opinion
US, Israeli Jews Need to Come
Together, Not Criticize Each Other
Jack Rosen
T 12
FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT
It is also important to note that it is simply not true
that American Jews want or desire a confrontation
with Israel — quite the opposite.

Jews should not demand it of Israelis, even as both
sides have a perfect right to express their concerns.

American Jews also need not sever their ties to Israel
over politics because they have a much better option:
If they do not like the state of Israeli politics, then they
should work to change it to the extent they can and
the extent to which it is appropriate. Israel is a democ-
racy, and there is no shortage of options for principled
activism that can be undertaken by American Jews in
a sympathetic and supportive manner.

Perhaps most importantly, the vocal minority on
either side of this issue has no right to and must not
be allowed to define the terms of the discourse. When
they do, everyone suffers, as we have seen in our own
politics in the United States. Our silent majority has
been drowned out by extremist voices on the right and
left, leading to deep and lasting divisions that have
harmed American society and American democracy.

There is also the simple but uncomfortable fact that
undue criticism of the new Israeli government could
cause enormous collateral damage that neither side
desires. At a point when antisemitism is skyrocketing in
America — led by political extremists and major cultural
figures — stoking the fires of the world’s oldest hatred,
the polarization of the American Jewish community
over any issue could have dire consequences for
American Jews in general. This should not silence legit-
imate criticism, but it is a reality and must be taken into
account by any responsible person.

Given all of this, it should be clear that this is not the
time for fostering divisions and resentment between
American and Israeli Jews. What we require above all
in the face of the rising tide of antisemitism is solidar-
ity and mutual engagement in the struggle we face.

Many American Jews may feel they have reason to
fear what their Israeli brethren have voted for, but they
should remember the words of Elie Wiesel, who once
said: “When Jews are together, I am never afraid.”
What both Israeli and American Jews need now
is not to fly apart but come together. “All of Israel is
responsible for one another,” says the Talmud. This is
the best way to silence the extremist voices on both
sides and ensure that we retain our sense of solidarity
and mutual affection. ■
Jack Rosen is president of American Jewish
Congress and chairman of the American Council for
World Jewry.

Oleksii Liskonih / iStock / Getty Images Plus
here is currently a great deal of talk in the
media about an impending confrontation
between American Jews and Israel due to the
composition of the new Israeli government.

This right-wing coalition, led by Benjamin Netanyahu,
includes elements of the far right, such as politi-
cians Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. American
Jews are right to be concerned about Smotrich and
Ben-Gvir, who advocate policies regarding Jewish
identity and religion that are unacceptable to the vast
majority of American Jews. And they are right to be
concerned about changes to the Israeli judiciary. As
a mostly liberal community, it is not unreasonable for
American Jews to prefer an Israeli government that
reflects their own deeply held values.

But American Jews can have confidence that their
concerns will be addressed. Netanyahu has said
publicly that he will be the one to set policy and
pledged before the Knesset that Israel will not become
a state ruled by religious law. He has also stated that
his government will represent the liberal right rather
than the far right.

Netanyahu’s record is clear: For well over a decade,
he has proven himself to be an assertive leader who
can keep his cabinet in line. There is no reason to
think he will not do so again.

In addition, the far right is, in fact, deceptively weak.

They know quite well that without Netanyahu, they
could not have achieved power, and it is very unlikely
they will directly challenge him if he says no to the
extreme policies they advocate.

It is also important to note that it is simply not true
that American Jews want or desire a confrontation
with Israel — quite the opposite. Indeed, their very
expressions of concern prove this. Except for a handful
of fringe Jewish anti-Zionists on the left and religious
extremists on the far right who rejoice at the rise of
extreme political forces, American Jews are criticizing
members of the incoming government because they
want to continue and deepen their relationship with
Israel. This is precisely why they are concerned and
troubled about what may transpire.

Moreover, while American Jews have the right to
express their belief that the new government should
not go too far, this cuts both ways. American Jews also
have an obligation not to go too far. They should not
demand that Israelis conform precisely to American
Jews’ own political beliefs and ideology. Israelis do
not demand this of American Jews, and American