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

