Israel's Diaspora Minister said they have an 'apathy about Jewish identity'. Four British Jews from across the political spectrum respond
December 21, 2018 17:50
Israeli Diaspora Minister Naftali Bennett’s comments at a cabinet meeting last week in which he appeared to dismiss diaspora concerns about Israel — such as the domination of Orthodox streams of Judaism over prayer rights at the Western Wall and the conflict with the Palestinians — has prompted strong reactions from British Jewry, some less favourable than others.
Mr Bennett said there was an “unprecedented crisis” between Israel and the diaspora, adding: “We’re used to being told that it’s because of [prayer rules at] the Western Wall, the Palestinian issue and other ideological controversies. It’s not correct.
“There is a problem of serious assimilation and a growing apathy among Jews in the diaspora, both about their Jewish identity, and their connection to Israel. That’s the key story and it’s a national challenge.”
The JC put Mr Bennett’s controversial comments to members of the British Jewish community from a variety of political backgrounds in order to gauge the reaction.
Hannah Weisfeld said Mr Bennett was wrong to brush aside concerns diaspora Jews have about the conflict.
“The dismissal of entirely valid concerns on the part of the diaspora of exclusionary Jewish practice and the undermining of democratic values within Israel, not least in relation to the continued occupation, is insulting to say the least,” she said.
Ms Weisfeld, who set up her organisation because she felt there was no Jewish organisation representing “a middle-of-the-road” position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, said Mr Bennett needed to “face up to the reality that the Jewish values that belong to large swathes of diaspora Jews are now at serious odds with the reality in Israel”.
She said: “These are values that diaspora Jews, myself included, hold with pride as an outward expression of our Jewish identity.”
She said it was incorrect to suggest there was apathy among British Jews, whether in relation to their identity or their connection to Israel.
“Yachad is home to thousands of British Jews, active in their Jewish communities in synagogues, schools, youth movements and Jewish societies.
“They care passionately about the future of Israel and global Jewry as a whole. If Bennett feels he can so easily dismiss their concerns and accuse them of assimilation and apathy, then he has no understanding of the reality of the diaspora.”
Rabbi Andrew Shaw fundamentally agreed with Mr Bennett. He said the minister “might rub you up the wrong way, but he is right about the problems in the diaspora.
“The crisis he speaks of is serious and he is right to point it out, but I think it is more of an issue in America where the community is larger and more progressive than it is in the UK.”
Rabbi Shaw said he agreed that the lack of connection to Israel was not over issues like prayer rules at the Western Wall or the conflict with Palestinians.
“My Judaism and my Zionism has never been separate. Every time I pray Israel is mentioned you can’t get away from it.
“In more progressive movements one of the problems leaders are having is teaching and encouraging a healthy Zionist identity.
“The UK is less affected because we have the United Synagogue, but still I think leaders need to not give in to the criticism of Israel and educate and encourage members to have a strong Zionist identity.”
He said younger generations were more affected because they have been exposed to a “major shift” in attitudes towards Israel.
“Young Jews tend to be liberal and everyone wants Israel to behave morally, of course.
“But Israel has gone from being the darling on the left to the enemy. People are exposed to much more negativity about it and it is something the leaderships of those communities are struggling with. They find it hard to strike the balance.”
He suggested that it is “easy to criticise from the comfort of north west London” but community leaders and parents need to make sure they are not “widening the gap between a Jewish and Zionist identity”.
For Rabbi Shaw, a rise in intermarriage was also a contributing factor.
“A breakdown in Judaism means a breakdown with Zionism.”
For Rabbi Mark Goldsmith, who, in the summer of 2019, is to become senior rabbi of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue, which has over 4,000 members, the issues were more complicated.
He said Mr Bennett had identified “a real challenge” facing the diaspora, “but also Israel”.
“Building a Jewish identity is a continuous challenge. It requires work and attention wherever we are.”
Speaking from Israel on the eve of Shabbat he said: “Even here tonight some people will have a meaningful Shabbat and others will do nothing.”
He said he agreed with the minister that a “strong diaspora should mean a strong Israel” but that Mr Bennett was “not seeing the full picture”.
As rabbi of one of the largest Jewish communities in Britain, he said it was “critical that we encourage our members to put time and effort into their Judaism. But part of that… is campaigning for a better world and that includes a better Israel.”
He said while 90 per cent of his congregation had a link to Israel, it was important for Jewish movements to allow people with a variety of connections to express them as part of synagogue life.
“A connection to Israel should not be taken for granted, we have to work on that and build it and that includes giving them space to build it.”
Emma Jacobs, 20, said: “There is more to being a British Jew than Israel”.
Ms Jacobs was one of six people to take part in a BBC Two series this year which shed light on what unites and divides the Jewish community.
“I’m not sure who Mr Bennett is speaking for, but the political and religious actions of Israel have an effect on how diaspora Jews feel,” she said.
She disagreed with Mr Bennett that Jews in the diaspora were apathetic about Judaism or Israel.
“Grassroots activism in our communities is not a sign of apathy.
“It’s disappointing to see the issue of prayer at the Kotel dismissed as trivial. If an equal right to prayer is not an issue important to diaspora Jews, why would we fight for it?
“Women have prayer books lit on fire and thrown at them for trying to pray aloud at the Kotel, despite the fact that they return every month.”
