The American Jewish Establishment Is Abandoning Us

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organization that convened this week in Jerusalem chose to invite none other than the so-called Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Shikli, who voted against the current hostage deal and who announced from the podium of the conference that he would oppose the second stage as well — even as the deal continues to deliver captives home to Israeli soil and into the arms of their families. 

If Shikli were an American politician expressing opposition to the release of hostages and support for more war, those Jewish leaders would have condemned him firmly, but the fact that he is an Israeli minister legitimized his appearance in their eyes.

The protesters outside the hall, some of whom were Jewish Americans themselves, sought to remind the senior leaders that the Diaspora minister they are cheering for is not only abandoning hostages but is also a vocal supporter of far-right parties and governments in Europe, a person who has made the legitimization of far-right antisemitism part of his public mission. 

Shikli went so far as to describe the far-right Orban government in Hungary as “an example of the correct struggle against antisemitism.” Let’s be clear: The minister in charge of the Diaspora is ignoring the feelings and fears of the majority of the world’s Jews.

This incident is a reflection of the growing disconnect between the Jewish community in the United States and the organizations that claim to represent them. It’s a dangerous and deepening rift caused by the organizations’ traditional tendency to align with the Israeli government, no matter what, wrong or right, and no matter the thoughts and feelings of their often younger, more diverse, more liberal constituents. 

This rift reflects significant questions about Israel’s democratic and Jewish identity that pose a challenge to the entire Jewish people and can no longer be ignored.

For decades, Jewish communities around the world saw in Israel a unifying project, a beacon for Jewish survival and continuity based on shared values. However, trends of Jewish supremacy, policies encouraging annexation and transfer, and attacks on the judicial system have caused significant disappointment among many Jews outside of Israel, who still understand the implications of living as a minority, which most Israeli Jews have forgotten. 

From my many tours around the US on behalf of the Israeli Foreign Ministry and now J Street, I have had many discussions with American Jews who feel that the Israeli government is no longer committed to their Jewish, democratic values. Rooted in this is their observation that the  recent Israeli governments have deviated from the Zionist ideals of equality, peace, and justice, as described in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, which was a crucial component in their identification with Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people.

Most Jews around the world identify with the principles of “Tikkun Olam”—social justice, pluralism, and compassion—while Israeli politics in recent years has increasingly prioritized Jewish supremacy, religious orthodoxy, and occupation aspirations.

Many Jews in Israel are distancing themselves under the influence of their government from the central trends of the largest Jewish community outside of Israel in North America. While about 70% of American Jews supported Kamala Harris in the last presidential election, polls show that 80% of Jews in Israel preferred Trump.

The widespread support for Trump among Israelis, who ignored the antisemitic white nationalist currents surrounding him and his disdain for democracy, is a symptom of a deeper trend. As the Israeli government distances itself from the free world and the threat of international courts looms closer, it is easier to find solace in the embrace of those who launder their racism and authoritarianism through their “support” for the Israeli government. Thus, populist leaders like Orban in Hungary, Le Pen in France, and Wilders in the Netherlands receive support from Israel’s right-wing governments.

The Jewish community in the US, which is mostly liberal, sees itself as the front line in the fight for democracy and against the rise of antisemitism. They are very concerned about the anti-democratic and antisemitic trends promoted by the Trump Administration and its supporters in the white supremacy movement around the world.

They also feel shock and betrayal from the antsemitism on the fringes of the progressive movement, which has manifested in certain acts of ugliness at pro-Palestinian protests and acts of violence and harassment against Jews since October 7. At the same time, many of them are appalled that the Israeli right uses the accusation of antisemitism as a tool to silence legitimate criticism of Netanyahu’s government policy.

The current crisis in Israel poses a challenge to world Jewry. Should Jews outside of Israel express opposition to policies they believe contradict their Jewish values? Can they do so without appearing to oppose Israel itself?

Historically, Jewish communities have shown unconditional support for Israeli governments, especially during times of conflict. Israel was once a poor and weak country, extending a hand for peace to its neighbors. At that time, unconditional support was reasonable. But today, Israel is a military superpower and has one of the strongest economies in the world. Moreover, Israeli governments have rejected peace proposals like the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 and have marginalized moderate Palestinians while economically supporting Hamas. The implications of these policies exploded in our faces during the traumatic events of October 7. 

World Jewry must recognize its responsibility in this moment of crisis. The principle of “Arvut Hadadit” (mutual commitment) obliges Jews to care for one another in a way that transcends geographical borders. These days, support for Israel must be expressed by opposing its government’s policies; silence in the face of Israel’s internal challenges endangers the essence of the Jewish people.

Liberal Jews around the world should support the efforts of Israelis fighting for liberal democracy in Israel and collaborate with Israeli initiatives that align with their values. American or Hungarian Jews, for example, fighting for their democracies against populist leaders should work hand in hand with like-minded Israelis. 

Strengthening the mutual involvement of Jews inside and outside Israel requires a renewed commitment to shared liberal values. This involves embracing criticism as an expression of love and concern, not as a rejection of Israel. 

This moment requires courage and clarity. Jewish communities around the world must act decisively to ensure that Israel remains a shared homeland, reflecting the values of justice and human dignity. Only through joint action as liberal Jews—Israelis and non-Israelis—can we preserve the vision that has guided us for generations and ensure a Jewish future with a shared purpose.

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Based on an article that will be published in a collection on Jewish Peoplehood notes number 34.