As part of Jewish Diaspora Week, the Diaspora Affairs Ministry presented the Diaspora Proximity Index, on Tuesday a survey reflecting feelings in Israeli society toward Jewish identity, mutual Jewish solidarity, the relations between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora, and Israeli knowledge of the diaspora. This year marks the addition of the October 7 questions and the growing relations between Israel and Diaspora Jewry.
The study indicates the connection between Israeli Jewish citizens and the diaspora strengthened after October 7. This is reflected in the survey's findings showing that today, 67% of Israelis feel a sense of solidarity with Jews in the diaspora, marking an increase of 4% year-on-year. Some 76% of Israelis feel a shared destiny with Jews in the diaspora, marking an increase of 6.6% compared to the previous year.
The data also shows that over half (56%) of Israelis believe that Israeli society should consider the views and interests of Diaspora Jews in foreign policy and security issues that could affect the status and situation of Jews abroad. This represents a general increase of about 2% compared to last year, with an increase of 7% among the secular population and a decrease of 6.5% among the religious population in the country.
The vast majority of the population (89%) believes that Israel should act to mitigate antisemitic and anti-Israel discourse on social media. Regarding expectations from relations with the diaspora, 95% of Israelis expect Diaspora Jews to act for Israel in times of war. Some 60% of the Israeli population believes that the war in Gaza will have a positive impact on relations with the Jewish Diaspora.
Avi Cohen-Scali, Director-General of the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, said, "In the toughest moments when Israel fights for its existence, Israelis feel that they aren't alone in the struggle, that our brothers and sisters across the sea stand behind us, and our future is intertwined with theirs."
Recognition for Michael Rapaport and Matisyahu
As part of Diaspora Week, the Diaspora Affairs Ministry held an event to honor Jews in the diaspora for their actions for Israel during the war. During the event, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, lauded several prominent figures for their efforts for Israel and the Jewish people in recent months, including actor and comedian Michael Rapaport, Jewish-American singer Matisyahu, former UN Israeli delegation speechwriter Aviva Klompas, and Stefan Tompson, founder of the X pro-Israel account Visegrad24.
The event took place at the Knesset in Jerusalem with the participation of leading Israeli artists including Noa Kirel, and was broadcast to Jewish communities abroad. Chikli said, "Many Diaspora Jews have rallied to our side in this war in ways we haven't in years, with endless demonstrations of support, billions raised for aid, and a series of leaders fighting for us daily, around the clock. This event is aimed at one goal: to tell our brothers and sisters in the world that they stand with us in times of trouble, thank you."