Diaspora and Israel

 

For many years, a consensus existed in the organized American Jewish community that we should support the democratically-elected government of Israel, whether Labor or Likud, on a non-partisan basis, particularly on matters of Israeli security.

 

The logic was twofold:  Moral – Israelis put their lives on the line every day in a dangerous neighborhood and we, sitting in the comfort of America, should respect Israel’s democratic process regarding the safety and security of the people of Israel.

 

The other reason was pragmatic – the more the community was united behind Israel, the more we could positively influence policymaking in Washington.

 

Unfortunately, this approach, which we essentially still believe is sound, has nearly collapsed.  First it was the left in the 80’s who argued that American Jews should have a voice against the right-wing policies, particularly settlements, of the Likud governments.

 

Then, in the 90’s, it was the right who fought against the Oslo accords, seeing them as danger to Israel.

 

By today, it is much more difficult to suggest there is any consensus position in our community as to what our responsibility is to the government of Israel.  There is a lot more of different organizations doing their own thing.

 

Having said that, it doesn’t mean that the mainstream community can’t come together when Israel is under siege.

 

I believe there remains a strong reality that Israel can rely on the American Jewish community when it really needs them.

 

The vast majority of American Jews still believe that Jewish support for Israel by the community is vital for Israel’s security and to work for American support for Israel.

 

Personally and institutionally we wish we could go back to the good old days -- simple bi-partisan support for Israel in the community and in the country.

 

There is still plenty of bi-partisan support but we live in changing times.

 

Where it gets even more complicated is on non-security issues.  Here there has long been a belief that the Diaspora should have more of a voice than it has had.

 

This applies particularly to two areas:  The domination of religious life in Israel by the Orthodox, which has alienated many conservative and reform Jews in America.

 

And, issues of intolerance that are very real in the Jewish State.  Towards that end, ADL uses its voice to condemn manifestations of prejudice wherever they surface in Israel.

 

And, at the same time, we provide educational services to help Israelis to learn about respect for the other.

 

Separating out when American Jews should have a voice regarding Israeli policies and when we should not is never easy.  We believe, however, that on the security side, we should err on the side of giving Israel space to decide on its own.

 

Whereas, on matters of society, the theme of one people, in and out of Israel, should more often than not be the guiding principle.

 

Our relationship continues to be a work in progress.  The goal is to foster closer and more intense relations between the people of Israel and American Jews.