Israeli Americans Are Alive and Kicking

These words are being written while I am participating in the 8^th annual Israeli American Council (IAC) Summit in Austin, Texas. Approximately 2800 Israeli Americans descended on the sleepy town of Austin, quite an irregular sight.

The IAC, regarded as one of the fastest growing Jewish organizations in America, manages to convene the largest bi-partisan pro-Israel gatherings in the country. The theme of the summit “Israel at heart” was certainly warming to my heart, observing, as a representative of Israel, such a display of unconditional support and love. The gathering is a big tent, including Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and progressives, supporters of Bibi and supporters of Lapid, Orthodox to Reform. Many may criticize the policies of the state of Israel, but they unconditionally support Israel.

In gathering my impressions from this event, the first that came to mind was that this gathering refutes the claim that Israelis living in North America choose not to be involved and suffer from an indifference or apathy. An assembly that is 2800 strong refutes this misconception. The valid point is how you connect the energy and activism of the Israelis to that of the Jewish American communities at large. There is energy in both camps, but of a different nature, and there is a lack of unity and synthesis. There is an opportunity for Israelis to participate more in the activities of the local Jewish communities and federations, just as there is an opportunity for local Jewish communities to more fully embrace Israelis by facilitating programs in Hebrew and participating in the events organized by Israeli Americans.

The second point is that Israel, as a state, really cares about American Jewry. Four high level officials flew especially from Israel to join the crowd, one of them the newly appointed Israeli minister of diaspora affairs. In addition, six heads of missions from around the continent participated: The Ambassador of Israel to Canada, and Consul Generals of Israel located in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Boston and Houston. This is testimony to the importance attributed by the state of Israel to preserving Jewish and Israeli identity in diaspora communities.

Another issue that comes to mind is the unconditional mutual support. Throughout the gathering, Minister Chikli, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs (as well as all Israeli representatives) fielded questions from the crowd about the new government and its policy, especially in relation to pluralism, definition of a Jew, the grandchildren clause, the judicial reforms and other diverse issues. One should make a clear distinction between statements by politicians and stated policy. One should not believe everything one hears in the news or reads as headlines in the newspapers. The minister reassured that, policy wise, in most issues there will be no dramatic changes to the status quo. He also added that he has come to learn the issues, listen to the concerns and then convey them to Israel. This was not a brash Israeli who came to preach. As an immigrant to Israel myself, living in Israel for the past forty years, I was deeply impressed by the modesty and attentiveness of the Israeli minister.

Israel has matured in many ways. Israel has evolved its mindset, and now supports the diaspora communities in many ways, including as a financial partner to Birthright, Masa and other initiatives. The respect and support must be mutual. There is also a dynamic in Israel, which has its own energy. As much as possible, Jewish communities should respect the democratic process in Israel. It’s more productive and useful when delicate issues of impact on the communities are discussed intimately, rather than in public accusative letters.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas addressed the plenary. It was refreshing and inspiring to hear the unequivocal proud support of Israel, based on values, common sense and clear-cut strategic interests.  Sometimes hearing the obvious is needed.

Israel has no better friend and ally than America, and America has no better friend and ally than Israel. The support extended to Israel by the United States is crucial. This is a two-way relationship that is also extremely beneficial to the US. Israel defends the values of the US on the front lines, with boots on the ground, against common enemies. Israeli vigilance, determination and presence saves the deployment of US troops. The US knows that it can always depend on Israel, in the face of any need that may arise. The iron dome is deployed in the US to save American lives. How many countries deliver such benefit to the US?

Yet, it is of concern that there are members of Congress who try defame Israel and speak up against the relationship. Other members of Congress sometimes lower their profile in relation to their support of Israel, due to fear that they will lose points with some constituents.

A key issue in most of the panels at the conference was the rise in Anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. There was general agreement that there are two fronts: The physical front, which attacks Israel and Jews alike; and the battle for hearts and minds, which tries to delegitimize the right of Israel’s existence, and gradually infects the minds of innocent people swept up in these untruths, chipping at the legitimacy of being a Jew or supporting Israel.

The distinction between criticism of Israel and anti-Zionism is clear. It is time that we demand that anti-Zionism be recognized as a clear manifestation of Anti-Semitism and the IHRA definition be embraced by all. Jews on campuses and elsewhere are entitled to the same rights of identity as any other minority group, whether it be Identifying as Jews or as Zionists.

One of the practical results of this conference was the operative plan to set up a mechanism for joint leadership sessions, shared by leaders from Israel and from the Israeli American community, to address these issues in a consistent and effective manner.

Most of the participants live by the slogan “Living in America, Feeling Israel.” The reverse of “Living in Israel, feeling America” is also one Israelis adopted many years ago. We must stand together to prevail.