The Ruderman Family Foundation, which works to strengthen ties between Israel and American Jewry, has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to use his upcoming speech before the Jewish Federations conference in Tel Aviv on Wednesday to "heal the wounds of division between the State of Israel and Jews in the Diaspora."
In a public letter to the prime minister, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, Jay Ruderman, noted the harsh anti-Semitic attacks that have taken place across the globe recently, including the recent vicious attack on an elderly ultra-Orthodox man in Brooklyn on October 14.
"The government of the Jewish state cannot ignore these events. Sir, you have the opportunity to help mend the wounds within the Jewish nation. As a concerned American Jew, who is committed to Israel and the future of the Jewish people, I implore you: Don't squander this opportunity," Ruderman wrote.
'The community is undergoing a change'
"In recent years there's been a 60% rise in anti-Semitism in the U.S., but the government in Israel hasn't said much on this issue. Today [Wednesday], he [Netanyahu] has the opportunity to say that Israel is aware of what's going on, to heal the rift with words," Ruderman told Israel Hayom from the U.S.
"I understand the necessities of inter-Israeli politics, but the discourse between the Jewish community and the Israeli government has become very strained. There were hostile statements from government representatives, and it doesn't help," he said.
Q: You expect the prime minister to visit the U.S., but Netanyahu, it stands to reason, is making a political calculation that if he does so he could find himself in a clash with [U.S. President Donald Trump], which is counter to the Israeli interest.
"It's true that the Trump administration has implemented many pro-Israeli steps, such as moving the embassy to Jerusalem and withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Iran. But at the same time, it should be known that a large majority of the Jewish community is against Trump. The opposition isn't because of his approach to Israel but other reasons. And still, it's a thin line that has to be walked. There has to be a mutual understanding. You can't throw the Jewish community under the bus. [Netanyahu] is smart enough to choose the right words, and this is his time to display leadership."
Q: You and many Jewish leaders have detailed what Israel should do. But what is your role in healing the wounds, in your words?
"That's a good question. The Jewish community is undergoing a huge change, and the historic organizations no longer represent it. Half the community is women, and there are also Israelis and Russians and those with disabilities. They aren't represented today. We need more democratic and representative leadership, and I know it's controversial to say that."
Q: If the community is changing and isn't represented, maybe it's the organizations themselves that are feeling a sense of crisis, but the Israelis, the Russians and the others don't think that?
"That's also a good question. There haven't been polls on this issue and there's also the question of who's Jewish because many who view themselves as Jewish aren't recognized as such in [Jewish law] and the Israeli rabbinate. But the ambivalence and individual focus of many Jews here on their own private lives is also dangerous because we need one another. Israel is the ancient homeland, and the future of the Jewish people regardless. To the same extent, Israel needs the Jewish community in America because, despite the ascension of the evangelical community, AIPAC is still the lobby responsible for the defense aid Israel receives. And who leads AIPAC if not, at least partly, Reform Jews?"
