The Erosion of American Jewry's Support for Israel

The relationship between American Jews and Israel, once a powerhouse of mutual support and pride, has seen a significant shift in recent decades. Many American Jews now conflict with the norms and values of the Israeli state, leading to a sense of estrangement and even hostility towards their homeland. This essay explores the underlying causes and impacts of this shift.

Historical Context and Current Dynamics

For decades, the relationship between American Jews and Israel was one of deep commitment and shared values. American Jews felt a strong connection to Israel, a homeland that provided a robust and often secure environment for them. However, the past several decades have seen a notable shift in this relationship, particularly among liberal American Jews.

Due to the influence of religious parties, particularly Orthodox factions, in Israeli politics, the legislative process has become increasingly polarized. These parties' disproportionate control over legislation has led to the introduction of policies that are seen as alienating by many American Jews, who often adopt more secular lifestyles and liberal values.

Assimilation and Values

A significant factor contributing to this estrangement is the assimilation of many American Jews into societal norms that are contrary to traditional Judiasm. These individuals, now less connected to their religious roots, expect Israel to adopt values that align with their liberal ideologies. This expectation is unrealistic, as the vast majority of Israeli Jews identify as Orthodox, despite many leading secular lives. Consequently, there is a cultural disconnect that has exacerbated tensions.

The thin majority of liberal Jews in America often fail to recognize the democratic principles in operation in Israel, where the Orthodox Jewish community plays a significant role. They reject the idea that the Orthodox community should dictate the lifestyles and values of Israelis, even if the majority supports it. This collective desire to align Israel with liberal values, regardless of the will of the majority, reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the political and cultural dynamics in Israel.

The Impact on Relationships

The result of this misalignment of values has been a dissonance between Israeli and American Jewish communities. Many American Jews, feeling their liberal values are underrepresented or even challenged by Israeli policies, have begun to distance themselves from their homeland. This shift is not consistent across the board, however, as a vocal minority has garnered significant attention.

While this group's influence is not necessarily representative of the majority, their presence is noteworthy. Their ability to generate media coverage often overshadows the broader, more stable relationship between American Jews and Israel. The reality is that many American Jews, particularly those who are more secular and less religiously inclined, find Israel's policies and values increasingly incompatible with their own.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the erosion of American Jewry's support for Israel is a complex and multifaceted issue. It is influenced by the assimilation of liberal values, the disproportionate influence of conservative religious political parties in Israel, and a deep-seated misunderstanding of Israeli democratic principles. While this estrangement is neither universal nor necessarily permanent, it highlights the need for dialogue and mutual understanding between the two communities.