A recent article by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass warns of the dangers of losing US support for Israel, and urges American Jews to make aliyah
A recent article by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, the co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, a non-profit organization that facilitates aliyah from North America and the UK, warns of the dangers of losing US support for Israel, and urges American Jews to make aliyah. He argues that the US is Israel’s only strategic ally in a world that does not like us, and that the loss of US support would be an immediate existential threat for Israel.
He cites the examples of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed hundreds of Israelis and triggered a war with Gaza, and the International Criminal Court’s case against Israel for alleged war crimes in Gaza, as evidence of the growing hostility and isolation that Israel faces. He also points out the rising anti-Israel sentiment and activism in the US, especially among the progressive and younger segments of the population, who view Israel as an oppressor and a violator of human rights.
He calls on American Jews to make aliyah, or immigrate to Israel, as the most important and impactful thing they can do for themselves, for Israel, and for the Jewish people. He says that aliyah is not only a religious duty, but also a strategic necessity, as it would strengthen Israel’s demography, economy, and security. He dismisses the obstacles and excuses that prevent many American Jews from making aliyah, such as family, career, and lifestyle, and says that Nefesh B’Nefesh and other organizations can help them overcome these challenges.
The article reflects a simplistic and unrealistic view of the US-Israel relationship and the aliyah process
The article by Rabbi Fass reflects a simplistic and unrealistic view of the US-Israel relationship and the aliyah process, and ignores the complexity and diversity of the American Jewish community and the Israeli society. It also overlooks the potential and value of the American Jewish community as a partner and advocate for Israel and the Jewish people in the US and the world.
The US-Israel relationship is not based solely on strategic interests, but also on shared values, history, and culture. The US support for Israel is not unconditional or guaranteed, but rather depends on the policies and actions of both countries, and the perceptions and opinions of the American public and the political establishment. The US support for Israel is not a one-way street, but rather a mutual and reciprocal relationship, where both countries benefit and cooperate on various issues and challenges.
The aliyah process is not a simple or easy decision, but rather a complex and difficult one, that involves many personal, professional, and emotional factors. The aliyah process is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a personal and voluntary choice, that varies from individual to individual, and from family to family. The aliyah process is not a smooth or seamless transition, but rather a challenging and demanding adaptation, that requires learning a new language, culture, and system, and finding a new home, community, and identity.
The American Jewish community is not a monolithic or homogeneous group, but rather a diverse and pluralistic one, that consists of different streams, backgrounds, identities, and opinions. The American Jewish community is not a passive or dispensable partner, but rather an active and vital one, that supports and strengthens Israel and the Jewish people in many ways, such as education, advocacy, philanthropy, and tourism. The American Jewish community is not a liability or a burden, but rather an asset and a resource, that brings its skills and talents, perspectives and experiences, values and visions, to Israel and the Jewish people.
A more nuanced and respectful approach to the US-Israel relationship and the aliyah process is needed to engage American Jews
A more nuanced and respectful approach to the US-Israel relationship and the aliyah process is needed to engage American Jews who care about Israel and the Jewish people, and who want to contribute and participate in various forms and levels. Such an approach should acknowledge and address the real and legitimate concerns and questions that many American Jews have about the US-Israel relationship and the aliyah process, such as:
- How can I balance my loyalty and commitment to both the US and Israel, and how can I reconcile the differences and conflicts that may arise between them, especially on issues such as Iran, the Palestinians, and human rights?
- How can I express my support and solidarity for Israel, and defend it against the attacks and accusations that it faces, while also being critical and constructive of its policies and actions, and advocating for change and improvement?
- How can I maintain and nurture my relationships with my family and friends in the US, especially if they do not share or understand my connection and involvement with Israel, and how can I cope with the distance and separation that aliyah entails?
- How can I fit in and belong to the Israeli society, especially if I do not identify with the dominant religious or political groups, or if I face discrimination or prejudice because of my background or identity, and how can I preserve and enhance my Jewish identity and practice in Israel?
Such an approach should also recognize and appreciate the diversity and richness of the American Jewish community, and the potential and value that it can bring to Israel and the Jewish people, such as:
- How can I use my skills and talents to contribute to the development and improvement of Israel, in various fields and sectors, such as technology, education, health, arts, and social justice?
- How can I share my perspectives and experiences with the Israeli society, and learn from theirs, in order to foster dialogue and understanding, and to bridge the gaps and differences between Israel and the Diaspora?
- How can I enrich and enhance my Jewish identity and practice in Israel, and explore the various expressions and manifestations of Judaism, in a pluralistic and democratic environment?
- How can I fulfill my dreams and aspirations in Israel, and enjoy the opportunities and benefits that it offers, such as the history, the culture, the nature, and the people?
Such an approach should also respect and support the choices and paths of the American Jews who decide not to make aliyah, or who are not ready or able to do so, and who still want to remain connected and involved with Israel and the Jewish people, such as:
- How can I continue to learn and educate myself and others about Israel, its history, society, politics, and culture, and to stay informed and updated about the current events and issues that affect it?
- How can I advocate and speak up for Israel, and defend it against the attacks and accusations that it faces, in the media, on campus, and in the public sphere, and to promote its positive and constructive image and role?
- How can I donate and invest in Israel, and support the causes and organizations that work for its welfare and prosperity, and that address the needs and challenges of its diverse and vulnerable populations?
- How can I visit and travel to Israel, and experience its beauty and vibrancy, and to meet and interact with its people, and to create and strengthen my bonds and ties with them?
