opinions & letters
On Strengthening Israel-Diaspora Relations
Daniel Radomski
T he Jewish people are not a
monolithic group, contrary to
popular belief and perception. We
are certainly not “all the same.” A
multitude of backgrounds, tradi-
tions and upbringings over the
past 5,000 years has created numerous groupings
and unique individual stories.

Yet all Jews, especially those in the Diaspora, must
deal with the question of how to relate to the only
Jewish state and how Israel is connected to their
identity. Cracks have unfortunately appeared in the Israel-
Diaspora relationship, especially of late, and in
large part due to divergent cultural experiences and
evolving societal and political dynamics. These fault
lines have to do with myriad issues that range from
religious pluralism in the Jewish state to the future
balance between Israeli branches of government.

Still, there is surely more that unites us than
divides us. Our fates are intertwined. That is why I
am committed to working toward building a shared
Jewish future.

My story has informed both my personal and
professional goals. I am the son of Polish refugees
who came to Sweden after World War II. I grew up
in Malmö, Sweden, served in the IDF and now live in
New York. I still have family in Malmö, and the World
Jewish Congress recently opened a Nordic office to
better address regional expressions of antisemitism,
especially anti-Israel sentiment, and to work with
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This week, I am part of a World Jewish Congress
delegation to Jerusalem of more than 120 Jewish
leaders from 50 countries, including our senior
leadership, representatives of affiliated Jewish
communities worldwide and more than 75 members
of our leadership development programs, known as
WJC Elevate.

Together, we will gather to celebrate the 75th
anniversary of Israel’s birth. We will also launch
an innovative forum in partnership with the Reut
Institute — the Jewish Leadership Bridge for the
Future. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will speak
at the forum’s launch, where emerging Diaspora
leaders will work to find common ground with their
Israeli counterparts.

This delegation will have an unparalleled oppor-
tunity to demonstrate solidarity and support for the
people and the state of Israel. It will embark upon
additional close collaborations through such events
as meetings with representatives of Israel’s Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.

More specifically, by educating and empowering a
new cadre of Jewish leaders and connecting them,
these leaders will be better equipped to facilitate
difficult yet respectful conversations that lead to
meaningful outcomes.

This approach necessitates recognizing and
respecting differences while simultaneously building
upon unifying factors. It goes beyond mere intel-
lectual discussions at conferences and focuses on
translating those discussions into practical actions
within the everyday lives of individuals and families,
NO 24%
76% leading to greater understanding and unity within
the Jewish community.

The work will continue after the launch with
actions such as smaller-scale meetings that seek to
promote Jewish unity worldwide. This work is a core
mission of the World Jewish Congress, which unites
more than 100 affiliated Jewish communities from
around the globe.

Despite our differences, we must hold tightly to our
people’s shared purpose. By working through tough
conversations grounded in this shared unity, we can
navigate the complexities of our diverse world and
build a better future for generations to come.

By identifying and exploring rifts between Jews in
Israel and those in the Diaspora, as well as finding
and understanding our own roles in bridging those
gaps, we will be better positioned to effectively meet
future challenges.

Action on this front has never been more
important. ■
Daniel Radomski is the head of strategy and
programs for the World Jewish Congress and
executive director of its Jewish Diplomatic Corps.

letters Defining Antisemitism
Your May 25 editorial (“Mr. Biden, Define Antisemitism”)
urging the Biden administration to adopt the
International Holocaust Remembrance Association
definition of “antisemitism” is far off target.

In the vernacular, “antisemitism” is used as an
overly polite synonym to refer to the timeless hatred
of the Jewish people. The 39-word IHRA definition
is vague and cumbersome. The definition does not
do justice to 2,000 years of hateful rhetoric and
violence. It fails to convey the irrationality of this
phenomena, its timelessness, its scope.

Instead of focusing on the IHRA definition, I suggest
giving more attention to the word’s usage. When
referring to this behavior and belief system, it would
be more accurate to use the phrase “hatred of the
Jews” or simply “Jew hatred.” ■
Ronald Jay Smolow, Washington Crossing
YES An article in the May 25 Jewish Exponent misnamed the owner of the Marathon Grill, who is Sheryl Borish.

The Exponent apologizes for the error.

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