In recent years, and especially since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, young Jews around the world have found themselves confronting questions many may never have expected to face so intensely: What does it mean to be Jewish? What role does Israel play in my identity? And to what extent is what happens here part of my story, too?
As CEO of Masa Israel Journey, I meet young Jews from around the world who come to Israel for extended periods. Since the outbreak of the war, one thing has surprised and moved me time and again: Not only have they continued to come, but many have insisted on coming. They arrived during wartime, amid uncertainty and even as missiles were being fired from Iran.
And they weren't simply looking to visit Israel or express their support from afar. They wanted to spend a meaningful amount of time here, volunteering, teaching, working, becoming part of Israeli society and knowing they were making a difference. They wanted to be part of Israel's collective effort.
To me, this reflects something unique about the Jewish people. When Israel faces a crisis, young people born and raised thousands of miles away nevertheless feel that what happens here affects them, too. That sense of belonging is something we must never take for granted.
Young Diaspora Jews have much to contribute
Rising antisemitism on college campuses, in the streets and across social media undoubtedly plays a role in this renewed sense of Jewish identity. For many young people, it has brought their Jewishness from the background of their lives to something they can no longer ignore.
But that is precisely why we now bear an enormous responsibility: We must not allow antisemitism to become the glue that binds the next generation of Jews to Israel.
We do not want young people to remember they are Jewish only when someone reminds them that they are hated. We want their connection to Israel to grow out of choice, belonging, purpose and meaningful involvement. To make that happen, we in Israel must also shift our perspective. Young Diaspora Jews are not a "target audience" we need to bring closer to Israel. They are partners.
At Masa, we see this firsthand. They teach in schools, volunteer in communities, work in the health care system and other workplaces, and bring with them knowledge, experience and motivation. They are not merely building a connection with Israel, they are contributing to the country. Nor does that connection require agreement on everything. A genuine sense of belonging can accommodate questions, criticism and disagreement.
As in any family, you can argue and still know that this is your story, too. Antisemitism may be prompting many young Jews to take a fresh look at Israel today. Our task is to give them reasons to keep choosing Israel long after the crisis has passed. Because the future of relations between Israel and world Jewry will not be determined solely by who stood with Israel in its darkest hours, but by how many young Jews feel that Israel is a place where they, too, have a stake.
Meir Holtz is the CEO of Masa Israel Journey.
