Why are we talking differently now?
Last week Jewish Federation leaders met in Israel for the annual General Assembly. So why is this GA different from other GAs? Because the theme was “We Need to Talk.” Until now when we dialogued with Israeli leadership it was, “how can we help each other?” Jewish Federations always have been, and I’m glad to state, still are, profound supporters and partners of Israel, helping in whatever way it can.
This conference focused on trying to improve relationships on several issues. Some issues were settlements, the Nation State declaration, asylum and the dominance of the ultra-Orthodox on the personal lives of Israelis.
I have previously voiced in The Chronicle my opinion settlements are not an obstacle to peace. I stated that when proposals were made to substantially vacate settlements, those offers were rejected by Palestinians. On the other matters, we are entitled to voice our opinions while recognizing that we are not part of the Israeli Knesset. To press on these matters is to take the position that most Israelis do not know how to govern themselves.
The most sensitive of these issues concerns the status of the Conservative and Reform movements in Israel. Why is it that one cannot accept the historical and current demographical history of the State of Israel? The State was founded by secular Jews. Most Israelis remain secular. Others originate from Europe or Arab countries and have little, if any, knowledge of Jewish progressive movements. The challenge should continue to be directed at the ultra-Orthodox or have massive numbers of Reform and Conservative Jews make Aliyah, though that’s not likely to happen.
Here’s another thought. Why was there only little attention given to the 70th anniversary of the State? There was an opportunity to celebrate. Despite the hostility of many nations, many wars and continuing acts of terrorism, Israel thrives and contributes technological, medical and agricultural knowledge to the world while continuing to accept immigrants (37,000 in 2017).
One of the central questions raised was the increasing alienation or indifference of young Jewish Americans, most visible on university campuses, to Israel. That includes Jewish faculty. Birthright Israel is a response to this. Much more needs to be done by us in the USA cooperating with Israelis.
Perhaps my perspective differs from the current leadership of Federations. I had been involved in the rescue and resettlement of Jews since the early 1950s, they were Holocaust survivors, Romanians, Hungarians, Greeks, Russians, Poles and Ethiopians. My experiences began when no country welcomed Jewish refuges (the USA only a limited number). “Next Year in Jerusalem” became “This Year in Jerusalem.”
I identify with the Israeli woman that lost two sons and addressed a GA audience. She declared that they died protecting Israel and the Jewish people. I quote an old United Jewish Appeal slogan, “We Are One.” We must be.
Sol Koenigsberg
Overland Park, Kansas
