, there is another looming threat to Israel: the widening gap with American Jewry.
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These issues are nothing new, and many have discussed this matter before. However, in times of crisis and conflict, the Israeli shortcomings, even in this area, become especially evident. It becomes even more apparent given the remarkable mobilization of American Jews in support of Israel during times of conflict.
It was hard to ignore Israel's sense of strength in recent years. The achievements of the high-tech industry made Israel a shining gem in the family of nations, and the booming economy that raised the standard of living scattered a sense of euphoria among Israelis. This euphoria gave rise to the feeling that it is possible to manage on our own, without the Americans, without the Jews in the Diaspora. "Who are they, anyway?" some Israelis started to say when dismissing their brethren in the Diaspora. "We don't need anyone else. Don't interfere. Don't speak. Just us."
About five years ago, a conference was held in Oxford, England, where Israeli and American Jewish journalists gathered to discuss relations within the Jewish family at large. It was a fascinating, multidimensional discussion, primarily addressing hot-button issues within Israel and American Jewry's relationship.
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After three days of discussions, it seemed that everybody around the table agreed that for the first time in modern history, Israel and American Jewry stand one in front of the other as even. Israel ceased being "the beggar."
For many years, especially in the decades following the establishment of the State of Israel, American Jews were often regarded as Israel's wealthy relatives. Donations here, support there – hundreds of millions of dollars flowed into the young state to help it stand on its feet. To this day, parks and playgrounds across the country bear the names of generous donors who wanted to leave a mark on the Jewish state. But this is just one example, of course, because Jewish American money funded many impressive projects over the years.
However, American Jews were not just a source of funds. They stood by Israel through significant political influence, lobbying on Capitol Hill, personal relationships with decision-makers in Congress, the White House and throughout the American political establishment.
For decades, Israel and its leaders knew how to leverage this immense asset for the benefit of the country and, to some extent, personally, and it seemed that everyone was content. Young Israel received unprecedented support from the United States, while American Jews felt part of the grand Zionist project that emerged from the ashes of the Holocaust, a project they couldn't prevent.
But, as mentioned, these relations began to crack and fray, and ideological differences over issues like settlements and occupation, power struggles over the question of "Who is a Jew?", the growing influence of more liberal streams of Judaism outside Orthodoxy, intermarriage within the American Jewish community – these are just some of the reasons that led to a distancing between the two sides.
With the economic prosperity in Israel, many Israelis, especially from the younger generations, began to feel less obligated to American Jewry's generosity. The stereotypical Israeli mentality, sometimes arrogant, that we don't need anyone else, became prevalent. Politicians with little responsibility, ultra-Orthodox entrepreneurs on one hand, and above all, typical Israeli arrogance, this brotherly alliance began to crumble.
In Israel, there is a government position known as "minister of Diaspora affairs." This role is designed to address political needs, but if we think deeply, it could have been a bridge to mend the divides. However, ministers came and went, and aside from many enjoyable visits to the United States, very little was done to resolve the conflicts. The gap only grew wider, and a great chasm swallowed up the healthy relations. The rotating ministers in the Diaspora Affairs Ministry mostly read endless reports warning of the alienation of young Jews on American campuses and the migration of many of them to the progressive, anti-Israel camp.
But the catastrophe is also a great opportunity if one wants and knows how to act. The disaster that has befallen Israel in recent days and the impending war have shattered all barriers, and as usual, American Jews have rallied to help, some with donations and others with political influence or activism in support of Israel.
Attila SomfalviPhoto: Gil YochananThe Sabbath of unity is upon us once again. The severe moral blow that Israel has suffered weakens Jews everywhere. A strong Israel guarantees a strong Jewish identity in the Diaspora. When Israel is strong, every Jew can afford to wander, knowing that somewhere not too far away, the State of the Jews stands strong and steadfast, waiting for every Jew and Jewess.
The harsh blow that Israel has suffered undermines this security and weakens Jews everywhere. It reminds everyone who has forgotten the need for mutual support and conflict resolution. The Jewish people are not numerically large, but they possess tremendous strength, and they need to preserve the whole chain. Perhaps, after this terrible disaster, after we defeat our enemies, we will be able, once again, to embrace our loved ones.