70 Years of Israel-Diaspora Relations: The Next Generation

Project Heads: Shmuel Rosner and John Ruskay
Contributors: Noah Slepkov, Dov Maimon,
Dan Feferman, Uzi Rebhun, Adar Schieber
Editors: Barry Geltman and Rami Tal

The findings reflect what emerged in the course of this year’s Dialogue process –
a framework in which engaged Jews, often occupying positions of leadership in the Diaspora communities, are predominantly represented.

Israel is perceived as the driving force of the Jewish people and, accordingly, is felt to bear an outsized share of responsibility for the Jewish people’s fate.
Diaspora and Israeli Jews agree that all Jews have a “stake” in the State of Israel and, therefore, the right and duty to help sustain it.
Diaspora Jews expect Israel to provide cultural and ideological inspiration. Practical assistance in the ongoing management of community life is expected to a much lesser extent.
Alongside their duty vis-à-vis the State of Israel, Jews expect Israel to listen to them and show them consideration. Most expect particular consideration on issues related to the state’s “Jewishness.” Regarding policy on other issues, notably security, their expectations of input are lower.
Israeli Jews are willing to take Diaspora positions into account on matters of religion and state, but not on issues of security or foreign policy.

Diaspora Jews are disappointed with the level of attentiveness and consideration they receive from the Israeli government. The disappointment centers around, but is not limited to, the Western Wall crisis (for unaffiliated Jews, Israel’s lack of attentiveness increases the degree of alienation).

Nevertheless, the relationship with Israel is still a significant and irreplaceable element for affiliated Diaspora Jews.

The Jewish People Policy Institue

Action Strategies for the Jewish Future

70 Years of Israel-Diaspora Relations: The Next Generation

JPPI’s 2018 Structured Jewish World Dialogue

70 Years of Israel-Diaspora Relations: The Next Generation