Rabbi Marc D. Rudolph

Last Tuesday we celebrated the 78^th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. This comes at a time when there has been a notable shift in the feelings of Americans toward the State. A Pew research poll conducted on April 7 of this year found that 60% of Americans have an unfavorable view of Israel, up 7% from last year. Most adults under 50 in both parties now view Israel and its government unfavorably.  

We also read alarming headlines about the disaffection of the younger Jewish generation from Israel. Broadly speaking, Pew reports American Jews ages 18-34 have a lower emotional attachment to Israel, are more critical of Israel’s government and her policies, and are more likely to say that the United States should put more pressure on Israel to address the Israeli Palestinian conflict than older generations. At the same time, 90% of American Jews support the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish and democratic state, with only a small decrease in that number in the 18–34-year-old age range.

I know that many of us, and not only the youngest generation, feel disillusioned, bewildered, and confused by Israel. Indeed, these are challenging times, worrisome times. But we must not lose our perspective and give up on Israel. We cannot abandon Israel, just because we disagree with the policies of the Israeli government. Our connection to the Land of Israel, our reborn sovereignty on this land promised to the Jewish People by God, is an essential part of the Jewish story. Our bond to the Land of Israel is integral to our Jewish identity, whether we identify as “religious” or “secular” Jews. From the time of Abraham, the first Jew, we have been linked to the Land of Israel. Amid the difficult emotions that our times evoke, we are called to remember something deeper — a truth that has anchored our people across generations. In the immortal words of Psalm 122:

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem/May those who love you prosper.

May there be peace within your walls/serenity within your homes.

For the sake of my friends and companions/ I pray that peace be yours.

For the sake of the House of Adonai our G-d/ I seek your welfare.

Shabbat Shalom

(image generated by AI)