Every once in a while we, the Israelis, are exposed to alarming trends that occur in the Diaspora, are shocked, and then continue with the routine of our lives.
For me in the last year it has happened twice.
The first time was the publication of the results of a study by the American PEW Institute, which surveyed the current situation among American Jews. Non-Jews. This is an increase of more than 15% from the previous decade. This trend exists mainly in the non-Orthodox sects.
The second time was only a few weeks later, after Operation Wall Guard. While Israel has had to defend itself against the firing of thousands of rockets at its citizens, dozens of young leaders in the United States, who are on rabbinical tracks of the progressive currents, signed a harsh letter condemning the State of Israel and accusing it of human rights abuses. Apartheid. "Although this letter does not reflect most of the leadership of the progressive currents in the United States, and many of them are prominent and influential Zionists and supporters of Israel, it undoubtedly symbolizes a new and dangerous spirit that exists mainly in the younger generation.
Now, not only is there a correlation between the weakening of Jewish identity and the distancing from the State of Israel, but the phenomena are also interdependent. The truth must be said: the more a person is connected to Israel, the more meaningful and strong his Jewish identity will be. Today, instead of being a source of pride for many Jews in these audiences and a beacon of morality and progress, Israel symbolizes in their eyes a violation of human rights and liberal values, as the letter reflected. The main reason for this is ignorance. Therefore, the solution begins and ends with education: a real understanding and familiarity with the State of Israel. It is forbidden to wait until young people reach the age of 18 and visit Israel as part of "Birthright". Unfortunately, at this age it is too late because at this age they are already enough to visit campuses and may get carried away by the anti-Israel atmosphere. Israeli roots need to be planted from an early age in both formal and informal settings.
Rabbi Kook taught us that "the pure righteous do not complain about ignorance but add wisdom."
Instead of being shocked by the next figure to be published, it is time for us in Israel to wake up and take responsibility.
We do not have the privilege of looking for another public that supports us such as the evangelical Christians, or giving up half of our people living in the Diaspora because it is assimilating.
On the contrary, as citizens of the only state of the Jewish people, we have a responsibility to think, initiate and act.
This begs the question of whether it is not better to invest in the "safe" publics, which are found in private Jewish schools - those whose descendants are also likely to be Jews.
My answer is simple: as a country that engraves on its banner mutual guarantee and a principle of not abandoning soldiers on the ground, as a country that has initiated dozens of rescue operations that surpass all imagination in order to save those in danger, we must do the same in this campaign, despite its many challenges.
Today, intentionally or unintentionally, many of the efforts that Israel invests reach the "safe" public, whether it is in the supply and accessibility of educational content, providing professional guidance and counseling or in Israeli emissaries who will study in private Jewish schools. But it should be remembered that out of more than one and a half million Jewish children in the United States, only 15% study in the same Jewish institutions. The vast majority come from Orthodox homes. The truth is that their Jewish identity is strong even without us. But what about the other 85%, those whose Jewish identity is less guaranteed and whose connection to Israel is in doubt and in crisis? Is not it time to concentrate our efforts in the places where they are needed?
"A little of the light repels much of the darkness" - a bonfire in the light illuminates less than a candle found in the dark.
A smart, cohesive and focused investment on our part in this field - of young Jews studying in public schools - will be made in cooperation and listening to the field, and with those working in the field, it has the power to shine significantly in places that need it.
While it is much harder to get to these places, we do not have the moral right to give up our brothers.
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