Diaspora Jews are 'drifting away' from Israel, Jewish Agency chief warns

“While we have a sincere desire to maintain and strengthen the connection between us, I’m very aware of the growing feeling that Diaspora Jews are drifting away from Israel. I will do everything in my power to act against this trend that’s increasingly dividing us.

“We are one nation, small amongst nations, that’s facing huge challenges. Only when we are together can we overcome them.”

Mr Herzog, a former leader of Israel’s Zionist Union coalition party whose father was a former president of Israel and grandfather a former Chief Rabbi of the country, visited Jewish Federations in New York, Boston and Philadelphia this week, with trips to other American cities planned for next month.

He said he was visiting America because he “intentionally went out into the field in my first week in office to learn about the unique needs of American communities and to explain my vision for The Jewish Agency to Jewish leaders and activists.

“In the coming weeks and months, I’ll continue these meetings in North America and the rest of the world."

Mr Herzog succeeded Natan Sharansky, the famous former refusenik and politician, in the role.