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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 3:28 GMT by The Jerusalem Post Blogs
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The Diaspora’s Pulse: Why Israeli‑American Relations are Shifting in 2024

By a Jerusalem Post research journalist

In a feature that has already sparked debate among Jewish leaders in New York, Los Angeles, and Tel Aviv, the Jerusalem Post’s latest article (link: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-866452) turns a spotlight on the increasingly complex relationship between Israel and its global Jewish community. The piece—published on March 18, 2024—argues that the diaspora is no longer a passive benefactor but an active policy stakeholder whose engagement is shaping Israel’s future on two fronts: domestic politics and foreign relations.

1. The Background: A History of Ties and Tensions

The article opens with a concise history of the “diaspora‑Israel axis.” From the early post‑1948 aliyah waves to the 2019 “Israel‑Diaspora Summit” in Berlin, the narrative tracks how waves of Jewish immigrants have contributed culturally, economically, and politically to the state’s development. The author notes that, unlike the Soviet or European exodus that was primarily religious, the recent influx of “second‑generation” Jews—whose families moved to the U.S., Canada, or the UK—carries a different set of expectations and priorities.

A sidebar links to an archived 2016 Pew Research study on “Diaspora Attitudes Toward Israel,” which revealed a sharp decline in support among younger Jews. The Jerusalem Post uses that study as a baseline to show how the 2023 “Israel Diaspora Strategy” (the policy blueprint released by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs) seeks to reverse that trend.

2. The 2023 Diaspora Strategy: Key Pillars

The article spends a substantial amount of space on the new policy document, which has four core pillars:

1. Civic Engagement – Encouraging diaspora Jews to participate in Israeli local elections through the “Israel on the Map” online portal. The policy, the article notes, intends to increase the 8% of Israel’s electorate that is of non‑Jewish descent.

2. Economic Investment – A push for diaspora‑origin investors to fund Israeli tech start‑ups through the “Diaspora Investment Fund.” The article cites a quote from the fund’s CEO, Dr. Miriam Cohen: “We are not just channeling money; we’re channeling expertise.”

3. Cultural Exchange – The launch of the “Jewish Bridge” cultural series, featuring Israeli artists touring diaspora communities. The Jerusalem Post links to an upcoming concert series in Melbourne.

4. Security Cooperation – A more controversial pillar that calls for the diaspora to aid in cyber‑defense initiatives. A link to an Israeli military briefing video illustrates how the IDF plans to tap diaspora volunteers for “non‑combat” roles in cyber‑security.

The author emphasizes that this strategy marks a pivot from a “hand‑out” model—where Israel is seen as a recipient of diaspora funds—to a partnership framework that places diaspora Jews as co‑architects of the nation’s future.

3. Voices from the Field

The article features interviews with several key figures:

• David Golby, president of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), argues that the new strategy is “essential for sustaining our bilateral relationship.” He cites a 2023 AJC report that shows a 12% increase in donations from the U.S. after the policy’s announcement.

• Ruth Goldstein, a young rabbi in Jerusalem, provides a grassroots perspective. She tells readers about how the “Israel on the Map” portal has already increased voter turnout among young Jewish adults in the diaspora.

• Elena Morin, a venture capitalist in San Francisco, discusses her involvement with the Diaspora Investment Fund. She stresses that the fund’s structure ensures that returns are channeled back into the community through scholarships and research grants.

The piece also references a recent interview with a former Israeli ambassador to Canada, who spoke candidly about how diaspora diplomacy can soften global criticism during tense geopolitical moments.

4. The Challenges and Criticisms

While the article paints an optimistic picture, it does not shy away from the obstacles:

• Generational Divide – The Pew study, referenced earlier, found that Jews aged 18‑34 are significantly less likely to vote in Israeli elections than older cohorts. The article explains that this divide is exacerbated by the perception that Israel is “too far away” and “too political” to care about.

• Security Concerns – Some critics argue that involving diaspora citizens in cyber‑security initiatives could expose Israel to new vulnerabilities. A link to an IDF cyber‑security briefing reveals how the ministry plans to mitigate these risks through strict vetting and encryption protocols.

• Political Polarization – The piece includes a link to a Washington Post editorial that cautions that a strong diaspora push could polarize Israeli politics further, especially in the context of the 2025 elections.

• Economic Inequality – The Jerusalem Post notes that the Diaspora Investment Fund’s focus on tech start‑ups could inadvertently widen the gap between high‑growth sectors and traditional industries like agriculture and manufacturing.

5. Looking Forward: The Road Ahead

In its closing remarks, the article looks to the future, arguing that the diaspora’s engagement is likely to become a defining feature of Israel’s national narrative. It cites an interview with the new Minister of Diaspora Affairs, who stated that “the diaspora is our future, and we must listen to them.”

The author concludes with a call to action for diaspora communities worldwide: to not merely contribute financially but to engage politically, culturally, and digitally. The piece ends by inviting readers to join an online forum hosted by the JPost, which will host a live Q&A with Israeli officials and diaspora leaders.

6. Why This Matters

The Jerusalem Post’s article is timely for several reasons:

• Policy Shift – The new Diaspora Strategy reflects a significant shift in how Israel sees itself relative to the global Jewish community, moving from a one‑way benefactor model to a partnership.

• Geopolitical Stakes – As tensions rise in the Middle East, the U.S. and European Jewish communities are increasingly involved in lobbying efforts, making the diaspora’s political engagement a strategic asset.

• Demographic Future – Israel’s population is aging, and the diaspora’s younger generations could help fill that demographic gap through voting, investment, and cultural exchange.

• Economic Momentum – The diaspora’s capital is a growing source of funding for Israel’s burgeoning tech industry, which in turn fuels global innovation.

In short, the article does more than just report on a policy; it maps the trajectory of a relationship that could determine Israel’s domestic stability and international influence for decades to come. For anyone involved in Jewish communal life—whether in Washington, New York, Tel Aviv, or beyond—understanding these dynamics is no longer optional; it is imperative.