American Jews and Israel

Publication Date: February 1988

Publisher: American Jewish Committee

Author(s): Jonathan D. Sarna

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Diaspora Relations; Israel Attachment; Public Opinion

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author argues that the Israel of American Jews has long been a mythical Israel. Contemporary criticism of Israel has far more to do with the shattering of these myths than with the various traditions of opposition to Zionism. A brief excursion back into history explains why this is the case. The author states that the wonder is not so much that these dreams were eventually punctured, but rather that they lasted as long as they did.

In Commentary Magazine vol. 85 issue 2, pp. 64-65 (February 1988).