Expanding Jewish education in the diaspora is a 'shared responsibility' - editorial

In a major policy shift aimed at reinforcing Jewish identity globally, the Israeli government has approved a substantial financial initiative to expand Jewish education in the diaspora. On June 28, 2026, the government authorized a NIS 200 million (approximately $59 million) national plan designed to enhance Jewish educational opportunities for diaspora communities, particularly in North America. This initiative represents a significant step toward addressing concerns over declining Jewish identity and rising antisemitism, which have become increasingly prominent since late 2023.

The plan was jointly developed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli, with implementation overseen by their respective ministries along with the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). The primary objective of the initiative is to increase enrollment in Jewish schools, strengthen Jewish identity, foster a greater sense of belonging to the Jewish people, and deepen connections to the State of Israel. The effort includes tackling several key challenges that prevent many Jewish families from enrolling their children in Jewish educational institutions, such as high tuition costs, geographical constraints, and inadequate support for students with learning disabilities.

According to the plan, approximately 1.8 million Jewish school-age children reside in the United States, but only a fraction of them currently attend Jewish educational institutions. This disparity highlights the urgent need for expanded access to quality Jewish education. The initiative seeks to bridge this gap by introducing digital tools and innovative educational frameworks that can make Jewish schooling more accessible and inclusive for a broader range of students. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the importance of creating a robust infrastructure that supports both traditional and modern approaches to Jewish education.

The collaboration between the Israeli government and JFNA marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between Israel and diaspora Jewish communities. Gary Torgow, chair of JFNA's Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of this partnership, noting that discussions initiated four years earlier had laid the groundwork for this ambitious project. During a meeting with Netanyahu in July 2022, Torgow highlighted the necessity of increased governmental involvement in diaspora Jewish education, a call that ultimately contributed to the current initiative.

Prime Minister Netanyahu underscored the strategic importance of this investment, stating that Israel has historically served as a cornerstone for the security of the Jewish people and now aims to solidify another critical pillar—Jewish education. He described the partnership between Israel and diaspora Jewry as a powerful source of strength, reflecting a collective commitment to securing the future of the Jewish people for generations to come.

Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli outlined his vision for the initiative, emphasizing that the low rate of Jewish education among diaspora communities necessitated immediate action. His goal is to ensure that every Jewish child in the diaspora receives a meaningful Jewish education that reinforces their identity and connection to the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Chikli noted that the program would be funded partly by the government, with additional contributions from Jewish philanthropists and JFNA.

The initiative builds upon previous efforts, such as Project Aleph Bet, which was launched in partnership with JFNA. This continuity suggests a sustained commitment to enhancing Jewish education in the diaspora. As part of the new plan, the government will allocate NIS 100 million, with supplementary funding sourced from private donors and JFNA. The overall aim is to create a comprehensive framework that addresses the multifaceted challenges facing Jewish education in the diaspora.

Gary Torgow hailed the approval of the plan as a historic milestone, expressing hope that it would serve as a catalyst for strengthening ties between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. He acknowledged the crucial role of global Jewish education in fostering resilience against antisemitism and assimilation, particularly in light of recent global events that have tested the cohesion of Jewish communities. With this initiative, Israel and its diaspora partners are poised to take a significant step forward in ensuring the vitality and continuity of Jewish identity across the globe.