Fair-weather friend: Israel's selfish attitude toward Diaspora Jewry

The seesds had been sown already during his Dad's reign : "Haaretz" had interviewed a "young Austrian" in the 20ies and stated " This man is better than his reputation" .It was nobody else but A.H. interviewed

What I do take exception to are those posts which are rabidly anti-Semitic and\or anti-Muslim, would not be out of place on a holocaust denial site and claim that Israel has always been an illegal state and call for its demise. It is important for a country to have a media that reflects a wide spectrum of political opinion but Haaretz crosses a red line with some of the posts that it chooses to air. Do we really need to read in an Israeli paper that Israel should not exist and that Jews are the lowest form of being?

You approach puts the horse before the cart. Israel does not have to claim to represent all Jews. It does so, whether it likes it or not. Truth is Israel has a hard enough time coping with itself and should not need to worry about sensitivities of people, who don't pay taxes or vote in the country. No other country really does. Equally, Jews don't need to carry responsibility for a country in which they don't vote or pay taxes. Jews are seen as representatives of Israel, whether we like it or not. This is the reality imposed on Jews externally and not created by the Jews and it is part of the historical agenda in which we subsist. However, both Israel's policy and the diaspora need to recognise that externality and address that honestly and that may mean rubbing some people the wrong way and looking more closely and the nature of some political friendships. This is what is at issue.

1) Israel Jews tend EXclusive, and US Jews are INclusive. Israelis appeared to hold themselves separate and superior, and treat others are lesser. Jewish Americans do not treat others as lesser. The response of people who are treated as lesser always going to be dislike and resentment. This American INclusivity has been further offended by an Israeli tendency to even disparage non-Israeli Jews as being, "Not real Jews." 2) The Israeli message to Jewish Americans has been, "You have to support us, whether or not you like what we do." The American Jewish answer has been turning to, "No we don't, especially if you violate Jewish values by stealing from and oppressing another people." 3) Israel's apparent rejection of every solution to the Israeli/Palestinian problem, out of hand is alienating foreign (not "diaspora," they are not in exile) Jews AND non-Jews. Correct the behavior, and the problem will correct itself.

by the world Jewry as it has been for decades. Yes, "Israel first" for Israelis, not for all Jews.

- The biggest mistake diaspora can, and is making, is that notions that prevail among Jewish individuals or groups around the world must be recognized and accepted by the Israeli public. As a legitimate independent country, if you wish so, only Israeli residents, voters decide what’s in their best interests. Yes, I agree that certain practices offend one party or another, but for a Jewish person to base one’s love or hatred towards the brethren (and sisters), is a dangerous cascade towards self-destruction. (“Kol Israel Areyvim ze ba-ze”) – All Jews are responsible for one another. This is an ancient call, valid for all generations. - The biggest mistake diaspora can, and is making, is that notions that prevail among Jewish individuals or groups around the world must be recognized and accepted by the Israeli public. As a legitimate independent country, if you wish so, only Israeli residents, voters decide what’s in their best interests. Yes, I agree that certain practices offend one party or another, but for a Jewish person to base one’s love or hatred towards the brethren (and sisters), is a dangerous cascade towards self-destruction. (“Kol Israel Areyvim ze ba-ze”) – All Jews are responsible for one another. This is an ancient call, valid for all generations. - The biggest mistake diaspora can, and is making, is that notions that prevail among Jewish individuals or groups around the world must be recognized and accepted by the Israeli public. As a legitimate independent country, if you wish so, only Israeli residents, voters decide what’s in their best interests. Yes, I agree that certain practices offend one party or another, but for a Jewish person to base one’s love or hatred towards the brethren (and sisters), is a dangerous cascade towards self-destruction. (“Kol Israel Areyvim ze ba-ze”) – All Jews are responsible for one another. This is an ancient call, valid for all generations.

irritating, funny, and dangeously silly. Israel cannot cater to anyones will.

Certainly in the short term it makes sense for Israeli politicians to vote the wishes of the people who will have the votes to reelect them or to put them out of office. However one problem many Israelis ignore is that ultimately Israel makes it or doesn't make because of the support of Jews in the diaspora; if the EU and USA turn against Israel, the odds against it increase dramatically. It would be wise to remember that before making decisions that would antagonize them.