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Atlantic is not so rosy. "What I don't
see happening is Israelis becoming
more sophisticated in dealing with
American Jews. We're just not on their
radar screen.
Liberal American Jews — meaning,
the non-Orthodox — say Israel's gen-
eral public and successive governments
show little desire to deal with religious
pluralism in the Jewish state.
"Defining what we mean when we
say 'Jew' all over the world is a contin t
uing and sharpening battle, one in
which we're all going to have to step
up to the plate," says Sislen.
"This is certainly one of the most
stressful times in all of Jewish history.
The religious community inside and
outside of Israel is going to have to
redefine itself. That will be uncom-
fortable for everyone, but essential."
Part of the work must take place in
Jewish day and afternoon schools, he
says. "A trip to Israel is a good thing, but
I don't think it's the be-all and end-all of
Jewish identity and Israel identity. Our
schools are going to have to find new
ways, basically in partnership with the
educational establishment in Israel, to
reach out in partnership with the diaspo-
ra to explain what Israel is and why it is."
Of course, some programs are
already rolling.
Dr. Freedman sees the seeds of
restructuring in federations funding
specific projects in Israel and opening
offices there to shape the impact of
their contributions. The Partnership
2000 sister-city model is a good start,
he says, as is the push to send more
children to Israel.
"The question is," he says, "is this
enough?"
The query, however, will be moot if
the peace process implodes, as it con-
stantly threatens to do. But the push
to craft new ties between Israeli and
diaspora Jews is gaining ground with
every advance in the peace process.
"For us American Jews, there isn't
going to be an 'Israel' any more," says
Rabbi Kula of CLAL. "There are lots
of Israels. They will create the linkages
and connections between Jews here
and there.
As a fragmented people, are we up
to the task?
"It's like one year after the Bar
Kokhba revolt," Rabbi Kula says,
referring to the need to redefine
Judaism after the crushing defeat by
Rome in 135 C.E. (Bar Kokhba was
the military commander of the Jews in
Palestine.)
"If you judge it now, it'll be failure.
But it's beginning to percolate. People
are talking across lines." Fl

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