‘Not in my name’: The Jewish diaspora fighting the consensus on Israel | Benjamin Netanyahu News
Tensions Rise Between U.S. Progressive Jewish Community and Israeli Government
This month, longstanding tensions between the U.S. progressive Jewish diaspora and the Israeli government became more pronounced during the annual Israel Day Parade in New York City. The event featured a contingent led by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and other far-right Israeli legislators.
As Smotrich marched along Fifth Avenue, he faced protests from demonstrators who condemned him with chants of “shame” and “war criminals.” Smotrich, who has claimed he is wanted by the International Criminal Court, remained unperturbed by the opposition, asserting a deep connection between the global Jewish community and the state of Israel.
“This is a massive celebration – a profound connection uniting the entire global Jewish community,” Smotrich stated. He emphasized that the safety of Jews worldwide is tied to the strength of Israel, asserting that it is the ideal place to live.
New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani chose to skip the parade, fulfilling a campaign promise that resonated with some American Jewish organizations critical of the current state of Israeli politics. Proponents of this decision, including groups like Israelis for Peace and Jews for Racial & Economic Justice, argued that the parade, which showcases politicians associated with policies detrimental to Palestinians, does not genuinely represent Jewish identity or pride.
Activists from both the U.S. and Europe expressed frustration with leaders like Smotrich, accusing them of misusing Jewish identity to justify actions they view as oppressive. Organization leaders called the occupation of Palestinian territories inconsistent with democratic values.
Emily Hilton, co-founder of Na’amod, a Jewish activist group in the U.K., shared that her critical perspective on Israel was shaped by events during the 2014 Gaza conflict. Reflecting on her educational experience, Hilton noted the enlightenment she gained from engaging with individuals who critiqued Israel, stating, “I began to question the acceptance of Zionist thought from university onwards.”
Hilton fostered her activism by participating in mourning prayers for Palestinians killed during the Great March of Return and vigils following the Hamas-led attacks in October. She highlighted a growing realization among activists that Israel’s actions increasingly undermine its moral credibility and that the Jewish diaspora must seek justice beyond the framework of Zionism.
Recent polls indicate a divide in opinions among the Jewish diaspora regarding Israel. While some express continued emotional support, others are distancing themselves from a state they believe enacts violence in their name. Sonya Meyerson-Knox, Communications Director of Jewish Voice for Peace, conveyed concern over institutions that historically supported Israeli government actions, which she argues have marginalized dissenting voices.
Experts assert that a consensus supporting Israel among global Jewish communities is diminishing, particularly in light of military offensives and their humanitarian impact. Keith Kahn-Harris, a sociologist at the Institute for Jewish Policy Research, observed a decline in longstanding beliefs about Israel, noting a growing willingness, especially among younger members, to question its future as a state.
Despite these evolving views, mainstream Jewish communities still struggle to envision an alternative to Israel’s current statehood, suggesting that substantial change is still a way off.
