Although most American Jews (84%) define themselves as pro-Israel, a significant portion (16%) support the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, a poll conducted by the Ruderman Family Foundation has found.
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The findings were presented on Monday to the Knesset Caucus for Strengthening the Relations Between Israel and US Jewry, which was attended by lawmakers and ministers as well as foundation president Jay Ruderman and executive director Shira Ruderman.
The survey also showed that US Jews who support the Democratic Party were more critical of Israel than those who support the Republican Party, although both parties have a fairly similar number of pro-Israel supporters.
Speaking at the event, Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai urged the government to step up efforts to fight antisemitism, "which is on the rise." He said, "Israel must be at the forefront of the fight against Jew-hatred. We must say no to efforts in the international arena to delegitimize Israel."
Jay Ruderman echoed his comments and said, "Jews in America need to understand that Israel may not be perfect, but it is the only democracy in this part of the world and it has civil rights. And even if aliyah to Israel is not a solution to most American Jews, we must strengthen the bond."
Shira Ruderman concurred. "It is a partnership of destiny, and as such we much also understand that this is a marathon and not a sprint. Through extensive actions, shared values, language, and mutual understanding, I believe we can succeed in raising a generation for which the Jewish people and the State of Israel are inseparable," she said.
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