Our connection, as Israelis, with the Jewish Diaspora, is deeply and historically interwoven with the Israeli ethos.
This relationship constantly oscillates between a sense of shared destiny and a desire for distinction, due to historical, religious, and cultural reasons. These days, this bond is being severely tested.
Significant events help the sincere desire to protect each other endure the test of time. One such major event is starting now—the Olympic Games, the world's largest sporting event, which gathers among others Israelis and Jews from around the globe.
Alongside the athletes who have prepared their whole lives to stand at the starting line, Jews around the world are waiting for the moment when "Hatikvah" will play and the Israeli flag will be raised with pride.
This time, the Olympics will be different. For France, grappling with internal threats; for us in Israel, as we cheer on the impressive Israeli delegation under unprecedented security; and for the local Jewish community, caught right in the middle.
France is currently dealing with dramatic political, social, and economic changes. The French people are taking to the streets, driven by the culture and values they were raised on, and the current and future governments face significant challenges that will alter the political and social fabric for decades to come.
France has been preparing for this historic hosting of the Olympics for years. Each Olympic host gains prestige that goes far beyond sports. However, alongside the vibrancy that comes with the competition, the host country must deal with a series of challenges. This time, the security and social challenges are doubled due to numerous security alerts—unrelated to Israel.
The Jewish community in France is the third largest in the world and the largest in Europe, numbering about half a million Jews, maintaining its status as one of the most central and oldest in the Jewish world.
This is a community with strong ties to Israel and a significant influence on Israel-France relations, with a deep tradition and significant cooperation with the government and authorities.
Alongside the extensive support of the French government for the Jewish community, as well as the warm ties with Israel, the community now has to deal with internal changes in the country and the impact of the war in Israel on their lives, including the resurgence of anti-Semitism and protests by pro-Palestinian organizations.
The ability of Jews in Israel and the Diaspora to think and act together is one of the components of our resilience as a people and a state. We are committed to developing joint programs that bring together Israelis and Diaspora Jews, to increase youth awareness and create practical partnerships. Currently, 80% of Israelis are aware of the shared destiny between the Jews of Israel and the Diaspora—a higher number than we have known in the past.
Flags from around the world are flying across France. This is a historic period of testing.
Jews from all over the world are choosing the flag anew. We must remember the choice and the feeling behind it, and carry its good into days and worlds beyond sports.
Shlomit Mali is the CEO of AM"I - The national alliance.
