Israelis worry about weakening connection with younger Jewish Americans

JERUSALEM, Israelis across political and religious spectrums are increasingly concerned about a growing disconnect with younger Jewish Americans, whom a recent AP-NORC poll indicates place less emphasis on supporting Israel as central to their Jewish identity compared to older generations. This shift worries officials and community leaders who view the bond between Israel and diaspora Jews as vital to the survival and cohesion of the Jewish people. Itai Nixon, head of the diaspora department at Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, emphasized the significance of maintaining ties with the global Jewish community. “We’re the state of the Jewish people, not just Israelis,” he stated, underscoring the strategic value of the relationship. Lesley Sachs, chair of the Israel Movement for Progressive and Reform Judaism, echoed these concerns, calling the connection a “strategic asset” for both Israel and Jews worldwide. She expressed particular alarm over the diminishing sense among diaspora Jews that Israel serves as a homeland, especially amid rising antisemitism targeting individuals irrespective of their political or religious beliefs. Sachs highlighted the historical context, noting that after the Holocaust, the idea that Israel would always welcome Jews back became deeply ingrained in the collective memory. However, she observed that this sentiment has faded over time, becoming less prominent in the cultural fabric of younger generations. “This is already a few generations after, and this is less prominent in their DNA,” she explained during a conversation at her Tel Aviv synagogue. “And I think that this is really a failure on the part of both Israel and world Jewry, that we have not managed to keep that prominent.” Efforts to strengthen connections with diaspora communities have intensified, notably through programs such as Taglit-Birthright Israel, which has facilitated free 10-day discovery tours for Jewish young adults from the United States and other regions since 2000. Over a million participants have taken part in the initiative, aiming to foster a deeper emotional and cultural link with Israel. Gidi Mark, CEO of Taglit-Birthright Israel, stressed the program's relevance in today’s climate. “That really increases the importance of my job to expose people to what they give up on,” he remarked. “What we give them is a mirror.” Despite the enduring strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance, recent developments suggest underlying tensions. The partnership between former President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once seen as unshakable, has faced challenges. Discussions over the ongoing war against Iran, particularly regarding the ceasefire, have led to a noticeable drop in public perception of Trump’s commitment to Israel’s security. According to data from the Israel Democracy Institute’s Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research, support for Trump among Jewish Israelis fell from 64% in March to 26% in June. These divisions have amplified the role of Jewish American activists, who traditionally advocate for political, military, and financial backing for Israel. As tensions escalate, Israelis are increasingly aware that the evolving views of younger progressive Americans, many of whom identify as Jewish, are reshaping the landscape of support for Israel. For many young Jews, aligning with Israel is now seen as incompatible with their broader ideological frameworks. The situation has worsened following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 civilians and the abduction of 251 others. In response, Israel launched a military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, leading to over 73,000 casualties, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. While the ministry was part of the previously dissolved Hamas administration, its records are regarded as reliable by UN agencies and international bodies. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties but reports that women and children constitute roughly half of the victims. The conflict sparked widespread protests in the United States, particularly on college campuses, where younger Jewish Americans have voiced disillusionment with the narrative surrounding Israel. Lesley Sachs described how younger generations often perceive Israel’s struggles as distant history rather than immediate reality. “Holocaust, refugees, the importance of Israel in times of need abroad, and the fact that Israel is a small country fighting for its existence… that’s history they read in a book,” she noted. “They weren’t emotionally part of it in any way or any form.” As a result, many young Jews appear to struggle with reconciling their personal values with the complex realities of supporting Israel.