American Jews came from far and wide to Washington this week, to attend the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference. They do so every year. The AIPAC conference is monumental even in American terms – three and a half days in which the Jewish American establishment hosts a show of power, all but saying, "We are here" and the American administration would be wise to take note.
True to form, prominent American politicians took to the stage at the conference one by one, underscoring their commitment to the bond between the United States and Israel.
Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey), who courageously voted against the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, told AIPAC that the United States would be safer if Israel was safer; and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence quoted Deuteronomy 30:4, saying, "If any of thine that are dispersed be in the uttermost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence will He fetch thee." He sees the inception of the State of Israel as a miracle that has fulfilled this ancient prophecy.
AIPAC's audience also included numerous non-Jews, who share the understanding that in the current global climate, Israel is at the front line of the war for freedom and against Islamist tyranny.
In this respect, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address was the highlight of the conference. He put aside his notes and walked the length and breadth of the stage, illustrating Israel's achievements.
In its political sense, the phrase "light unto the nations" shines in the form of Israel's contribution to many fields, from which the entire world has benefited: water for the thirsty in Africa, high-tech medical solutions and intelligence sharing that has foiled terrorist attacks the world over.
As I have said before, the gap between Netanyahu's global standing and abilities and the mundanity of the investigations held against him domestically is a source of great sorrow, which was underscored further by the speeches given by other Israeli politicians at AIPAC.
But this was all on the surface. On a deeper level, it seems the miracle of the inception of the Jewish state is lost on the younger generation, who take it for granted. The importance of the Holocaust as one of the core issues that shaped the country is also fading.
This stems from a lack of education, a lack of knowledge, and mainly a lack of interest to deal with the question of identity. Therefore, it is not only the approach toward Israel that has been eroded but the approach toward Jewish identity, as well.
This is what brings about the quiet disappearance of tens of thousands of our people each year. The attitude towards Israel – pursuing activities on its behalf – can also serve as an element of identity among Jewish American youth, but this requires a change of attitude.
Israel, as the Jewish state, should champion this important mission, making it into a worldwide Jewish national enterprise. We must hear American Jewry's outcry. After decades of it supporting Israel, we would be wise to come to its aid.
