The Intellectual Assault on Israel and Pro-Israel Advocacy: How the American Jewish Community Should React

Publication Date: October 2007

Publisher: Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

Author(s): Steven Bayme

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Jewish Identification; Community Relations

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author states that American support for Israel has historically rested on four main pillars: the high esteem Jews enjoy within American society; the strong base of Christianity within American culture; the kinship Americans have for a fellow democracy; and, especially since September 11th, the common foes that confront both America and Israel. He finds that for nearly sixty years the idea of Israel has been compelling for Americans generally. He argues that this bipartisanship of support for Israel is the strongest refutation of those who claim that a Jewish minority has hijacked American foreign policy on behalf of Israel's interests. Supporting Israel assumes an American Jewish community that is knowledgeable, committed, and surefooted in its pro-Israel mindset and its Jewish identity. He concludes that increasing assimilation and erosion of a distinctive Jewish identity in America may lead to a decrease in American Jewish support for Israel.