4 | JUNE 15 • 2023
essay
On Strengthening Israel-Diaspora Relations
T
he Jewish people are
not a monolithic group,
contrary to popular
belief and perception. We are
certainly not “all the same.”
A multitude of backgrounds,
traditions and
upbringings over
the past 5,000
years has created
numerous
groupings
and unique
individual
stories.
Yet all Jews, especially those
in the diaspora, must deal
with the question of how to
relate to the only Jewish state
and the ways in which Israel is
connected to their identity.
Cracks have unfortunately
appeared in the Israel-Diaspora
relationship, especially of
late and in large part due to
divergent cultural experiences
and evolving societal and
political dynamics. These fault
lines have to do with myriad
issues that range from religious
pluralism in the Jewish state
to the future balance between
Israeli branches of government.
Still, there is surely more
that unites us than divides
us. Our fates are intertwined.
That is why I am committed
to working toward building a
shared Jewish future.
My own story has informed
both my personal and
professional goals. I am the
son of Polish refugees who
came to Sweden after World
War II. I grew up in Malmö,
Sweden, served in the IDF and
now live in New York. I still
have family in Malmö, and the
World Jewish Congress recently
opened a Nordic office to better
address regional expressions of
antisemitism, especially anti-
Israel sentiment, and to work
with local Jewish communities
to strengthen an open and
proud Jewish presence.
Last week, I was part of
a World Jewish Congress
delegation to Jerusalem of over
120 Jewish leaders from 50
countries, including our senior
leadership, representatives of
affiliated Jewish communities
worldwide and over 75
members of our leadership
development programs, known
as WJC Elevate.
Together, we gathered to
celebrate the 75th anniversary
of Israel’s birth. We also
launched an innovative
forum in partnership with the
Reut Institute — the Jewish
Leadership Bridge for the
Future. Israeli President Isaac
Herzog spoke at the forum’s
launch, where emerging
diaspora leaders began work
to find common ground with
their Israeli counterparts.
This delegation will have
an unparalleled opportunity
to demonstrate solidarity
and support for the people
and the State of Israel. It will
embark upon additional
close collaborations through
such events as meetings with
representatives of Israel’s
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
More specifically, by
educating and empowering a
new cadre of Jewish leaders
and connecting them to each
other, these leaders will be
better equipped to facilitate
difficult yet respectful
conversations that lead to
meaningful outcomes.
This approach necessitates
recognizing and respecting
differences while
simultaneously building
upon unifying factors. It goes
beyond mere intellectual
discussions at conferences and
focuses on translating those
discussions into practical
actions within the everyday
lives of individuals and
families, leading to greater
understanding and unity
within the Jewish community.
The work will continue after
the launch with actions such
as smaller-scale meetings that
seek to promote Jewish unity
worldwide. This work is a core
mission of the World Jewish
Congress, which unites more
than 100 affiliated Jewish
communities from around the
globe.
In spite of our differences,
we must hold tightly to our
people’s shared purpose.
By working through tough
conversations grounded in this
shared unity, we can navigate
the complexities of our diverse
world and build a better future
for generations to come.
By identifying and exploring
rifts between Jews in Israel and
those in the diaspora, as well
as finding and understanding
our own roles in bridging
those gaps, we will be better
positioned to effectively meet
future challenges.
Action on this front has
never been more important.
Daniel Radomski is the head of strate-
gy and programs for the World Jewish
Congress and executive director of its
Jewish Diplomatic Corps.
PURELY COMMENTARY
SHAHAR AZRAM/VIA JNS.ORG
A group of soon-to-be volunteers in the Israel Defense Forces gather outside of John F. Kennedy Airport in
New York and salute their future.
Daniel
Radomski