Diaspora Jews, the Mother: Israel, the Baby

Understanding the ombilical interdependency between Diaspora Jews and Israel – by Frederic Eger – The Jewish Diaspora has played an indispensable role in the existence and development of the State of Israel since its creation until today. This relationship is characterized by mutual support and shared cultural, economic, and political interests. The Diaspora’s contributions have been pivotal in shaping Israel’s cultural and economic landscape, providing essential support during the nascent stages of the state’s formation and continuing to influence its development trajectory. This report explores the multifaceted and dynamic relationship between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora, highlighting the indispensable contributions of the Diaspora to Israel’s survival, growth, and ongoing development.

Diaspora Historical Support.
The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 marked a significant milestone in Jewish history, largely supported by the financial contributions of the Jewish Diaspora. Diaspora Jews, particularly in the United States, Britain, Russia and France, played a critical role in lobbying their governments to support the establishment of Israel.
Anglo-American Jewry played a significant role in supporting Zionist organizations through financial aid and lobbying efforts. They provided substantial support to Zionist organizations, including purchasing land through the Jewish National Fund. Their influence on U.S. foreign policy, particularly in lobbying for Israel’s recognition in 1948, has been crucial for Israel’s survival and growth since its founding. British Jewry supported Zionist efforts during the British Mandate period, helping to influence policies such as the Balfour Declaration.
Russian Jewry played a significant role in the creation of Israel, particularly during key historical moments. The Soviet Union, under Stalin, championed Israel’s establishment during the 1947 United Nations vote on the partition plan, which led to its establishment.

Moscow’s shift from antagonism to Zionism as a national liberation movement aligned with Soviet geopolitical interests, making this advocacy decisive. Many prominent Zionist leaders and intellectuals, such as Chaim Weizmann and Ze’ev Jabotinsky, were Russian-speaking Jews, deeply influenced by their Russian upbringing and intellectual traditions. Russian Jews were among the earliest immigrants to Mandatory Palestine, forming vital communities that laid the groundwork for Israel’s development, bringing skilled labor and intellectual capital.

The Soviet Union’s direct political support for Israel’s establishment is a unique contribution, while Anglo-American Jewry’s financial and lobbying efforts are more consistent. Russian-speaking Jews shaped the ideological framework of Zionism and provided early settlers who contributed to building the state. Anglo-American Jewry has provided financial aid, political lobbying, and military assistance for Israel’s survival over decades. While Russian Jewry’s political advocacy during critical moments like the UN partition vote had a greater immediate impact, Anglo-American Jewry has provided broader and sustained support throughout Israel’s history.
In the early years, Israel faced numerous challenges, including economic instability and the need for infrastructure development. The Diaspora’s financial support was crucial in addressing these challenges, providing the necessary resources for the young state to survive and grow. Philanthropic contributions from Diaspora Jews were instrumental in funding essential services and infrastructure projects, laying the foundation for Israel’s future development.

Philanthropic efforts by the Jewish Diaspora have been a cornerstone of Israel’s economic development.

Organizations such as the Jewish National Fund and the United Jewish Appeal played significant roles in raising funds for land acquisition, settlement, and development projects. These contributions were not only financial but also involved investments in human capital, with many Diaspora Jews immigrating to Israel and contributing their skills and expertise to the state’s development.

Diaspora Economic Contributions.
Jewish immigrants have played a significant role in Palestine’s economic development, contributing to a 13.2% annual GDP growth rate between 1922 and 1947. During the War of Independence in 1948, the Jewish Diaspora provided $250 million in financial support to Israel. Today, Diaspora Jews continue to provide significant financial support through donations, For example, since October 2023, Diaspora Jews contributed over NIS 5 billion Israeli Shekels (approximately $1.41 billion) to Israel, with organizations like the Jewish Federations of North America playing a major role. Programs like the Israel Bond initiative allow Diaspora Jews to invest in Israel’s economic development, fostering partnerships between
private enterprise and government sectors. However, there has been a decline in Jewish giving to Israel since 2009, reflecting changing priorities and demographic shifts within the Diaspora. Additionally, Diaspora Jews support Israel through volunteer work and advocacy through organizations like Masa and Sar-El, which bring volunteers to Israel, contributing to its social and economic sectors.

Military & Diplomatic Support.
Israel has a robust domestic defense industry, renowned for advanced technologies like drones, missile defense systems, and cybersecurity solutions. Despite achieving significant military independence, Israel still relies on external military aid, particularly from the United States, to maintain its security and defense capabilities. Israel’s military and diplomatic support extends beyond the Jewish Diaspora, encompassing broader international alliances. Countries like the United States and the European Union provide substantial military and diplomatic support, driven by geopolitical interests. Strategic alliances, such as the Abraham Accords, have expanded Israel’s security and diplomatic influence in the Middle East.

American Jews have historically supported U.S. military aid to Israel, which is crucial for Israel’s defense capabilities. American Jewish organizations actively advocate for pro-Israel policies within the U.S. government, influencing diplomatic relations and international support for Israel. British Jews played a significant role in lobbying for the Balfour Declaration in 1917, which laid groundwork for future diplomatic support.

French Jewish support is less prominent than American, but they continue to advocate for Israel through community organizations and political lobbying. Russian Jewish support is significant in Israel’s population growth and cultural diversity, while their direct military support is less documented. Overall, Israel’s diverse and diverse population, including American, French, and Russian, contribute to its security, economy, and technological sectors.

Cultural & Political Support.
Maintaining Jewish identity and resilience within the Diaspora is crucial for the survival and vitality of Jewish communities worldwide. This involves cultural and political support mechanisms that foster adaptation, acculturation, and community cohesion. Community networks and social capital provide emotional support, cultural continuity, and a sense of belonging, essential for maintaining Jewish identity in the Diaspora. Initiatives like the Jewish Resilience Project aim to build global Jewish identity and belonging through educational programs and cultural experiences, connecting Diaspora Jews with their heritage and Israel.

Political support from Diaspora Jews includes advocacy and lobbying for policies that protect Jewish rights and interests, both domestically and internationally.

Community empowerment strategies, such as integrating self-defense training into community programs, enhance physical security and psychological resilience, promoting a proactive stance against antisemitism and fostering community cohesion.

The diverse experiences and perspectives of Diaspora Jews enrich the global Jewish identity, contributing to Israel’s cultural and intellectual landscape. This diversity helps Israel maintain its position as a vibrant and inclusive society. Political support from Diaspora Jews ensures international backing for Israel, which is crucial for its diplomatic and strategic positioning. In conclusion, maintaining Jewish identity and resilience within the Diaspora is essential for the survival and vitality of Jewish communities worldwide.

Community Resilience & Adaptation Strategies.
Community resilience and adaptation strategies are crucial for the survival and continued support of Jewish communities worldwide, including their support for Israel. Social networks and support are essential for fostering emotional support, cultural continuity, and a sense of belonging. Jewish tradition emphasizes mutual responsibility, justice, and solidarity, which form the backbone of resilient communities. Adaptation strategies include cultural adaptation, which allows Jewish communities to thrive in diverse environments while integrating into local societies. Innovative programs, like integrating krav maga training into community programs, enhance physical security and psychological empowerment. The diverse experiences and perspectives of Diaspora Jews enrich the global Jewish identity, contributing to Israel’s cultural and intellectual landscape. This diversity helps Israel maintain its position as a vibrant and inclusive society. The resilience and adaptability of Jewish communities worldwide enable them to advocate effectively for Israel’s interests, which is crucial for its diplomatic and strategic positioning.

Cultural & Social Integration.
French Jews, particularly those of North African extraction, have contributed significantly to Israel’s cultural diversity and population growth, bringing culinary traditions, linguistic diversity, and religious practices. The influx of French Jews has driven Israel’s population growth, with over 200,000 French citizens living in Israel as of 2012. However, French immigrants often face integration challenges, such as language barriers and a tendency to live in ethnic communities.
Russian Jews have significantly enriched Israel’s intellectual and technological landscape, with their expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields bolstering Israel’s high-tech industry and contributing to its economic growth. They have introduced their own cultural traditions, including music, literature, and cuisine, which have become integral parts of Israeli society.

The U.S. Jewish community is highly influential in advocating for pro-Israel policies within the U.S. government, with organizations like AIPAC shaping foreign policy towards Israel. Canadian, British, and French Jewish communities also engage in political lobbying, advocating for policies that support Israel and address issues like anti-Semitism in their respective countries.

On-going Diaspora Jews Financial Contributions since 1948.
Since Israel’s founding in 1948, Jews of the Diaspora have made significant financial contributions to the country. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Russia have contributed tens of billions of dollars in donations, investments, and support to Israel since 1948. The U.S. remains the largest single source of Diaspora financial support, with the U.S. government providing Israel with over $158 billion in bilateral aid since 1948.

In the early years, American Jews alone donated around $150 million in 1948, four times the amount raised by the American Red Cross that year. The United Jewish Appeal (UJA) raised over half a billion dollars in the late 1940s to support Israel’s establishment and absorption of immigrants. The Israel Bond Program, launched in 1951, allowed Diaspora Jews worldwide to invest directly in Israel’s economic development, creating a long-term financial partnership between Israel and its supporters abroad.

Even today, Diaspora Jews contribute upwards of $3 billion annually in donations to Israel, with the lion’s share coming from American Jewry. These funds support a wide range of sectors including social services, education, security, and infrastructure.

The U.S. Jewish community is the largest single source of Diaspora financial support, with tens of billions of dollars cumulatively donated over the decades Their contributions have included emergency aid during wars such as $700 million during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, ongoing philanthropy, and investments. British and Canadian Jews have historically supported Israel through donations, fundraising campaigns, and investments. French Jews, especially following waves of immigration due to rising anti-Semitism, have contributed financially and through philanthropy.

Russian Jews have contributed both through direct philanthropy and by facilitating large-scale immigration to Israel, which itself has economic implications. The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has spent over $150 million aiding Jews in Russia and former Soviet republics, with a significant portion benefiting Israel.

Between the 1950s and 1980s, Israel paid the Romanian government millions of dollars (estimated up to $112 million) to facilitate the emigration of Romanian Jews to Israel, also know as the Romanian “Sale” of Jews, reflecting a unique financial and humanitarian transaction. During times of crisis. Diaspora Jews have mobilized emergency financial support such as the $100 million raised in weeks during the 1967 Six-Day War.

Conclusively, the Jewish Diaspora continues to play a vital role in supporting Israel’s cultural, economic, and political well-being. As Israel addresses its economic challenges, the Diaspora’s role may shift towards cultural and political support. The ongoing relationship between Israel and the Diaspora is characterized by mutual support and shared interests, ensuring the continued development and resilience of the Jewish state. However, future prospects show a growing divide between Israel and the Global Jewry, with younger generations of Diaspora Jews showing a waning level of support for Israel compared to their parents. Younger Diaspora Jews tend to be less engaged with Israel politically and emotionally, influenced by differing social values, political views, and a sense of distance from Israeli realities. This generational shift poses challenges for Israel’s long-term relationship with the Diaspora, the Diaspora’s support towards Israel, and therefore, Israel’s very existence…