In recent years, the term "Diaspora Jewry" has developed something of a mystical hold on Israeli politicians, public officials, journalists, and academics alike. These individuals speak at conferences, write articles, and debate the issue in parliament, expressing profound concern for the well-being and fate of the fragile soul of Jews living overseas.
They will detail at length how important it is to understand the plights of our brethren in the Diaspora, and how crucial it is to prevent their assimilation. While many would agree that these are worthy causes, the problem begins when Israeli taxpayers are asked to finance the efforts to cater to Diaspora Jewry's needs.
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Earlier this month, the Knesset Committee for Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs decided to invest 20 million shekels ($5.8 million) in Jewish communities abroad, and the government adopted a rather vague outline for "securing the future of the Jewish people in the Diaspora," tagging it onto an existing program to bolster Israel's ties with the Diaspora.
This activity, which sees Israeli taxpayers' money fund foreign nationals, comprises advertising campaigns, sending leaders of public opinion on tours of Jewish communities overseas, and spending ridiculous amounts of Israeli money to produce television broadcasts.
The newest advocate for this cause is Blue and White MK Tehila Friedman, who argues that Israeli funding of Jewish schools aboard – the tuition in which is notoriously expensive – could prevent assimilation.
Taking to Twitter, she recently also argued that the state must allow expatriates and Jews who do not now nor have ever held Israeli citizenship to weigh in on decisions made by Israeli voters. "Israel makes decisions that directly affect Jews worldwide, so they should have a say on these things," she wrote.
It seems that if Friedman had her way, not only would Israel send money to those who choose not to live here, it would also consult them on matters of policy. I sincerely doubt any other sovereign state would even entertain such an idea.
No one is disputing the fact that Diaspora Jews are dealing with a myriad of challenges, especially in the coronavirus era; and no one disputes the need to maintain dialogue with Jewish communities overseas. There is a government ministry dedicated to this cause, not to mention the efforts pursued by the Jewish Agency, the World Zionist Organization, and a host of other entities to that effect.
But with all due respect and sympathy, Diaspora Jews are our brethren – not Israeli citizens. They do not shoulder the burden of conscription and taxes, and while we would be happy to see them immigrate to Israel and help us carry the load, we cannot be expected to add their load to our own.
Israel's heart and door are and will always be open to any Jew but it is time we leave our wallets out of it.
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