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Disengagement from Gaza: Are American Jews disengaging from Israel?
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U.S. Jews disengaging from Israel

Latest survey of American Jews raises disturbing trend of greater distance between Israeli and American Jews: American Jews are less likely to care about Israel, talk about Israel with others, or engage in pro-Israel activities

This week Israelis began to disengage from Gaza. It will continue to be a painful process, one that has already caused deep divisions in Israel. Yet, it is a path that underscores a fundamental and historic Israeli desire to seek peace at all costs, even through unilateral steps.

 

But as we in America observe the profound debate within Israel, we are witnesses to our own disengagement. An alarming and increasing detachment from Israel.

 

According to recent studies, the relationship of American Jews to Israel has weakened measurably in the last two years.

 

The 2004-2005 national survey of American Jews conducted by Professor Steven M. Cohen from Hebrew University raised a disturbing trend of greater distance between Israeli and American Jews. On almost every measure in comparison to prior years, American Jews responded that they were less likely to care about Israel, talk about Israel with others, or engage in a range of pro-Israel activities.

 

In a significant decline, only 39 percent of American Jews talk about Israel frequently with friends versus 53 percent in 2002.

 

And in a similar study conducted by the American Jewish Committee only 29 percent of American Jews, down from 36 percent in 2003 saw Jews in the U.S. and Israel becoming closer in the next three to five years.

 

Cousins, not brothers

 

These numbers are disappointing, especially given the challenges that Israel is currently facing.

 

Even Prime Minister Ariel Sharon alluded to the growing continental and cultural gap in a speech last August when he said: "Where we were once brothers, we are now cousins."

 

How do we reverse this trend?

 

Before there can be change, American Jews need to want to care. And there needs to be recognition and an appreciation of the shifts in Israeli society.

 

Where once the fear of imminent attack from hostile neighbors helped mobilize world Jewry, today, Israel has matured into an independent and secure state.

 

Indeed, Israel's political evolution on the world stage necessitates a readjustment in the attitudes and actions of American Jews towards Israel. This extends from the cultural and social to the economic sectors as well.

 

Long gone are the days of mass aliyah and agricultural pioneers converting the desert into gardens. Israel was once heavily dependent upon American Jewish financial support, much like a child to a parent. But that relationship has changed. Today, Israel has a thriving economy and is a global leader in specific industries. With Israel's booming high-tech and bio-tech sectors, Israel can be a place to make money, not just give money.

 

Attitude adjustments

 

And in some cases the relationship has reversed. With programs like Birthright Israel and other Israel experiences, many in America look to Israel to help strengthen Jewish identity and provide spiritual structure and depth to American Jewish youth. More than ever, a strong Israel lies at the center of the Jewish people. And as a Jewish state, Israel remains the historic and eternal homeland of our nation.

 

But interest and attitude adjustments on both sides are only a first step towards renewed American engagement with Israel.

 

The Jewish organizational world needs to actively seek out meaningful and creative ways to bridge this growing gap between Israeli and American Jews. And they need to mobilize individuals to reach out to their friends and colleagues to find expression for a renewed sense of commitment to Israel.

 

From AIPAC to ZOA, there are myriad ways for Jews to connect to Israel and make a difference. A new generation must be inspired to participate and assume responsibility for the issues of our time. This action should be guided by meaningful and open-minded dialogue and genuine communication.

 

We, as individuals, along with the Jewish organizational world and the Israeli government must create the forum and invest in developing a new understanding of the timeless bonds between our communities.

 

As painful concessions are being asked of our Israeli brothers and sisters to disengage from Gaza, let us in America dedicate ourselves to finding new ways to engage in Israel.

 

David Borowich is Chairman and Founder of Dor Chadash , a group seeking to build a bridge between Israeli and American Jews

 


פרסום ראשון: 08.17.05, 11:19
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