No Such Thing as the Diaspora
Israeli conservatives always proffer the most inexcusable of anti-Zionist conundrums. Indulging justifiably anti-colonialist reflexes, they frequently are wont to discourage foreign Jews from involving themselves in domestic political affairs. “We know what’s best for us, don’t get involved,” or so the tired retort often goes.
At the same time, those Israelis who issue such admonitions are also the first to bemoan Diaspora Jewish alienation from Israel. Such concerns have multiplied in recent years, especially considering how increasingly divergent foreign Jewish opinion is on Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians, in contrast to Israeli government policy.
One of my favorite Jewish writers in the UK, Keith Kahn-Harris, has just published a great piece in Makom‘s new supplement to the English edition of Haaretz. Encouraging Diaspora Jews to get involved, Keith’s article explains what’s at stake in remaining complacent, and why Israel’s affairs are the responsibility of global Jewry.