Israelis from various political and religious backgrounds feel anxious about a diminishing bond with younger Jewish Americans. A recent AP poll reveals that younger Jewish Americans place less importance on supporting Israel as part of their Jewish identity compared to older adults.
Involvement of Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs
Itai Nixon, leading the diaspora department in Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, stresses the importance of these connections. “We’re the state of the Jewish people, not just Israelis,” he says.
Strategic Asset
Lesley Sachs, a chairperson for the Israel Movement for Progressive and Reform Judaism, views strong ties with diaspora Jews as a critical asset for Israel and global Jewry. She highlights concerns about diaspora Jews losing their sense of Israel as a homeland, especially amid rising antisemitism. “This is already a few generations after, and this is less prominent in their DNA,” Sachs notes.
Taglit-Birthright and Connection to Israel
Since 2000, Taglit-Birthright Israel has provided over one million Jewish young adults with free 10-day trips to Israel. CEO Gidi Mark emphasizes the need for young Jews to experience their potential connection to Israel beyond politics. “What we give them is a mirror,” Mark asserts.
Israel-US Relations and Internal Divisions
The relationship between Israel and the United States, traditionally robust, faces challenges. Tamar Hermann from the Israel Democracy Institute highlights divisions, especially regarding the ceasefire in the Iran conflict. Israeli concerns grew when support perceived from President Trump diminished, affecting trust in U.S. commitment to Israel.
Complex Relationships with Israel
A survey reports that about 40% of religious Jewish adults under 45 in the U.S. consider support for Israel crucial to their Jewish identity. This figure is higher among older adults. Only around half of religious Jewish adults support Israel’s actions in Gaza, a number that drops significantly among non-religious Jews.
Persisting Antisemitism
About 60% of Jewish adults view antisemitism as a serious problem in the U.S. Asaf Zamir, deputy mayor of Tel Aviv, stresses the importance of a Jewish homeland amid such threats. “Opposing the government is fine, but you cannot understand your history as a Jew without understanding the part of Israel in it,” Zamir emphasizes.
Promoting Connections with Secular and Liberal Jews
Israel’s government and religious organizations work to deepen ties with diaspora Jews through exchange programs. Taglit-Birthright and other initiatives cater to secular and Reform Jews. Despite fewer participants since 2023, programs strive to nurture a sense of safety and belonging among young Jews.
Initiatives aim to engage young Israelis and diaspora Jews, emphasizing shared values and progressive ideals. Within the Israeli Reform movement, efforts are underway to send more young Israelis to the U.S., especially as camp counselors. Lesley Sachs stresses, “We need to be partners in making Israel the country that we all need.”
Awareness and Challenges
Alma Edry, an 18-year-old counselor at a Jewish summer camp in Ontario, notes the significance of Israel to people outside the country. She observes that many campers have friends opposing Israel, making the camp experience crucial for exploring their connection to Israel.
The Associated Press covers religion in collaboration with The Conversation US, supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. AP retains full responsibility for the content.
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