Jewish People Policy Planning Institute Annual Assessment 2005

EXECUTIVE REPORT

FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD

PROJECT HEADS Prof. Sergio DellaPergola Prof.Yehezkel Dror Dr. Shalom S. Wald

CONTRIBUTORS Mordechai Altschuler, Zvi Arran, Avinoam Bar-Yosef, David Dery, Avi Gil, Naftali Elimeleh, Yogev Karasenty, Amir Kadari, Amos Lahat, Dov Maimon, Sharon Pardo, Israel Pupko, Shmuel Trigano, Shevach Weiss, Ahava Zarembski

Project and Content Coordinator: Michael J. Weil

Editor: Rami Tal ______

Copyrights © 2005, The Jewish People Policy Planning Institute (Established by the Jewish Agency for Israel) Ltd, Jerusalem

Layout: Marzel A.S. — Jerusalem Cover Design: Nitza Bruck, Jerusalem Cover Production: S. Kim Glassman, Jerusalem Printed in Israel by Gefen Publishing House LTD. Jerusalem WWW. ISRAELBOOKS.COM

2 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD CONTENTS

FOREWORD by Dennis Ross ...... 4

1. INTRODUCTION by Yehezkel Dror ...... 5

2. SUMMARY OVERVIEW ...... 8

3. SELECTED INDICATORS OF WORLD JEWRY ...... 12

4. RECOMMENDATIONS AND STRATEGIC AGENDA ...... 13

5. THE YEAR 2004–2005 IN REVIEW ...... 21 A. The External Environment ...... 21 B. The Internal Scene ...... 24 C. North America ...... 26 D. Latin America ...... 28 E. Europe ...... 29 F. The Former Soviet Union ...... 34 G. Asia, Africa and the Pacific ...... 35 H. Israel ...... 37

6. SPECIAL ISSUE ANALYSES ...... 43 A. Science and Technology and the Jewish People ...... 43 B. French Jewry — the End of an Era ...... 48 C. Jews in the Former Soviet Union — Changes and Dynamics ...... 52 D. The Jews of Poland — Yesterday’s Shadow, Tomorrow’s Challenges ...... 56 E. The Societal Background of American Jewish Population Trends ...... 60 F. Responding to the Out-married in the United States ...... 65 G. Jewish People Considerations in Israeli Government Decisions ...... 69

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 3 FOREWORD

The Jewish People Policy Planning Institute inaugurated an annual assessment of the state of the Jewish People in 2004. Its initial assessment outlined the status of Jewish communities worldwide, including in Israel; described trends that should be a source of concern; and proposed remedies for problem areas. While comprehensive in scope, the 2004 assessment was designed not be replicated Teach year but to provide a baseline for subsequent comparison. The 2005 assessment meets that purpose. It updates the geopolitical context in which world Jewry and Israel operates. It highlights critical changes in key communities, focusing on new challenges for French Jewry and the Jews of the former Soviet Union and Poland. It draws attention to trends, particu- larly demographic trends that have become more troubling. It reviews how globalization and science and technology can provide new opportunities to promote greater cohesion and education of Jewish people internationally. And, of course, the 2005 JPPPI assessment makes recommendations. Some of the recommendations are new and others, not surprisingly, build on last year’s propos- als. The recommendations fall into a number of different categories. One set of recommendations is urgent, responding to the historic decision of the Israeli government to disengage from Gaza and a small part of the West Bank. Taking note of the controversy and the possible trauma over the evacua- tion of twenty one settlements in Gaza and four in the northern part of the West Bank, the assessment calls on Jewish leaders in the Diaspora to make strong declarations against violence, disobedience and violations of law that could be the response to the withdrawal. Similarly, world Jewry is called on to participate in the development of the Negev and the Galilee both to assist in the absorption of evacu- ated Jewish settlers and to shift the demographic balance in these areas. Other categories of recommendations include those on demography, on Diaspora-relations, on Jewish people leadership (enhancing quality and accelerating generational change), on crafting geo- political grand strategies, and on fully utilizing cyberspace to take advantage of the global nature of the Jewish People. Suffice it to say that many of the recommendations will generate their own con- troversy, but the demographic trends, among other problems, demand serious responses and those to date have had limited effect. Whether on demography, or affecting generational change in Jewish leadership, or investing in Jewish education, or better integrating the Jewish People as a whole, it is clear that a hardheaded look at priorities is essential. If nothing else, this year’s recommendations should trigger such discussion. However, the measure of the assessment is not the discussion but the actions that result from them. World Jewry and leaders in Israel need to reflect on the recommendations and show how they are responding to them — or at least how their responses are addressing the challenges outlined in the assessment. Ambassador Dennis Ross Chairman of the Board and Professional Guiding Council The Jewish People Policy Planning Institute

4 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD Introduction

The Jewish People is a very complex entity; ation of strategies by Israel’s leadership. therefore the best way to observe and analyze The Israeli government adopted a strategy it is by applying multiple perspectives. The per- tailored to changing realities, as expressed in spective of the 2004 Assessment was “between its acceptance of the Road Map, and adopted T the decision to withdraw from the Gaza thriving and decline,” whereas the perspective of the 2005 assessment is “interaction with a rapidly Strip along with continued building of the changing world.” A rapidly changing world main parts of the security fence. Israel suc- requires the Jewish People to develop a com- ceeded in reducing terrorism, achieved some bination of preserving continuity and creative level of cooperation with the Palestinian adjustments to external and internal changes Authority, and improved its global standing together with efforts to influence them. and coordination with the US’s democratiza- The Assessment focuses on “significant tion policies. Yet what lies ahead after the changes” (in professional terminology — “delta”), disengagement remains open, and disagree- i.e. events and trend changes that are likely to ments on the issue persist and are likely to make a difference. But identifying delta devel- intensify. ■ opments is not sufficient. When ominous trends Israel’s initiatives have resulted in acute combine with missed opportunities, the absence domestic disagreements, of which the most of adequate responses by the Jewish People is ominous are calls to disobey orders in the IDF per se a very significant “non-act,” to which the and to take up massive physical resistance to Assessment pays attention. the disengagement. Even more serious may be post-disengagement traumas and feelings A few illustrations will clarify the perspec- of defeat among sectors of the population. tive: The government is trying to cope by imple- ■ On the Palestinian issue, important adjust- menting various measures, such as offering ments have been made to changing realities, incentives to settlers who agree to leave the e.g. the death of Arafat, the election of Abu Gaza Strip; however, overall strategies for Mazen, the re-election of George W. Bush, dealing with disengagement traumas are shifts in Israeli public opinion and re-evalu- underdeveloped.

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 5 ■ A major initiative, which aspires to improve growth in increasing global importance of Israel-Diaspora discourse and institutional China and India, both of which do not have structures, was taken by the President of antisemitic traditions and hold basically Israel. The JPPPI prepared a position paper positive attitudes towards Israel and Jewish including detailed recommendations, some civilization. Israel and certain Jewish actors of which are being acted upon. took advantage of some of the opportunities ■ Nothing of major significance related to offered by China and India in the economic assimilation and demography occurred in and technological fields. The JPPPI submitted 2005. Essentially, the Jewish People continue recommendations for improving the Jewish a steady skidding down on a slippery slope. People-China relationship, but these have There is an acute need for radical and inno- not yet been implemented. vative counter measures, and the present ■ The war in Iraq may negatively impact absence of such measures is a significant the Jewish People. Public opinion polls in negative finding of this assessment. Outreach Western countries and domestic political efforts and the approach to broader demo- developments in many of them indicate graphic issues in the Diaspora continue to that it is increasingly unlikely that the use be fragmented and seem unable to reach a of force and the endangerment of soldiers critical mass that could make a real differ- will be supported, even for goals such as the ence. In Israel, a number of initiatives are prevention of genocide, the halting of prolif- under consideration for coping with demo- eration of weapons of mass destruction, and graphic issues, but it is too early to evaluate the advancement of democratization. The their effectiveness. weak response to the mass-killings in Darfur ■ On antisemitism, Jewish efforts to encour- clearly demonstrates these trends. This age major actors, such as the UN and the means that countries or regions under threat European Union, to take more determined cannot rely upon the West for aid, which has steps have been fairly successful. Israel has potentially serious implications for the long- also taken steps to enhance awareness of the term security of Israel and of Jews in regions Shoah and its significance, e.g. the opening of of instability. Nevertheless, no protests were the new Yad Vashem Museum, and world- recorded by institutions of the Jewish People wide participation in the commemoration against such short-sighted and egocentric of 60 years since the liberation of the death trends in major Western countries. camps. However, no Jewish strategies have ■ The Israeli government, aiming to bolster been developed in response to the funda- claims for restitutions, prepared the inno- mental issue of relations with Islamic actors, vative First Global Report on Restitution including the growing Moslem populations of Jewish Property 1952–2004. The report in many Western countries. shows that much work in this area remains, ■ An important geo-strategic development in and demonstrates the need for expanding 2005 is the recognition of the rapid economic demands for reparations to compensate for

6 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD the losses that threaten the future of the technology. Regrettably, the 2005 Assessment Jewish People as a whole, as distinct from is unable to report that the opportunities personal injuries and properties. It is not and dangers of globalization are sufficiently yet clear whether this report will stimulate grasped by Jewish People organizations. determined action by the Jewish People, or ■ Likewise, no breakthrough can be cited for will gather dust on a shelf. utilizing the vast and constantly expanding ■ Globalization poses an overall great oppor- potential of cyberspace for Jewish network- tunity as well as grave dangers to the Jewish ing, education and identity strengthening. People. This trend enhances the importance ■ Probably most important of all, the dangers of “intellectual capital” and global net- of a profound gap in respect to Jewish conti- working, in which the Jewish People has a nuity and Diaspora-Israeli relations between historic and contemporary advantage. But globalization increases competition with the older generations who lived through Asian cultures for dominance in science and traumatic events and “post-revolutionary” technology, and offers more options of com- generations for whom what happened is peting lifestyles to active belonging with the “history” and who grow up in a radically Jewish People. Israel’s economy has under- different world, are not understood in depth gone positive structural changes, but there is nor adequately coped with. a lack of adequate efforts to assure the long- term global excellence of Israeli science and

This year a number of ominous trends in the Jewish People continue unabated while changes in the external environment move in both positive and negative directions, as well as remaining in part open-ended. Major Jewish People responses have included Israeli policies towards the Palestinians and an initiative to invigorate Jewish global forums. But overall Jewish People actions during 2005 were inadequate to cope with negative internal and external trends, and emerging opportunities as being missed.

Yehezkel Dror Founding President, The Jewish People Policy Planning Institute

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 7 Summary Overview

2004–5 was marked by important changes and adjusted to US democratization policies in shifts in the backdrop within which the Jewish the Middle East. People exist and operate. Significant events and ■ The new Israeli policies resulted in grave 2trends also took place within the internal Jewish domestic disagreements, although it seems scene. The following sums up the major recent clear that the majority supports withdrawal trends and changes: from Gaza. The overall effect of implementa- tion of the disengagement plan cannot yet be evaluated, but should there be an outbreak A. THE MIDDLE EAST AND ISRAEL of violence the result could be a very painful and long-term national trauma. ■ Significant events concerning the Israeli- Palestinian conflict included the death of Yasser Arafat, the election of Mahmoud B. THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT Abbas (Abu Mazen), the re-election of ■ While the military and political situation in President George W. Bush, shifts in Israeli Iraq remained unstable, Israel continued to public opinion, and re-evaluation of strate- enjoy a quiet Eastern front. gies by Israel’s leadership. ■ It became evident that aside from the US, ■ Following a difficult debate, Israel formally most Western countries are reluctant to use adopted the disengagement plan to military force overseas, even when the goals withdraw from the Gaza Strip. The govern- of such interventions are not in dispute. This ment continued building the security fence, neo-isolationism bears serious implications particularly in the northern West Bank and for the long-term security of Israel and of around Jerusalem, despite The Hague’s Jews in unstable countries and regions. International Court of Justice ruling. Terror ■ Terror attacks in Beslan and Taba served as was reduced, and the general atmosphere warnings that terrorism is still both a global in Israel improved. Some cooperation was threat and a threat to Israel and the Jewish achieved with the Palestinian Authority, People. and Israel improved its global standing and ■ Concern over Iran’s nuclear development

8 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD continued as further steps were made toward from transient attacks reflecting events acquiring the capabilities necessary for the in the Middle East, to a more structured production of nuclear weapons. semi-permanent pattern. Part of this shift ■ The US exerted effective pressures on Syria was demonstrated in the increase in public to reduce its presence in Lebanon. statements minimizing the Shoah, as well ■ In the US, a majority of the Jewish vote still as outright antisemitic statements. A new preferred the Democratic candidate, but the worrying trend has appeared in the accep- 2004 results showed a gradual shift to more tance of such expressions within the public conservative politics amongst Jews, particu- discourse. larly the Orthodox. This followed a more ■ Anti-Israelism gained support in some pronounced trend of conservatism among campuses as observed in incidents at most European Jews, as demonstrated in the Columbia University, in Toronto, and the general elections in the UK and elsewhere. boycott (since rescinded) of two Israeli ■ The AIPAC affair led to some uneasiness in universities of the British Association of formal US-Israel institutional relations, and University Teachers. concerns of accusations of dual loyalties. ■ The 60th anniversary commemorations, ■ The resounding No vote by the French and with conspicuous Israeli participation, of Dutch electorates in May-June 2005 against the end of WWII and the liberation of the ratification of the new European Constitution death camps, as well as the opening of the caused serious damage to the process of new Holocaust Memorial in Berlin and the European integration. While mainly moti- Yad Vashem Museum in Jerusalem, attracted vated by domestic politics rather than by extremely wide media coverage and served authentic anti-European sentiments, the to increase awareness of the Shoah and the vote signaled intolerance towards a more dangers of racism and antisemitism. pluralistic concept of European society, ■ Regrettably, no strategic Jewish People and also embarrassed some European Jews responses were generated with regard to who viewed an integrated, pluralistic and the fundamental problems of relations with strong Europe as a prerequisite for their own Islam, including the growing Moslem popu- security and prosperity. lations in numerous Western countries. ■ The number of antisemitic incidents in ■ The death of Pope John II and the election of France leveled off, but rose in Britain, Russia Benedict XVI suggested a possible continua- and elsewhere, despite the improvements in tion of a conservative line by the Holy See, the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Jewish efforts and hopefully also the continuation of rap- to engage major actors such as the UN and prochement towards the Jewish People. the European Union in taking more deter- ■ In the Protestant sphere, the US Presbyterian mined steps against antisemitism were fairly Church took a strong anti-Israel position. successful. Calls for similar steps were heard in other ■ Antisemitism in Europe tended to shift Protestant denominations but not as

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 9 yet approved, whilst others within the ■ Outreach efforts and the approach to broader Presbyterian Church demanded a more even- demographic issues in the Diaspora contin- handed policy. ued to be fragmented and seemed insufficient ■ Recent political developments in Latin America for a critical mass. brought the vast majority of Jews under the ■ In Israel, research on family and childbear- governance of leftist governments. ing ideals and expectations among the Jewish ■ In the Former Soviet Union the number of married population produced some new Jews continued to shrink, but the remain- insights on a possibly strong public support ing Jewish community enjoyed a measure of for policy initiatives for coping with demo- revival of Jewish life. graphic issues. ■ Globalization continued to enhance the ■ Aliyah figures again reached a low point; even importance of “intellectual capital” and global rising antisemitism in France has so far had networking, in which the Jewish People has little immediate impact. New regulations in a historic and contemporary advantage, but Germany were expected to somewhat stem also brought with it new temptations which the flow of immigrating of Jews. could threaten the long-term willingness to ■ Likewise, lower emigration of Jews from identify as a Jew. South Africa to Australia suggested a reduc- ■ Israel moved up to 17th place out of a total tion in South African migration, and a slight of 62 countries in the Globalization Index reduction in the attractiveness of the mul- for 2005, up five places from 2004. In terms ticultural Jewish communities (Australia, of personal globalization Israel ranked even Canada and the US). higher at ninth place. ■ No breakthrough was achieved in utilizing the vast and constantly expanding potentials of cyberspace to expand Jewish networking, C. THE INTERNAL SCENE improve Jewish education and strengthen ■ Political developments in the Middle East Jewish identity. contributed to more positive moods in Israel, ■ Israel’s President Moshe Katzav launched a and affected the climate of most Jewish com- high-profile initiative to respond to issues in munities in the Diaspora. Israel-Diaspora relations. ■ Israel’s economy recuperated, with renewed ■ The Israeli government prepared the First tourism, GDP growth, increasing exports, Global Report on Restitution of Jewish decreasing unemployment and so on. Property 1952–2004, representing an innova- ■ Nothing of major significance took place con- tive policy and demonstrating the need to cerning trends of Jewish demographics and bolster demands for reparations to compen- assimilation. In the absence of radical and sate for the damage caused to the future of innovative counter-measures, the continuing the Jewish People as a whole. slippery slope reinforced previous worrying trends.

10 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD In addition to the overall assessment of global questions about the future of a successful trends and the review of main events at the Jewish integration in an open and pluralistic regional level in 2004–2005, this Report focuses European space. on a number of major issues of particular rel- ■ Similar challenges, in a much different evance for Jewish People policy planning. Some context, faced the Jews who remain in Eastern of the issues reflect the changing situation of Europe. If in the larger communities in the specific Jewish communities in their respective Former Soviet Union Jewish decline and societal contexts; others cut across the complex revival compete in daily life, in Poland the interactions between major issues and the dif- minute remnants of the once largest Jewish ferent components of the Jewish People as a population center struggle with the realities whole. and dilemmas of an irreversible twilight. ■ The extraordinary progress of Science and ■ Recent Jewish population trends in the US Technology in contemporary society has indicated a decline and demand an evaluation been related to a significant presence of of the interaction of the American ethos and Jewish actors. But S&T can also be seen as society with its Jews. Different US Jewish a powerful opportunity to strengthen the outreach approaches to the out-married illus- standing of the Jews and their interaction trate the deliberations now under way, their with society at large. challenges and partial successes. ■ Since the year 2000, French Jewry has been ■ confronted with one of the harshest periods Israel seems to be paying more attention to its in their history. Repeated cases of external responsibility toward world Jewry. However, aggression not only stimulated a re-defini- a JPPPI study of government decision-making tion of their Jewish identity and community shows that progress must still be made in system, but also increasingly called into the consideration of the implications of the question the founding principles of French Israeli government’s decisions on the Jewish civil society. The French vote against ratifica- People. tion of the European Constitution raised new

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 11 Selected Indicators on World Jewry

Jewish Index of Human Recent Out- Ever Visited Violent Jewish Population Day-school Tourists to Development marriage Israel (% of Aliyah Antisemitic (Core Definition) Attendance Israel Rate (%) Jew. Pop.) Incidents Country Value World Rank Rate (%) Projected Most Most Most 1970a 2005b 2002d 2002d 2004e 2004e 2004f 2020c recenta recenta recenta World 12,633,000 13,033,000 13,558,000 .956–.273 1–177 20,893g 1,505,606g Israel 2,582,000 5,235,000 6,228,000 .908 22 97 5 – – North America 5,686,000 5,652,000 5,581,000 .939–.943 4–8 2,132 422,700 United States 5,400,000 5,280,000 5,200,000h .939 8 29i 54 35 1,890 379,127 17 Canada 286,000 372,000 381,000 .943 4 55 35 66 242 43,573 52 Latin America 514,000 398,000 364,000 .888–.463 29–153 1,238 63,784 Argentina 282,000 185,000 162,000j .853 34 50–55 45 >50 458 11,734 8 Brazil 90,000 97,000 90,000j .775 72 71 45 >50 237 11,414 5 Mexico 35,000 40,000 42,000 .802 53 85 10 >70 53 14,668 .. Other countries 107,000 76,000 70,000j .888–.463 29–153 75 15–95 >50 490 25,968 .. Europe non-FSU 1,331,000 1,161,000 1,030,000 .956–.734 1–88 3,174 751,254g France 530,000 494,000 482,000 .925 16 40 40–45 >70 2,003 257,484 96 United Kingdom 390,000 298,000 238,000 .930 12 60 40–45 78 363 146,482 84 Germany 30,000 115,000 108,000 .921 19 <20 >60 >50 85 75,895 50 Hungary 70,000 50,000 34,000 .837 38 <15 60 .. 112 6,868 3 Other EUk 171,000 150,000 134,000 .946–.842 2–42 10–25 33–75 >50 314 205,551 .. Other non-EUl 140,000 54,000 34,000 .956–.751 1–88 5–20 50–80 .. 297 57,449 .. FSUm 2,151,000 380,000 173,000 .853–.671 36–116 10,127 100,010g Russia 808,000 235,000 130,000j .795 57 <15 80 .. 3,982 55,702 45 Ukraine 777,000 84,000 25,000j .777 70 <15 80 .. 3,055 24,207 16 Rest FSU Europe 312,000 40,000 15,000j .853–.681 36–113 <15 65–75 .. 984 8,619 .. FSU Asia 254,000 21,000 3,000 .766–.671 78–116 <15 50–75 .. 2,106 8,795 .. Asia (rest)n 104,000 19,000 21,000 .938–.482 9–149 285 95,208 Africa 195,000 79,000 60,000 .853–.273 35–177 3,880 43,367 South Africa 118,000 73,000 57,000 .666 119 85 20 70 82 12,609 5 Oceania 70,000 109,000 101,000 .946–.542 3–133 56 17,226 Australia 65,000 102,000 95,000 .946 3 65 22 54 14,871 16 a Source: Division of Jewish Demography and tional attainment, and economic standard of living. i Based on incomplete sample from NJPS 2001. Statistics, The A. Harman Institute of Contemporary Source: United Nations Development Programme j Revised population projections for 2020. Jewry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (2004). k Without Baltic states. b Source: DellaPergola, American Jewish Year Book e Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (2005). l Including Turkey. (2005). Provisional data. f Tel Aviv University Center for the Study of m With Baltic states. c Source: adapted from DellaPergola, Rebhun, Tolts Antisemitism (2004). n Without Israel, FSU and Turkey. (2000), medium variant. g Including countries not reported. d A measure of a country’s public health, educa- h After downward reduction following NJPS 2001.

12 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD Recommendations and Strategic Agenda

A. COPING WITH A RAPIDLY CHANGING emphasis on proactive rather than reactive WORLD policies; ■ More resources for Jewish people policies Both the external environments and the internal must be mobilized, both within the Jewish dynamics of the Jewish People are changing. People and from external resources, such as Thriving within radical transformations requires new types of reparations and governmental Binnovative policies that simultaneously preserve assistance within multicultural policies; continuity and adapt to new situations in ways ■ Allocation of resources has to be recon- that make the most of novel opportunities while sidered, so as to achieve critical masses of warding off growing dangers, together with efforts focused on the most important long- efforts to influence emerging realities as far as a term needs; small people can do so. ■ Better coordination of Jewish communities, The policy directions outlined here provide organizations and leaders is vital for the guidelines based on the findings included in this enhancement of synergetic effects. Assessment and other JPPPI studies. Five main conditions must be met in order B. TURNING A TRAUMA INTO A to successfully cope with a rapidly changing PLATFORM FOR TAKE-OFF world: The disengagement from Gaza is the latest in a ■ The “tyranny of the status quo” must be long string of potentially traumatic events that overcome. Past and outdated policy ortho- have accompanied Israel from its inception. doxies, organizational inertia and vested Such traumas should be seen as turning points interests must not hinder essential policy T and used as opportunities for policy renewal. creativity, organizational renewal and lead- In addition to creative statesmanship and ership rotation; using the momentum of the disengagement for ■ Longer-range strategies are necessary to deal the promotion of stability and achievement of with fundamental problems, with greater a peace agreement, attention should be focused

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 13 on the new gaping schisms in Israeli society, concept of further developing Israel, also namely: including emphasis on Jerusalem and its role for the Jewish People; ■ An alienation towards the State of Israel and ■ Potential implications of the traumatic event its institutions among many Israeli Jews who on the attractiveness of Israel for World feel betrayed; Jewry; ■ An aggravating confrontation between the ■ Assessment of the demographic implications secular-institutional authority of state and of the disengagement plan; secular law and the spiritual-religious author- ■ Learning the lessons from the present disen- ity of certain rabbis; gagement should future similar operations, ■ Potential disobedience among IDF and police graver both in quantity (involving more ranks; people) and quality (evacuation of regions ■ A growing fear among settlers and their sup- dearer than Gaza to Jews and Judaism) — porters, both in Israel and the Diaspora, of await Israel. serious threats to the future of the remaining Jewish settlements in the West Bank. C. DEMOGRAPHY The trauma will be directly influenced by the level of violence involved in the evacuation. All Demographic trends generate the basic human actions and expressions must be guided by the capital, and critically affect all internal relations primary need to implement democratic decisions within the Jewish People and its interactions while preserving the nation’s unity, and simul- with outside society. In the case of the State of DIsrael — the “core” country of world Jewry — it taneously ensuring freedom of expression and protest, sacred to democratic regimes. Jewish is a primary policy goal to preserve a clear Jewish leaders of the Diaspora should make strong dec- cultural configuration and population majority, larations against violence and violations of the while respecting the rules of democratic society law. and minority rights. JPPPI policy recommen- dations being prepared are naturally greatly In the comprehensive context of the Jewish influenced by considerations of the majority vs. People, the following issues should be particu- minority condition of Jewish populations. larly attended to:

■ Involvement of world Jewry in the subse- The Diaspora quent rehabilitation and assistance for coping with traumas; As illustrated by the case of US Jewry, but ■ Participation in the development of the Negev applicable to all Diaspora communities, most and the Galilee, and perception of the project major drivers of population change are out of as a challenge that may enhance Jewish soli- control of the Jewish minority. Political and darity and Israeli-Diaspora cooperation. The macro-economic trends and the broader cultural project should be based on a comprehensive framework are governed by external forces.

14 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD Moreover, the drive towards individual social ■ Experiences and contacts with Israel as the mobility cannot be expected to be subordinated Jewish “core” country; to community considerations. Therefore the ■ In-marriage, or at least encouraging the primary relevant avenue for affecting popula- out-married to stay within the Jewish com- tion trends pertains to the domain of culture and munity; identification. ■ Having children, and encouraging out- A highly interrelated complex of variables married families to raise their children within includes: the Jewish fold.

■ Marrying, possibly at a comparatively 2. Perceptions of and response to younger age with a Jewish partner, or a non- population trends. Jewish partner who joins Judaism, or at least Central Jewish community organizations should allowing for raising the children Jewishly; monitor trends in demography and Jewish iden- tification in their respective countries. ■ Having a larger number of Jewish children that at least achieve generation replacement, ■ The topic should be attributed a central and providing incentives for achieving this place in community discourse and strategic minimal goal. planning; ■ By far, the best predictor of each of these ■ Sufficient resources should be devoted to outcomes is the salience of Jewish identity documentation and research; which, in turn, consists of a highly articulated ■ Attention should be paid to this issue in complex of particular knowledge, beliefs, Jewish educational programs. norms, activities, and social interactions.

1. Impact of Jewish identification on Israel population trends. In Israel, the very structure of the Occasions for absorbing and manifesting Jewish state allows for the articulation of Surveys identification are continuously spread over the Jewish policies, while preserving demonstrate entire lifecycle. Overall identity reflects the accu- full and equal rights of all citizens. the continu- mulation of different Jewish exposures over this ing strength lifecycle. Programs should be developed that 1. Marriage and fertility. of family aim at strengthening the following avenues: Continuing the effort to reduce values among mortality and lengthen life expec- ■ Jewish awareness in parental homes; Israel’s tancy is an obvious prerequisite Jewish popu- ■ Formal education of children via the Jewish of every developed society. But day-school system; lation support of family formation and . ■ Jewish informal education activities; birthrates sustaining growth, or at ■ Participation in Jewish programs through least maintaining the population, is less taken higher education; for granted in contemporary societies. Recent

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 15 survey data demonstrate the continuing strength 4. Non-Jewish immigration and of family and child-oriented values among naturalization. Israel’s Jewish population. It is rec- In consonance with the National Security ommended to promptly reconsider Council and the Pines-Paz Committee, the rules It is recom- economic policies that can encour- should be revised so as to inhibit inflow of non- mended to age families to have the higher Jewish immigrants. reconsider number of children they actually economic desire. Emphasis should be on the 5. Law of Return and conversions. policies that large pool of medium-size families Prudence is recommended with proposals to can encour- who now have 2–3 children and amend the Law of Return, which could easily cause much more damage than benefit. Efforts age families would like to have 3–4, rather than should be made to adopt other means to meet to have more on very large families. The building blocks of a potentially influential demographic requirements, e.g. openness children family policy should include dealing towards non-Jews coming to Israel under the they actually with housing costs, a taxation Law of Return and willing to be absorbed into desire system sensitive to family size, edu- the Jewish People. . cational facilities for pre-school age 6. Territory and borders. children and consideration of later educational As increasingly accepted globally, demograph- costs, and more flexibility in women’s working ics should be seriously considered in setting the conditions. borders of Israel, either by agreement or through 2. Migration. unilateral action. An essential step is to reach a Initiation of a Jewish People project on aliyah research-based reliable estimate on the relevant should be considered, provided it relies on novel numbers of Palestinians which is unbiased by ideas, as “more of the same” will not draw large- ideological beliefs and wishful thinking. scale immigration from the West. Such a project should focus on reducing emigration of new All these and other aspects of a demographic Jewish immigrants, assuring suitable employ- policy require consideration, creative policy ment and housing and enabling new forms of option development and resource allocation “partial aliyah” befitting globalization. Special within a holistic perspective. attention should be given to persons engaged in scientific, technological and cultural activities. D. BETTER INTEGRATING THE JEWISH 3. Israelis abroad. PEOPLE AS A WHOLE An overall strategy is needed for Israelis living abroad, so as to enhance their ties to Israel, Full adjustment of the Jewish People to the exis- encourage at least part-time residence in Israel tence of a Jewish state where a majority of Jews and, in particular, strengthen the connection to live is a multi-generational process. However, Israel of children of Israelis born abroad. Fthere are fundamental differences between 16 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD living as a Jew in the Jewish State and living as a for consultations between Jewish Diaspora Jew in the Diaspora, and the change of genera- leaders with the Government of Israel. To tions in both Israel and the Diaspora may also do so, it is recommended to enlarge the undermine Israel-Diaspora integration. Coordinating Committee and to include In 2004 the President of Israel, Mr. Moshe within it the Forum of Heads of Organizations Katzav, proposed the establishment of a new of the Jewish People. type of Jewish People Forum. JPPPI prepared a ■ JPPPI recommends organizing a first global position paper on this very important initiative Jewish People Conference devoted to 1 of the President, the main recommendations strengthening inter-generational continu- of which were accepted in principle by the ity. It should be carefully prepared to assure President, while others require further delibera- in-depth high-quality discourse, within tion. The position paper presents the following the plenum and working groups alike. The recommendations: President of Israel together with the heads ■ JPPPI recommends enhancing Israeli staff of global Jewish People organizations will work on implications of Israeli decisions on sponsor this activity. Following the first the Jewish People. Within this activity, Jewish conference, and after consultation and an leaders, organizations and thinkers should be affirmative decision to do so, additional con- consulted more often, on an informal basis, ferences should be held, with participants as appropriate. adjusted in part according to the subjects of ■ A “Forum of the Heads of Organizations of the agenda. Working groups should be set the Jewish People”, should be established. It up for continuous discourse between con- should be compact so as to ensure efficiency ferences. A presidium and small staff should of its operation. There should be no more take charge of convening and preparing the than one or two leaders participating from conferences. each of the main organizations. Working ■ JPPPI regards the initiative to set up a global groups, including other participants, can Jewish People Organization as very sig- be set up alongside as decided. This forum nificant. However, JPPPI recommends not should meet at least twice a year to discuss establishing at present a new organization, shared problems, exchange information and which could complicate the present organiza- opinions, and to seek avenues for better tional map in counterproductive ways. Also, coordination. consensus essential for establishing such an ■ JPPPI recommends utilizing the Government organization is lacking. Therefore, JPPPI rec- of Israel-Jewish Agency Coordinating ommends moving ahead with other options Committee, based on its statutory standing, and exploring, after experience is attained through annual conferences, possibilities to 1 Jewish People Global Forum, March 2005, available move towards additional, more structured on www.jpppi.org.il forms of global Jewish People forums/organi-

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 17 zations to meet unfulfilled needs. Premature F. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 2004– action, however, should be avoided. 2005 ASSESSMENT REQUIRING ■ There should be a move towards the setting- IMMEDIATE ACTION up of a Global Forum of Young Jewish Activists (up to 35 years old). The following four policy directives based on the full version of the 2004–2005 Assessment (a) The idea of setting up a Global Jewish are born out by developments during 2005 and Young Activist Forum should be viewed require urgent action: positively in principle. It should be T studied urgently, elaborated, evaluated and prepared for implementation, in 1. Leadership Development close cooperation with existing Jewish The future of the Jewish People, including Israel, youth forums and grassroots leaders. depends to a great extent on a relatively small (b) The age composition of the governing number of leaders, creators, scholars, inventors bodies of main Jewish organizations and entrepreneurs, who form the “guidance should be studied and efforts made to cluster,” constitute the “culture makers” and are assure that a representation of at least the “high elite.” This type of leadership is espe- twenty-five to thirty-five percent of cially pronounced in the Jewish People, with its members be below the age of thirty- emphasis on “teachers” and sages who form and five. dissipate the spiritual and civilizational core of Judaism. Facilitating and developing high quality E. POLAND AS POSING A leadership is therefore a critical strategic agenda PARADIGMATIC POLICY DILEMMA item. Weaknesses in contemporary Jewish The chapter on Poland poses paradigmatically People leadership, as pointed out in the Report, an important moral dilemma of future-shaping make this all the more important, as are acute significance: whether to support and maintain problems of aging of the present leadership and communities which hold great Jewish histori- difficulties in transferring responsibility to a Tcal assets and heritage, but may serve more younger generation. Also missing are efforts to as “living museums” and serve — as Emil develop an overall Jewish people leadership. Fackenheim puts it — “not to let Hitler win”, ■ Relevant policy directions include broadening but have little chance to function as and extending programs geared at developing flourishing Jewish communities, or Jewish people leadership, both on commu- “do not let whether to facilitate their migration nity and overall Jewish people levels. Thus: Hitler win” to other Jewish centers. The main . Jewish organizations should explic- (a) A “Jewish People Leadership Academy” itly consider this dilemma and make a strategic should be established, preferably in choice. Jerusalem, to provide discourse and

18 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD learning opportunities for leaders (of 1–6 increasingly counter-productive in the present weeks duration), on the model of “Aspen” and possibly in the future. Such changes are nec- and executive training programs; essary for thriving under changing conditions. (b) An open network for shared learning of To sum up main salient policy directions: lay and professional leaders should be ■ Policies should aim at making Jewish edu- established, fully utilizing the potential cation and community activities accessible of cyberspace; to all. This requires government financial (c) Preparation and diffusion of strategy support of such activities. papers, books and studies on main ■ Beyond financing, governmental multicul- Jewish people issues should be initiated tural policies may often be very helpful for and supported. long term Jewish thriving. ■ Special efforts are needed to help the devel- ■ Clinging to a strict separation of state and opment of spiritual and religious leadership, religion and resisting governmental support e.g. new types of training for rabbis both in of religious activities, justified in the past, Israel and the Diaspora, with a solid basis in should be reconsidered. The present question contemporary thinking and relevant general is what will be most conducive to a thriving disciplines. future of the Jewish People, as distinct from ■ Focused action is required to speed up a what was justified in the past. generational change in the Jewish People lead- ership so as to assure continuity combined with adjustments to rapidly changing situa- 3. Crafting Geopolitical Grand tions. Recommended are: Special programs Strategies for young leaders and leadership candidates in the Jewish People Leadership Academy The establishment of a Jewish state proposed above; and targeted interdisciplin- in the Promised Land has put the The Jewish ary graduate university programs in Jewish Jewish People back in the realm of State has put studies, social sciences, public policy and global geopolitics. The lasting, and the Jewish leadership. at times bloody conflict in which People back Israel is embroiled, and its intensi- in the realm fying linkages with global, indeed 2. Supporting Governmental of global geo- civilizational conflicts, add to the Multicultural Policies politics intense involvement of Israel, and . Comparative findings strongly indicate that gov- with it the Jewish People, in global ernmental policies facilitating multiculturalism geopolitics, particularly in terms of relations are beneficial to the Jewish People. Therefore, with Islam. The dangers of violent antisemitism such policies should be supported. This is a as a new “war against the Jews” and of mega- clear example of the need to reevaluate policy terror with weapons of mass destruction, the orthodoxies that, while helpful in the past, are confrontations against some United Nations

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 19 agencies and global judicial bodies, the changing (a) Presenting and explaining values and global power maps — these illustrate a few of the survival needs of the Jewish People the aspects of geopolitics that make it so impor- within historic perspectives; tant for Israel and the Jewish People, much more (b) Highlighting the uniqueness of the situ- so than in the case of other small-sized nations. ations faced by Israel and the Jewish At present, the Jewish People has a Jewish People; and state with much hard power and a Jewish com- (c) Stressing their linkages with the long-term munity in the US with a lot of political influence challenges facing Western civilization. and other forms of soft power. This unprece- ■ The Jewish people should adopt a high moral dented power in Jewish hands opens the way ground and disseminate prophetic values for long-range and comprehensive Jewish people in their global actions, in conjunction with grand-strategies, correlated but different from Tikkun Olam (Mending the World). At the Israeli grand-strategies. same time, realpolitik requirements must Main directions for such grand-strategies be satisfied in order to ensure survival and include the following: thriving. ■ Due to the likelihood of continuous global ■ The fact that Israel depends on Western instability and violent turmoil in the Middle support, but in the long run will need an East, consolidation and reinforcement of the accommodation with Islam, should be rec- “hard,” the political and the “soft” power of ognized as a critical issue requiring a Jewish the Jewish People is essential. grand-strategy with respect to Islam and Islamic actors, plus renewed efforts to reach at least quasi-stabilization of the Israeli- 4. Full Utilization of Cyberspace Palestinian conflict. The rapid development of cyberspace provides ■ Shifts in global power structures require tremendous opportunities well suited to the Jewish efforts to build bridges and improve global nature of the Jewish People. It provides the standing of the Jewish People in countries a major instrument for intensifying and deep- becoming major global actors, particularly ening Jewish people cohesion and interaction, super-powers without Biblical traditions radically upgrading and expanding Jewish edu- such as China, and new global actors such as cation, facilitating in-marriage, and much more. the European Union. Significant efforts are being made to utilize ■ Coping with antisemitism demands a cyberspace in Jewish People endeavors, but holistic, long-term, differentiated and multi- imaginative ideas and large-scale innovations dimensional strategy. are in their infancy. ■ The “image policy” of the Jewish People as a It is therefore recommended to initiate a whole and of Israel in particular needs radical project for the Jewish People aimed to achieve a reconfiguration. More emphasis should be quantum leap in the utilization of cyberspace for placed on: Jewish networking, education and cohesion.

20 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD The Year 2004–5 in Review

A. THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT of the peace process, a reduction in Palestinian terror and an increased sense of security within Geopolitical Israel, corroborated by the building of the security fence. Elections in Iraq failed to reduce the level of Whilst the visit of Russian President Putin the conflict, although the related anti-Jewish to Israel was meant to strengthen ties with and anti-American rhetoric have somewhat Israel and emphasize Russia’s more active role Esubsided. The strong American military presence as a member of the “quartet,” Israel raised its in Iraq, and pressure on Syria and other terror- concerns regarding Russian arm sales to Syria at supporting states, contributed to easing tensions such a delicate time. To win Israeli confidence, to some extent on Israel’s eastern front. On the Putin promised that as long as he was president, other hand, nuclear efforts in Iran were a desta- Russia would do nothing to harm Israel. bilizing factor and led to speculation over a Since his re-election, George Bush stressed possible Israeli strike on Iran, which was denied the need for democratization in general, and to by Israel’s Prime Minister. fight terrorism in the Middle East in particular. Extremist Moslem activities continued in He has quoted Natan Sharansky and his recent Saudi Arabia and Egypt, posing a threat to the book as the basis for his policy’s perspective. current regimes. The wave of international terrorism did not The reelection of George W. Bush and the abate, nor were fears allayed on the issue. The appointment of Condoleezza Rice as Secretary massacre of 350 Children at a school in Beslan, of State were seen as ensuring continued US Russia, shook the world in September 2004. support for Israel, particularly regarding the In Israel-related terror, 32 people were killed, disengagement plan and the Road Map. At the including 12 Israelis, after a terrorist attack in same time, the US administration criticized Sinai at the Taba Hilton hotel and the Ras-a - Israel’s settlement policy, especially the expan- Satan resort a month later. sion of Ma’ale Adumim towards Jerusalem. The The decision of the International Court death of Arafat and the election of Mahmoud of Justice at The Hague against Israel on the Abbas (Abu Mazen) brought hope for the revival issue of the security fence did not lead to sanc-

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 21 tions against Israel, as suggested by the Court. ment. Rises in incidents were also recorded in Nevertheless, this decision was part of a Sweden and the Czech Republic. movement of continuing hostility against Israel The Tel Aviv University Institute for the in UN-related institutions and international Study of Contemporary Antisemitism and NGOs. Racism reported that “virulent anti-Israel pro- The Asia Tsunami was one of the world’s paganda and anti-Americanism accompanied largest natural disasters since World War II, by antisemitic motifs continue to be the main killing 250–350 thousand people. Jewish indi- factors inciting anti-Jewish violence”. Even in viduals and organizations around the world sent the US where antisemitism was at much lower support, aid and finances. However, there was levels, the number of recorded incidents rose in no organized response of the Jewish people. 2004 by 17%, although an ADL poll showed a decrease in antisemitic sentiments. Around the world rising oil prices brought In Europe, the European Commission the Middle East and its crises into sharper public expressed willingness to explore the banning focus which could have repercussions for both of Nazi insignia. The idea was dropped due to the Israeli economy and Jewish entrepreneurs. concerns over limiting freedom of expression. Rising oil prices also provided additional reasons for governments to pay renewed attention to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Jewish Imagery and Memory

On January 27, 2005, world leaders joined Antisemitism elderly Shoah survivors at the site of the main death factory to mark the 60th anniversary of the The year 2004 was marked by a continued rise liberation of the Nazi death camp Auschwitz. in antisemitic incidents, as indicated by 282 Many heads of state attended and placed candles violent incidents reported in 2004 compared to on the memorial site, including Israel’s President 234 in the previous year. Many of the attacks Katzav, Russia’s President Putin and France’s were carried out by Arabs and Muslims, while President Chirac. only a few were carried out by extreme right- The 60th anniversary of the liberation of wingers, as reported by the Global Forum the Nazi concentration camps was commemo- Against Antisemitism. A significant increase rated at the UN General Assembly’s 28th special took place in Britain with 77 violent incidents in session. It was the first time ever that the Israeli 2004 compared with 55 in 2003. Also of concern national anthem was played at the UN, with the was antisemitism in Russia and Ukraine, with UN Secretary General saying that the institution a sharp rise from 35 violent incidents to 110 was created as a direct response to the Shoah. in 2004. In France, however, the number of incidents seemed to have leveled off, though Religions they have not declined, possibly due to strong pro-active measures taken by the French govern- The death of John Paul II in April 2005 attracted

22 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD speculation on whether the successor of “the ■ Election to the papacy of the Prefect of the Pope of the Jews” will follow a similar line. Doctrine of Catholic Faith, Joseph Cardinal During his papacy, John Paul II developed an Ratzinger, as Benedict XVI, suggested a con- impressive array of initiatives toward the Jewish tinuing conservative stance of the Catholic world. Among the main landmarks were his visits Church toward the challenges of modernity. to the Auschwitz extermination camp in 1979, the main Synagogue in Rome in 1986, and Israel The Presbyterian Church in the US passed a in 2000, pursuing forgiveness at the Yad Vashem resolution calling for divestment from compa- memorial and placing a message at the Western nies doing business with Israel. This was the Wall addressed “to all sons of Abraham.” Many first time a church organization acted in such of the Pope’s actions had strong reverberations: manner. A number of Protestant churches were his definition of the Jews as “elder brothers,” the also considering sanctions against Israel. The establishment of diplomatic relations with the Episcopal Church voted to consider corporate State of Israel in 1994, the speech in 1997 on the sanctions in November 2004. In April 2005, the failure of Christians during the Shoah, and the board of the United Methodist Church voted mentioning of “the Rabbi of Rome” (Rabbi Elio to conduct a study to consider divestment, and Toaff) in his testament. the United Church of Christ planned to debate Beyond the many media impressions and such a move in July 2005. The divestment move images, to understand this outstanding Pope calls was not confined to America. The Geneva-based for careful reading of the deeper meaning in the World Council of Churches passed a resolu- messages he wrote and decisions he made. John tion on February 2005 encouraging churches to Paul II displayed exceptional interest in Judaism follow the initiative. and unique warmth toward Jews. However, he As a Jewish reaction to the divestment was extremely cautious not to undertake revo- trend, a strong letter was sent out in April to lutionary steps concerning deep-felt Catholic the Protestant churches by mainstream Jewish theological doctrines toward Jews and Judaism: defense groups, and the three main Jewish reli- gious streams threatened to abandon interfaith ■ The papal document “We remember” stated dialogue. that the roots of antisemitism and the Shoah were outside the Church, thus ignoring the Church’s history of anti-Jewish persecution. Science and Technology At Yad Vashem, John Paul II said that the Church was profoundly “saddened” by the In the sciences of life, the sequencing of results of antisemitism, which he attributed genomes continued to improve the ability to to a Godless ideology. track evolution and look for causes of disease. ■ The Holy See recognized Israel only after the These advances could hold importance for large 1991 Madrid Conference and the unfolding sections of the Jewish population susceptible to of the Oslo peace process. genetically influenced diseases. Genomics could

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 23 also contribute to a better understanding of the share in the total of World Jewry (40.2 percent history of Jewish migrations and conversions. at the beginning of 2005). Israel’s Jewish popu- Biodefense research increased in the United lation grew to 5,235,000 (an annual increase of States, while the inability to eradicate Asian bird 1.3 percent), to which may be added 290,000 flu reinforced fears of major pandemics resulting non-Jewish members of Jewish immigrant in millions of casualties. Bio terrorism and infec- households for an enlarged total of 5,525,000. tious disease pandemics would mostly affect The aggregate of the Jewish Diaspora popula- large urban population centers, where 90–95% tion at the beginning of 2005 was estimated at of world Jewry lives. 7,798,000 (an annual decrease of 0.3 percent). Technion scientists Avraham Hershko and While this figure refers to the core Jewish popula- Aharon Ciechanover were the first Israelis living tion, the enlarged figure inclusive of non-Jewish in Israel to win the Nobel Prize (in Chemistry) household members would be several millions for their discovery of how the human body larger. marks faulty proteins for destruction in order to In the US, along with a core Jewish population defend itself from illnesses such as cancer. in the range of 5,250,000–5,300,000, non-Jewish close relatives amounted to another 3.5 million at least. In the FSU, where the declining total core Culture Jewish population was estimated at 380,000, the The declining image of Israel and its demoniza- enlarged figure of all household members was tion filtered into the world of culture and arts in twice as high and the total number of persons particular. Exhibitions held recently in Australia, eligible for the Law of Return, inclusive of the Switzerland, Sweden and elsewhere presented third generation and collaterals, tended to be Israel and Israelis in a stark and unfavorable three times as high. Core Jewish populations manner. On the other hand, Shoah memorials, were estimated at 1.1–1.2 million in the EU and exhibitions and art abounded and tended to other non-FSU European countries, 400,000 in become an essential part of the Western cultural Latin America, and 210,000 in Asia, Africa and narrative. Objective interest in Jews, Judaism, the Pacific. Jewish history and culture kept growing in the Of the total Diaspora Jewish population, West and other parts of the world. 6,809,000 (87%) reside in countries with a standard of living (as measured through the United Nations’ Human Development Index B. THE INTERNAL JEWISH SCENE — HDI) higher than Israel’s. Demography Israel-diaspora Relations During 2004, Jewish demographic trends con- tinued the well-established patterns of recent The positive changes following the death of years, namely virtually zero population growth Arafat, the election of Abu Mazen, the disen- D(+0.3 percent) and a gradual increase of Israel’s gagement plan and the decrease in Palestinian 24 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD terrorist acts together resulted in lessened Jewish pushed forward his initiative to set up a “Second criticism of Israel and increased solidarity. Jewish House” representing leaders and thinkers from tourism to Israel grew, particularly due to the both the Diaspora and Israel. The Jewish People improved security situation. Policy Planning Institute released a policy paper Participants in both short term and long term in March 2005 on the establishment of a Jewish programs to Israel also were at their highest People Forum. (See below, Section 4 of this levels. Since its inception and till the end of Report). 2004, some 85,000 young Jews participated in The issue of reparations to Jewish Shoah sur- “Birthright” programs. The MASA (“Journey”) vivors and their descendants continued to hold project was approved which aims to bring prominence on the public agenda, especially in 20,000 young Jews yearly for a semester to a relation to Swiss Banks’ assets. In the US, New year of studying and volunteering in Israel. York District Judge Edward R. Korman actively MASA is a joint project of the Jewish Agency for pursued the identification of account owners Israel, the Government of Israel, United Jewish and their heirs. He dealt with the issue of funds Communities and Keren Hayesod. unclaimed by their owners, decided to allocate Aliyah to Israel fell to 20,900 in 2004 and available funds to the neediest survivors and, was 10 percent less than in 2003. Of these, over based on evidence provided by Jewish institu- 10,000 came from the FSU, 3,800 from Ethiopia tions, suggested a key for distribution. Despite (mostly from the Falashmura group that must attempts to coordinate efforts through the World undergo a formal conversion procedure), 2,100 Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO), the from North America, 2,000 from France, 1,200 major world Jewish organizations were unable from other European countries, and 1,200 from to submit to the Court an agreed concept for Latin America. Israel was unable to attract large resource allocation. scale Jewish migration from the major devel- oped countries. Institutional Setting Despite concerns over antisemitism, aliyah from France recorded only a moderate 12% Both the United Jewish Communities (UJC) increase versus 2003. in the United States and the Jewish Agency Two out of every three FSU Jews and eligible underwent significant changes in their staff at a relatives immigrated to Germany rather than to time when the largest philanthropists preferred Israel. The division of FSU migrants between to set up their own foundations, some giving Germany and Israel could be altered in the future to largely secular and non-Jewish causes, and due to the change in regulations of the German others choosing to donate to specific Jewish Federal government’s aid to immigrants. causes rather than the general appeals such as The government of Israel decided to bring UJC Federations and Keren Hayesod. the remaining 20,000 Falashmura from Ethiopia Two significant Jewish leaders with promi- to Israel by the end of 2007. nent Israel-Diaspora involvement resigned: The President of Israel, Moshe Katzav, Natan Sharansky as Minister for Jerusalem and

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 25 Diaspora Affairs, and Sallai Meridor as Chairman while also underscoring the acceptance of Jews of the Executive of the Jewish Agency. in the US. In the presidential election, Jews Work on reorganization of the World Jewish overall remained loyal to the traditional liberal Congress continued following a report by position, with 76% favoring Democratic candi- Professor Yoram Dinstein. date Senator John Kerry. However, there was a In Europe, the European Council for Jewish significant voting difference amongst denomina- Communities held its General Assembly in tions: 69% of Orthodox Jewish voters preferred Budapest in May 2004. A new leadership was Bush, compared with 23% of Conservative and elected and the headquarters of the organization 15% of Reform Jewish voters. Such divisions moved to London. The strengthened organi- raised concerns that US Jews were aligning zation is expected to provide more effective along religious, political, age and gender fault leadership for the communities of Europe. lines, building into a potential kulturkampf envi- ronment. The rift between pro-Israel activists and the Religion Orthodox on one side and the traditionally more About 120,000 Jews around the globe — in New liberal majority of the community was deeper York, London and 19 other major cities — cel- than ever. This rift spilled over to the local oper- ebrated the 11th completion of the cycle of the ations of Jewish communities with partisans Talmud — daf yomi — a ritual of studying one of both sides believing that the “community’s page of the Talmud every day. leaders” were too Republican or Democratic. The US Jewish community was also bound to examine its new positioning in an increasingly C. NORTH AMERICA religious America, as well as the implications of growing conservatism within the commu- United States nity. The combination of growing assimilation Tensions in the US ran high in 2004, particu- amongst the traditionally liberal, demographic larly due to the War in Iraq and the presidential growth amongst the often Republican leaning election, and were mirrored in the Jewish com- Orthodox, and the growth of conservativism munity. Among Jews, 66% opposed the war in amongst young Jews, could indicate a long-term Iraq, compared to 56% in the broader US. Yet shift from the traditional liberalism of the Jewish the growing neo-conservative segment of the community. community, as well as many of the staunchly All major candidates of the Democratic Party pro-Israel, supported the war as part of the larger during the presidential campaign of 2004 were war against terror. However, even amongst the identified as having some Jewish familial connec- latter group, support was dwindling due to the tion, and candidates used this to increase support lack of a disengagement plan from Iraq. and lure the Jewish vote. The 2004 elections sent Campaigns and the subsequent elections of to Congress 11 Jewish Senators and 26 Jewish 2004 highlighted these tensions even further, Congressmen/women. These developments, the

26 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD result of long-term processes, probably height- a Jewish organization but rather as pro-Israel, ened the sense of comfort by American Jews, came under investigation for transferring con- and contributed further to assimilationist trends fidential material between a State Department currently underway. But they also presented an official and the Israeli government. In May 2005 opportunity to encourage strong Jewish con- Pentagon analyst Larry Franklin was arrested and nectedness within a strong American identity in charged with passing classified military informa- the current US culture of hyphenated identities. tion to unauthorized persons. In this context, The campaign highlighted further the impact two senior AIPAC officials were suspended in an of key minority groups in major electoral states effort of the organization to distance itself from as well as population shifts that could potentially the allegations. weigh on Jewish political influence. Immediately Although AIPAC and many Jewish organi- following the presidential election, the American zational heads dismissed the allegations, overall Jewish Congress hosted a forum in January these events might also reflect an attempt — 2005 entitled “The 2004 Election: A New Path from some circles in the Administration — to for Latinos and Jews,” discussing present and reduce Jewish influence in the US, and raised future implications for the collaborative agenda feelings of discomfort regarding contact of between the two groups. The Arab commu- Jewish organizations with Israelis, especially in nity, traditionally at odds with Jewish interests the security environment. particularly due to clashing perspectives on the Antisemitism was evident in its traditional Middle East, also grew in political organization and anti-Israel form, and perception of antisemi- and activism, moving slowly from the periphery tism amongst Jews remained high — 94% of to a more central political stage. But the number American Jews felt antisemitism was either very of Americans of Arab origin was relatively small serious or a serious problem in the United States, — 1.2 million according to a recent assess- 90% felt the same about antisemitism on college ment. The Asian community’s voter activism campuses, and 41% believed that antisemitism increased, the Asians voting 22% more than in will increase in the next several years. The ADL the 2000 elections. With most American Jews revealed that one in every three Americans seeing the Asian community as the least antise- believed American Jews are more loyal to Israel mitic amongst most major groups in US, and in than to the US. view of the growing soft power of Asians in the The release of the Mel Gibson movie “The US, the Asian community could be a potential Passion of the Christ,” depicting Jews killing serious coalition partner in the future. Jesus, raised concern for increased traditional Numerous events were disconcerting to the antisemitism. Instead, the movie motivated a community, motivating examination, possible host of Christian-Jewish dialogue as well as reorganization, and a potential indication of a greater interest amongst believers. backlash of Jewish acceptance in the midst of Anti-Israel sentiment and propaganda con- America’s own examination of self-identity. tinued on college campuses. In reaction to AIPAC, an organization not identifying itself as anti-Israel activism, Jewish students with the

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 27 potential for leadership became increasingly up room for potential coalition building on vocal and organized. this matter. Pressure from global terrorism put Canada’s policy of a multicultural society, cur- rently a barrier slowing Jewish assimilation, into Canada question. In Canada, the election in June 2004 gave a victory to the Liberal party, yet created a D. LATIN AMERICA minority government for the first time in 20 years. This situation gave special interests a The recent election of Ramón Tabaré Vázquez louder voice. With both the Jewish and Muslim as the President of Uruguay underlined the communities traditionally situated in the Liberal political inclination of the Latin American conti- party, they became competing voices vying for nent towards the left. With Vázquez’s election, attention by the minority government. Jews Tnearly 85% of Latin American Jews (including were appointed to several key positions in the the communities of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and government, including Irwin Cotler as Minister Venezuela) came to live under leftist or socialist of Justice, and Rosallee Abella to the Canadian governments. Supreme Court. Latin American countries improved relations The 2003 creation of the Canadian Council with the Arab world, China and Korea, in spite for Israel and Jewish Advocacy (CIJA) aimed to of the problematic effects Asian exports might make it a more effective lobbying body with bear for Latin American industry. Whereas Arab significant financial backing behind it. However, leaders invested efforts in boosting these rela- tensions between CIJA, in conjunction with UIA- tions, such efforts were scarce on the part of Federations Canada, and Bnei Brith — the two Israel, and indeed concerns were raised about major Jewish umbrella organizations — risked Israel’s missed opportunities in Latin America. presenting a divided front to policy makers and Brazil’s President Ignacio Lula da Silva aspired broader Canada. to gain a seat in the Security Council of the UN Tensions in the bilateral relationship with the through courting the Arab vote, and to build a US impacted the Jewish community and magni- South-South (Africa, Asia, South America) coop- fied the interrelationship between various Jewish eration challenging the dominance of the North communities in the Diaspora and Israel, and the (North America-Europe). need for a broad, inclusive global perspective At the Arab-Latin summit in Brazil in May when creating or relating to policy. 2005, the leaders of 12 South American and 22 Internally, a setback over school funding in Arab nations approved a “Declaration of Brasilia”. Quebec re-ignited anti-private school sentiment, The declaration denounced US economic sanc- and raised anew the question of government tions against Syria; demanded that Israel disband funding to religious/ethnic schools. Interestingly, settlements and retreat to its borders before the the Muslim community, which also received 1967 war, and rejected terrorism “in all its forms funding, supported the Jewish position, opening and manifestations.”

28 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD Jewish communities in Latin America par- Committee (JDC) estimated that there are ticipated in the fight against poverty. The 312,000 individuals living in Jewish households, Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) among them 244,000 of Jewish origin. Of these, together with the Inter American Development only 161,000 identified themselves as Jews or Bank and the Latin American Jewish Congress half Jews. The survey pointed to high levels of sponsored an International Conference on civil out-marriage. society and the fight to reduce poverty. On the other hand, the appeal of Jewish The fight against antisemitism saw positive traditionalism was on the rise, too, as Chabad signs in Mexico after the Mexican Senate and other Haredi organizations expanded their approved the Federal Law to prevent and activities. One example was the “Keter Torah” eliminate discrimination. The law recog- Yeshiva projected to become the largest Jewish nized antisemitism as discriminatory conduct. school in Mexico. Regrettably, tireless efforts of the Jewish com- Latin American aliyah in 2004 sank to its munity of Chile did not achieve similar results. lowest levels since 1998, with a total of only In December 2004, Argentina’s President 1,238 new olim. The reduction of about 65% in Néstor Carlos Kirchner lit the first Chanukah the number of immigrants from Argentina was candle at AMIA. At this unprecedented event, explained by the cancellation of special assis- the Jewish community evoked and honored the tance offered by the Jewish Agency, as well as by almost 1900 Jewish desaparecidos (those who the stabilization of the Argentinean economy. “disappeared”) of the military repression of the 1970s. E. EUROPE The terrorist attack in which the AMIA building was destroyed in 1994 continued to The European Union represent a central influencing factor in shaping Argentinean Jewish identity. The community In June 2004, EU leaders approved the Treaty for commemorated the 10th anniversary of the establishing a Constitution for Europe. During terrorist attack. Acquittal of all 22 detainees the preparatory efforts, an animated debate charged in the attack brought the Jewish com- developed over the definition of the spiritual munity, once again, to gather in the streets to Iroots of European civilization, and the role of express their discontent with the decision. The religion in particular. The suggestion of Christian Kirchner’s government denounced the previous roots to European culture and society was even- governments for destruction of evidence and tually abandoned. Thus, a more generic reference obstruction of justice, and recognized that to Europe’s religious and secular origins appears Argentina did not do enough to prevent the ter- in the constitution’s final text. rorist attack. Although nine countries have ratified the A survey of the Jewish Community in the constitution, on May 29, 2005 the French people metropolitan area of Buenos Aires conducted rejected the European Constitution with a sub- by the American Jewish Joint Distribution stantial majority (55%) and an unusually low

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 29 rate of abstentions (30%). This was immedi- stipulated that the parties will focus on ately followed by a 62%-38% negative vote in fighting antisemitism. For the first time, the the Netherlands. The United Kingdom govern- parties agreed to focus on actions to protect ment announced that it would not conduct the two historic languages of European Jewish referendum planned for 2006. While Germany communities, Yiddish and Ladino. and other countries affirmed their intention In February 2004 the European Commission, to continue with the ratification process, the together with the European Jewish Congress negative vote on the constitution raised serious and the Congress of European Rabbis, held for questions as to the future and direction of the first time ever a seminar on antisemitism in European integration. the EU. Romano Prodi, then President of the Previously, in addition to the election of a European Commission, proposed an action plan new Parliament and the appointment of a new aiming at strengthening existing EU legislation European Commission, the year had been making antisemitism and denial of the Shoah marked by three other major events: criminal offences across the EU. ■ On May 1, 2004 ten new states joined the In March 2004 the European Monitoring EU, which now comprises 25 member states Center on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC) pub- and a total of 456 million citizens; lished the most comprehensive report ever on ■ In July 2004 the Council established the antisemitism in Europe. Titled “Manifestations of European Defense Agency, designed to Antisemitism in the EU 2002–2003,” the report not improve the EU’s defense capabilities, and only detailed manifestations of antisemitism in hinting at a more assertive European role in the EU over a two-year period, but outlined rec- future international affairs, which could turn ommendations to counter it. The report showed out to be have been a bit premature in view that the largest group of perpetrators of anti- of the French referendum; semitic activities comprised young, disaffected, ■ In December 2004 the EU-Israel Association white Europeans. However, such activities also Council endorsed the EU-Israel Action Plan stemmed from the extremist fringe of a rapidly within the framework of the European growing Muslim minority. Neighborhood Policy (ENP). The objective The Organization for Security and of the Policy was to share the EU’s stabil- Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary ity, security and prosperity with neighboring Assembly, in cooperation with the EU, held countries, among them Israel, in a manner two conferences on antisemitism, racism, distinctly different from EU membership. xenophobia and discrimination. Held in Berlin The Action Plan was a political document (April 2004) and Brussels (September 2004), the tailored to Israel’s economic and political meetings condemned the increase in biased inci- situation, which outlined the strategic objec- dents and urged authorities to investigate acts of tives of cooperation between Israel and the violence. EU until the end of 2007. The Action Plan Of all these events, the rejection of the

30 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD European Constitution could turn out to have the If the rejections were to lead to a democrati- most far-reaching consequences. What Europe’s zation of European decision-making, there could ruling political elites, most intellectuals and be a new chance for Israel and the Jewish people quality papers had praised as the indispensable to reach out to European public opinion. and best legal-political foundation of the new supra-national Europe, could be killed by the France will of the people. Only time will tell whether this was the beginning of the end of an epoch, In France, antisemitic aggressions of all kinds as many commentators concluded immediately continued in the years 2004–2005. The annual after the rejections, or a temporary delay in an report of the National Consultative Committee irreversible process of unification. of Human Rights (March 2005) estimated that For the Jews of Europe, who as a group, racist and antisemitic acts reached exceptional began to interact with the European institu- and disturbing levels in 2004, although the tions only recently, as reluctant late-comers and number of incidents leveled off recently. The prodded by American Jewish organizations, commissioners estimated that this was no longer few changes were expected. The fight against a temporary phenomenon, related to the Middle antisemitism that European institutions com- East conflict, but rather a well-established mitted themselves to pursue is likely to go on element bound to stay in the longer term. and in any event, could be pursued with equal Contrary to the past, the French government if not greater vigor at national levels. For Israel, adopted more active policies against antisemitic the consequences could be complex and mixed. acts. Much will depend on whether Israel and the Two reservations need to be mentioned: Jewish people can grasp the new opportuni- ■ In spite of very clear, even stringent laws ties that might be opening up. The reasons for regarding such acts, the judicial system the rejections were shared by public opinion in encountered difficulties in prosecuting and many member countries. They comprised fear punishing the aggressors or those who of globalization, opposition to the entry of new expressed antisemitic opinions; members, particularly Turkey, and a pervasive ■ Moreover, anti-Jewish aggressions practically popular distaste of the perceived undemocratic, ceased to receive any media coverage since elitist and centralizing nature of the European the scandal of the simulation of antisemitic decision-making processes. aggression in the subway on July 9, 2004 At the political level, the consequences could by a psychologically disturbed, non-Jewish be quite positive. For a time at least, European woman. foreign policy might become more subdued, which could mean relief from the traditional The declaration (July 7, 2004) by the President pressure on and admonition of Israel, and reduc- of the Republic summed up the government tion in the pressure on the US to become more policy of solemn condemnation of antisemitism. “even-handed” in the Arab-Israeli conflict. President Chirac made a significant connection

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 31 between this condemnation and the Shoah, United Kingdom Islamophobia, as well as any form of racism. A few days later, on July 18, consider- Continued demographic decline and aging of the able objections erupted following the appeal community remained the main issues affecting to aliyah launched from Jerusalem by Israel’s UK Jewry. Whilst the 2001 census results sug- Prime Minister to French Jews as victims of gested a population of about 300,000 Jews, a antisemitism. The high-profile public reaction figure higher than previously estimated, low that resulted represented, from two points of natural growth, late marriages, out-marriage and view, a significant event. First, it highlighted emigration continued to affect decline. the extent to which the issue of antisemitism Of particular concern was the rise in anti- was perceived by the French government elite semitism in Britain. Whereas in other European as a problem and raised questions regarding its countries the number of antisemitic incidents entire policy. It stressed the extent to which this fell somewhat since the peaks of 2002 and 2003, largely internal issue was intimately related to in the UK it rose dramatically by 42%, from 375 Middle East affairs and the tensions between in 2003 to 532 in 2004. Violent incidents against France and the US. Second; it undermined the individuals increased by 54%, but violence unity and stature of Jewish community institu- against institutions decreased, probably due to tions. Indeed, for the first time representatives improved security. The Community Security of Jewish community institutions publicly criti- Trust (CST) noted that Moslems instigated 60% cized Israel. of incidents and radical right-wingers caused the According to a poll reported in the Tribune other 40%. Juive (15.11.04), 60 % of French citizens thought At the same time, a number of well-publi- that France’s Arab policy constituted an effec- cized incidents occurred, which taken one by tive response to the impact of immigration on one were not significant but together indicate a France. Among events that underscored this worrying pattern: pattern was the hospitalization of ■ Yasser Arafat in a French military Prince Harry came to a fancy dress party in hospital and the military honors Nazi uniform. He was pressured to apolo- 60% of given to his coffin, in the presence gize. antisemitic of the Prime Minister. ■ London Mayor Ken Livingstone accused a incidents in The Jewish institutions found Jewish journalist of behaving like a concen- the UK were themselves in the awkward position tration camp guard, and later called Ariel instigated by of being asked by the government Sharon “a war criminal.” Moslems to defend France’s efforts in the ■ Labour Party chiefs used a “flying pigs” . fight against antisemitism, both on metaphor to describe Jewish opposition the scene of world Jewry and also in leader Michael Howard and the Jewish France itself. Patently not all French Jews were in shadow chancellor Oliver Letwin. They also support of this line. published caricatures of Howard as Shylock.

32 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD Later, they admitted their behavior was ■ The election of Mordechai Vanunu, convicted “insensitive” and apologized. and imprisoned for crimes against Israel’s ■ The “Daily Telegraph” published a poll indi- security, as Rector of Glasgow University. cating that the British public considers Israel Some commentators believed these were a col- one of the least attractive countries in the lection of unrelated coincidental events, but world. others were concerned about what they saw as All the above were followed by strong public a growing pattern of prejudice and racism. They criticism and declarations of support for Jews asserted that the very existence of such cases and Israel by Tony Blair and others, with the demonstrates that antisemitic and anti-Israel notable exception of the Mayor of London. Blair sentiments have now become structural in some as the guest of honor at the annual Community places rather than transient. Security Trust dinner made a strong condemna- The 60th anniversary of the liberation of tion of antisemitism and demonstrated warm Auschwitz was widely reported in the media support for the Jewish community. with the biggest ever assembly of Shoah sur- Anti-Israel actions became common espe- vivors and attended by the Queen, and the cially in the British academic establishment. organization of special programs in the schools. The Association of University Teachers (AUT) The growth of Jewish day school education declared a boycott of Israeli academics and of continued with high enrolment levels of over two Israeli universities. However, such boycott 60% of school age children as demand out- calls, repeated in spring 2005, also triggered stripped supply in the Greater London area. At vigorous counter-protests by Jewish as well as the same time, provincial schools suffered from non-Jewish scientists and even a Times edi- a decline in demand and thus were taking in torial condemning the act. The boycott was more non-Jewish children. subsequently repealed after the decision was overturned by a two-thirds majority of AUT members. Germany Other acute anti-Israeli manifestations Germany continued to host one of the fastest included: growing Jewish communities. Jewish immi- ■ The resignation of two prominent Jewish grants to Germany are attracted by the country’s members of the Executive of the National favorable policies. However, the decision of the Union of Students due to the NUS’ overt and government to change the rules of immigration unilateral anti-Israel actions and the distri- and eligibility for all immigrants could affect the bution of antisemitic leaflets at the annual future pace of migration of Jews. conference; Around the time of the 60th anniversary of ■ A conference at the School of Oriental and the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, the African Studies entitled “Resisting Israeli national Shoah Memorial opened on May 10, apartheid”; 2005 in Berlin after decades of dispute and delay,

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 33 and is Germany’s first monument dedicated to instability in Russia, political power interests all the Jews murdered across Nazi-occupied and also organized crime activities, are a source Europe. The memorial is a project of the govern- for growing concern. ment and German non-Jews designed to show President Putin went out of his way to dem- the world and the German people that the atro- onstrate his active sympathy and support for cious crimes shall forever be represented in the Russia’s Jewish community, its religious and heart of the city so that they are never forgot- other institutions, and its rabbis, and to express ten. his opposition to all forms of antisemitism. His high profile visit to Israel in May 2005 was related in part to his support for the Jewish com- F. THE FORMER SOVIET UNION munity but also to his desire to be involved in The major changes that occurred following the the Middle East. Indeed, Putin’s declaration in fall of the Iron Curtain continued to affect the Israel that Russia cares greatly about Israel’s post-Soviet scene fifteen years later. The Russian safety because it is concerned for the safety Republic was at the forefront of the radical of the Russian Jews there was quite unique. It Tchanges at the end of the 1980s, and serves should be noted, though, that Russia is selling today as a regional anchor striving to preserve its anti-aircraft missiles to Syria, despite the vocif- hegemony over the other republics with mixed erous objections of Israel. results. Whilst the main emphasis of the Jewish General trends and events often overlapped community in the FSU was either related to within the Jewish communal organizations, aliyah and family in Israel, or to strengthening their leadership, and Jewish politics. The FEOR the socio-economic status of Jews who prefer to organization, closely related to the Chabad stay and integrate in the local society, a minority movement, tried to position itself as an umbrella was actively involved in the renaissance of Jewish organization for Jews in the whole of Jewish life. Cultural, educational and even the FSU, based on its solid standing religious activities abounded, albeit attracting in Russia. Organizations in other only a small percentage of the Jewish popula- Putin: Russia FSU countries not aligned with tion. Much was generated locally but it was also cares for Chabad aspired to strengthen their supported by international Jewish bodies such Israel’s safety own status, such as the Eurasian as the Jewish Agency, the Joint Distribution because it is Jewish Congress headed by oligarch Committee, Nativ, and Chabad, the Lauder and concerned Alexander Mashkevitz. Leviev foundations and others. A strong sense of about Russian The Yukos case, the trial community is particularly felt in the main urban and condemnation of Mikhail centers of Moscow, St. Petersburg in Russia and Jews there . Khodorkovsky, blatantly identified Kiev in Ukraine, where there exists an adequate as a Jew, and the flight abroad of infrastructure to support Jewish communal life. other Jewish oligarchs, some of them to Israel, Peripheral communities lacking critical mass directly linked to both economic and financial tended to decline.

34 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD Antisemitic expressions in Russia — decid- Since joining the European Union, the Baltic edly not originated or encouraged by the States — Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia — government — were increasing from right-wing underwent a transformation from post-Soviet movements, individual public figures, and latent to Western entities. Indeed the standard of living popular antisemitism rooted in old Slavic tra- is still far from that of Western Europe, but the dition. 45 violent antisemitic incidents were option of individual free access and the connec- recorded in 2004, and Jewish oligarchs have tion with the European Union granted these been accused of “looting Mother Russia”. countries a position of privilege in the region. Turmoil in the Russian Caucasus and the dif- Aliyah was expected to diminish. fusion of terrorist activity in Russia has resulted Political changes of power occurred in in a feeling of insecurity among citizens. For the Central Asian republics Jews, this was a stimulating factor in considering of Azerbaijan, Georgia and the option of aliyah. Kyrgyzstan. All such changes Moslem fun- Ukraine experienced political upheavals at prevent the Russian minority — and damentalism the end of 2004 and the beginning of 2005. It the Jews too — from reaching key and terrorist positioned itself as a democratic country willing positions. acts increased to belong to Europe and is searching for a way The bloody incidents that took in the Central that will enable it to exist and prosper between place in Uzbekistan in May 2005 Asian repub- two blocs, the West on the one side, and the big were the most violent in the country lics Russian neighbor on the other. since it gained independence and . The Ukrainian Jewish community is built could carry serious repercussions of different bodies and organizations that in for the Jewish population now numbering less part are in mutual conflict. During the stormy than 10,000, with the main concentrations in presidential elections, the community suc- Bukhara and Tashkent. The current government ceeded in preserving a low profile and did not protected the Jewish community and maintained draw criticism and public attention from either good relations with Israel. the government or the local population. The Moslem fundamentalism and terrorist acts standing of the Jewish community in Eastern increased in the Central Asian republics. Ukraine could suffer, though, if the government persecutes Jewish moguls such as Pinchuk who G. ASIA, AFRICA AND THE PACIFIC gave significant support to the community. In Belarus, the existing regime, reminis- Australia cent of the Soviet period, succeeded despite the Western boycott in maintaining a minimum With the reelection of John Howard as Prime standard of living for its citizens. Jews enjoy reli- Minister, the Australian government remained gious freedom and are permitted to immigrate. one of the staunchest supporters of Israel. The Some Jewish leaders were very critical of the publicized visit by Israel’s President Katzav current situation. Wunderscored how firm the support for Israel was

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 35 among government and opposition leaders alike. Jewish day schools. Another cause for concern is The media too continued to have a relatively the high cost of Jewish education. positive attitude towards Israel, especially since The Executive Council of Australian Jewry the election of Abu Mazen. moved to Melbourne following the election of Diplomatic tension between Israel and Grahame Leonard as its President. The successful Australia continued even though both govern- Limmud Oz in Sydney expanded to Melbourne ments defined the various incidents as “very and was attended by over 900 people. low level.” Ami Lahat, an Israeli diplomat, was The Maccabiah games scheduled to take expelled just before the Katzav visit with no place in Israel in July 2005 anticipated Australia’s explanation but ample speculation. largest delegation ever of 500 sportsmen and Levels of antisemitism were low in Australia women. Support for Israel remained very strong but still constituted a cause for concern. 450 inci- despite the bitterness created over the “bridge dents were reported in the 12 months ending 30 disaster,” which killed and wounded Australian- September 2004 — less than in previous years. Jewish delegates at the former Maccabiah. Antisemitism, mostly perpetrated by individuals, consisted mainly of graffiti and verbal accusa- tions. Nevertheless security became a community South Africa priority, and there was concern regarding the cost. Shoah denial was still strong in Australia, Relations between South Africa and Israel were and the Federal legal system proved too weak to tense as the South African government strongly deal with the problem. Frederic Tobin, a well- supported the Palestinian cause. However, known Shoah denier, lost his case in court but recently this trend somewhat changed. The nevertheless continued to post his materials on new Palestinian leadership was well received, as the Internet. Motions against antisemitism were also the Sharon overtures to the Palestinians and passed both in the national parliament and in the disengagement plan. The government made the Victoria assembly in September 2004. The clear efforts to move closer to Israel. A Likud del- need to improve federal legislation against racist egation was invited by the government to South hate crimes remains an urgent priority. Africa in September 2004, and was given the Australian Jewry has been one of the few red carpet treatment, including a reception by growing communities in the Diaspora, but President Mbeki. This despite Moslem pressure recently this growth slowed down. Retention to cut off ties with Israel. of government support for immigrants from The positive change in attitude of the gov- the FSU brought this stream of immigration ernment was also reflected in the media which almost to a halt. Similarly, as conditions gradu- was less hostile than before. ally improved in South Africa, immigration There was much fear and concern about to Australia by South African Jews decreased. antisemitism, but the actual number of incidents Internal natural growth, stable or even negative, remained low and only slightly increased to 37 was reflected in lower rates of enrolment at in 2004, with no incidents of actual violence

36 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD despite the strong Moslem presence and anti- visit two Jewish monuments on her April 2005 Israeli sentiments within the government. trip to Poland and Germany. Clark earlier sus- Jewish emigration fell off at a ten year low of pended a former minister for saying that he was only 400–500 persons in 2004. Aliyah was stable “sick and tired” of hearing how many Jews were at about 200 per year. Recently Jews, particularly gassed in the Shoah. Haredim from the US, UK and Israel, renewed In other countries in Asia and Africa, the immigration to South Africa. mood vis-à-vis Israel and the Jewish people 34 year old Rabbi Warren Goldstein was improved somewhat since the death of Arafat appointed Chief Rabbi, as part of the general and renewed peace efforts in the Middle East. trend of a younger leadership. He is the first local Concern about antisemitism, violence and even born Chief Rabbi, holds a Ph.D in human rights terror was still prominent, particularly in coun- law and co-authored a book with the grandson tries with a strong Moslem presence. of Nelson Mandela. President Mbeki attended his inauguration and spoke of his appreciation of H. ISRAEL the Jewish community. The main issues currently facing the com- Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan to disengage munity remain: from the Gaza Strip, and the preparations for its implementation, drew most attention this year. ■ The need to contain emigration and even Deployment for the unilateral withdrawal from reverse it; PGaza placed the Zionist movement at a histori- ■ The need to tap the wealth of the Jewish cal turning point. Having been a prime architect community, to keep the communal house in of the settlement project in Judea, Samaria and order and continue organizational improve- Gaza, the Prime Minister has now expressed a ment; willingness to implement the ideological concept ■ The need for greater participation in South of “territories for peace,” officially adopted by African democracy and a more active role in the left upon the signing of the Oslo accords. the nation-building exercise. While Sharon currently adopted a limited view focusing only on Gaza and Northern Samaria, his Other Countries decision to dismantle settlements and transfer settlers was harshly criticized as contradicting The Asia Pacific Jewish Association was set up to the traditional tenets of activist Zionism and bring about an improved understanding of Israel confounded the settlement project as a whole. in countries of the region, such as Indonesia. The Prime Minister was able to dictate a In New Zealand, Prime Minister Helen Clark, political agenda that overshadowed the political still awaiting an official apology from Israel for programs formulated by the opposition in the dispatching alleged Mossad agents there to vacuum created in the political process during obtain a forged passport, made a significant the Intifada years. He was successful in warding gesture by modifying her schedule in order to off resolutions against the plan which were

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 37 received at the Likud Party caucus, and defeated ■ The impact of this step, in view of Hamas’ the demands for a referendum, causing consid- declaration that the disengagement decision erable shifts in the political map. Sharon invited was forced upon Israel as a result of the the Labor party into his coalition government intifada and the deterrence effect against and promoted his plan through the support of the Palestinians and the Arab states in the the left and Israeli Arabs, in the face of adamant context of the unilateral withdrawal from opposition within his own party, and while Lebanon in 2000; neutralizing the right, primarily the Religious- ■ The danger of an aggravated internal conflict National Party (Mafdal). His success in Israel between supporters and opponents was also aided by external circum- of the disengagement, the scope of military stances, primarily the demise of The Treasury’s service refusal, the mobilization of parts of Yasser Arafat, who was increas- policy of the rabbinical establishment against the plan, ingly regarded as a hindrance to any and the growing fears of national trauma pushing agreement and other developments resulting from a sense of defeat and the disin- towards in the Middle East, including the tegration of national consensus among parts adaptation to US’s intensifying involvement in of the public; international Iraq. ■ The nature of the Israel-Diaspora relation- competi- The immediate gains for Israel ship in an era of prolonged calm, if the move tion helped were: strategic understandings with proved successful. to renew the US, such as the rejection of the growth Palestinian demand for the refugees’ Domestically, there was renewed economic . right of return to Israel within the growth, on the backdrop of the Treasury’s policy Green Line, and the “acknowledge- of pushing towards adaptation to globalization ment of the new demographic reality,” a phrase and international competition, despite the dis- coined by President Bush and interpreted by turbing scope of poverty. Israel as a recognition of the large settlement The rates of immigration to Israel steadily blocs; an improved relationship with Europe fell, due to the shrinking reservoir of Jews and the decision by European Union institutions residing in distressed countries. to define as manifestations of modern day anti- Also noteworthy was the initiative of the semitism any expressions against Israel’s right Jewish Agency in collaboration with the Israeli to exist as the state of the Jewish people, Shoah government to promote the Masa (Journey) denial, and charging the Jews with dual loyalty. project to bring Jewish youth from the Diaspora Some rapprochement was noticed in relations for long-term educational Zionist programs in with Egypt and Jordan, indicated by the rein- Israel, and the recovery of the tourism industry statement of both countries’ ambassadors to in light of the improved security situation. Israel. Beyond the security-military threats, Israeli In the face of all these, the disengagement society continued to be exposed to dangers: the raised a number of important issues: negative demographic trend mainly reflecting

38 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD the high fertility rates in the Muslim popula- the suspicion that classified information was tion, despite the fact that the fertility rate of the transferred through these officials to Israel. Jewish population in Israel remained among the ■ Adapting to military conflicts of limited highest in the West; and the increased propor- intensity, which according to defense experts tion of non-Jews among the new immigrants. would characterize the defense reality in The public atmosphere was exacerbated by a the coming years, formulating appropriate sense of rampant corruption in the public sector conceptions and developing technological and increased violence, particularly among infrastructures and tools to successfully cope youngsters. with this reality.

Security The Conflict and the Political Process

Israel’s security situation improved following In 2005, the disengagement plan progressed the diminished possibility of an eastern front towards implementation, after the right-wing due to the American involvement in Iraq and parties — The National Union and the Mafdal the US’s hostile attitude towards the Syrian -left the government, and Minister for Diaspora regime led by President Basher Assad. On the Affairs Natan Sharansky (Likud) resigned. other hand, other significant challenges faced Inviting the Labor Party to his coalition enabled the Israeli defense system in 2005: Sharon to overcome the parliamentary hurdles placed by disengagement opponents. ■ The continued progress of the Iranian nuclear The Prime Minister managed to muster program. Although European countries unprecedented public support for the disen- became more alert to the Iranian threat than gagement move, based among other things on before, and there are signs of US willingness extra-parliamentary support in the judiciary and to lead an embargo against Teheran, official the media, while outflanking the majority of statements by the heads of the Israeli defense the Likud who demanded a referendum. The system claim these developments are not public support stemmed to a large degree from sufficient to free Israel from the need to keep the tiredness of the majority as a result of the its options for independent action open; ongoing national struggle, the recognition of ■ Rehabilitation of the relationship and coop- demographic processes as a major threat to the eration between Israel and the US’s defense Jewish character of the state, and the hope that establishments, which were badly damaged withdrawal would bring about positive devel- following suspicions in Washington regarding opments, while providing renewed momentum the alleged transfer of classified technologies for the Zionist endeavor within the Green Line, from Israel to China. the settlement of the Galilee and the Negev, and ■ The charges brought against a Pentagon respite among Israeli Arab minorities. analyst who was accused of exposing clas- On the other hand, withdrawal following sified information to AIPAC officials, and the Palestinians’ violent struggle aroused fears of

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 39 eroded deterrence, a sense of defeat among parts of the public was against what was perceived of the public as a result of jeopardizing the status as disgraceful sacking, it failed to affect the of the settlement project as the cornerstone of Prime Minister’s support rating. The head of the the Zionist movement, and the fear of trauma General Security Service was also given notice among settlers forced to leave their homes. — despite the successes achieved in preventing The disengagement plan is accompanied by terrorist attacks — probably due to his warnings empathy and concern over the settlers’ distress, against a takeover by Hamas, whose official which goes far beyond their natural support charter endorses a call to murder Jews. group. Nevertheless, those about to be evacuated The death of Arafat, for decades the leader found themselves politically isolated and labeled identified with the Palestinian cause, and the “outside the camp.” Their attempts to link the appointment of Mahmoud Abbas as his suc- Prime Minister’s initiative with the criminal cessor, marked the beginning of a new era, in investigation conducted against him and his sons which the ability of future leaders to unify the did not gain any significant momentum, espe- Palestinian public was seriously in doubt. The cially due to the media’s enthusiastic support for new generation of PA leaders demanded far- the disengagement. reaching reforms. Hamas’ victory in the Palestinian munici- The last year saw a significant decline in pal elections on May 5, 2005, especially in the violence and terror following Abu Mazen’s Gaza Strip, could affect the result of the future success, aided by Egypt, in reaching a pact with elections to the Palestinian Parliament. The Hamas. Hamas’ decision to take part in the elec- strengthening of Hamas and its control of Gaza tions of the Palestinian parliament and even could reinforce Israeli elements opposed to uni- consider the possibility of participating in the lateral withdrawal. Influenced by some rabbis, PA’s governmental systems posed a highly risky such elements already initiated a concerted effort gamble for Chairman Abu Mazen. to encourage disobedience and even desertion George W. Bush’s administration increased among IDF soldiers. to some extent its involvement in the Israeli- On the eve of disengagement, high-ranking Palestinian conflict, also somewhat clarifying experts in the defense establishment were its position regarding the nature of the solution expressing doubts about the chances of success to the conflict. In April 2004 Bush promised of this move. Some warned against the renewal Sharon that the US would object to refugees’ of violent struggle stemming from a feeling return to Israel, that there would be no retreat on the Palestinian side that only resistance to the 1949 ceasefire lines, and that the borders, ever led to Israeli concessions. The decision of to be mutually agreed upon, should reflect the defense minister, supported by the Prime the reality of the existence of large concentra- Minister, not to extend the IDF Chief of Staff tions of Jewish population in the West Bank. term, was due, among other things, to General Nevertheless, during the Bush-Sharon meeting Yaalon’s utterances about the dangers inherent in May 2005, and again at the Bush-Abu Mazen in this unilateral move. But while the majority meeting, the dispute was clearly outlined: the

40 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD US objects to the expansion of Jewish settle- changing of foreign currency rules, large-scale ments and strongly demands the evacuation of privatization and cuts in public expenditure. unauthorized outposts. The stabilization of the economy was assisted also by guarantees from the US, the improve- ment in the global economy, the renewed Government and Regime growth of high-tech industries, and the more The coalition built by Sharon at the beginning stable security situation. During 2004 the GNP of his term in office, based on the Likud, Shinui, rose 4.3%, while the business sector scored an Mafdal and the National Union, pushing Shas even higher 6.2% growth; private consumption and the Orthodox factions to the opposition rose by 5.2%, while public consumption fell by benches, collapsed. Inside the Likud, a strong 2% as a result of cuts in the civil and defense ideological bloc emerged, opposing the unilat- sectors. eral disengagement plan and enjoying strong However, the Israeli economy still stood a support at the party’s central committee. long way from being economically indepen- There was a widespread sense of public dent, and continued to rely on American aid. distress with the scope of corruption in the The scope of poverty and the spread of social public sector and the efforts of politicians to gaps continued to be alarming. legitimize this phenomenon. Improper political appointments and illegal fundraising for partisan Demography and the ‘Who is a Jew’ power struggles were on the increase. Issue Criminal procedures against senior public officials reached a new high with the convic- Demographic issues and the dangers inherent tion of a former minister for drug trafficking in the high growth rate among the Muslim and misuse of his diplomatic passport, and minority increasingly occupied public debate. In indictments of the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi and addition, the growing rate of non-Jews among family members of the Sephardi Chief Rabbi for immigrants to Israel under the Law of Return, wrongdoings. and the number of foreign workers, along with Violence among youth increased, as a number recurrent requests by Arabs to allow for family of youngsters were stabbed to death in night- unification, i.e. absorbing Palestinians in Israel, clubs, and many were injured in violent fights. all heightened awareness of an accelerated erosion of the Jewish majority in Israel. The government appointed a committee headed by Economy, Globalization and Society the Minister of the Interior to propose stricter In the last year a real improvement in Israel’s immigration laws based on the experience of economic situation was achieved; the result of European countries, with a view to reduce the steps taken by the government in an effort to number of non-Jewish immigrants to Israel. adapt to globalization and the laws of competi- A significant development concerning the tion in international markets. These involved the “Who is a Jew” issue occurred in 2004, when

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 41 the Supreme Court decided that according to The academic community in Israel continued the Law of Return citizenship cannot be denied to face hostile elements in some Western coun- to graduates of “leap-frog conversions” — i.e. tries. While attempts at academic boycott were non-Orthodox conversion. Such converts went averted, the pressure on Israel from academic through a special procedure in which they circles in Europe was expected to continue. studied and trained in Israel, went on a short trip The Israeli scientific community got a boost abroad only for the conversion ceremony, and with the award of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry promptly returned to Israel. The Court’s resolu- to two Technion scientists. Nevertheless, many tion prompted many animated responses, some scientists, including the two winners, argued outraged, but its direct practical implication was that the prize reflected research investments limited, firstly because the number of actual that were made decades ago, whereas recent beneficiaries was tiny, and secondly, because the large budget cuts were endangering the future Supreme Court left it to the state’s discretion to of science and research infrastructure in Israel. designate additional procedures to regulate the At the Athens Olympic Games, Israel recognition of such converts as entitled to immi- achieved its first gold medal ever with Gal grate to Israel under the Law of Return. Friedman in windsurfing. The appointment of Professor Stanley Ficsher, a world-renowned economist, to Governor of the Israel and the Memory of the Shoah Bank of Israel, and his decision to immigrate to Israel, were particularly significant for a number In a huge demonstration of identification with of reasons. First, although a single case, it might the Jewish people and the memory of the Shoah, make for an inspiring personal example, mainly a delegation of 40 heads of states, headed by UN since Fisher’s decision involved a personal sacri- Secretary General Kofi Anan, attended the inau- fice in view of his position as deputy chairman guration ceremony of the New Shoah History of Citigroup and his high standing in the US Museum at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. finance world; second, it was an expression of the shared destiny between Israel and the Arabs In Israel Diaspora. Oscar Abu Razaq was appointed Director General of the Ministry of the Interior. This was Education, Science and Technology the first time an Arab citizen was appointed the The educational system in Israel underwent chief executive of a key government ministry. major upheavals as a result of the Dovrat The discussion about Israel’s character as both Commission’s recommendations. Sweeping a Jewish and democratic state and the status of reforms included the introduction of an extended minorities within it regained momentum with school day in conjunction with shortening the the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the sale school week to five days, and the attempted dis- of Jewish National Fund lands to non-Jewish missal of thousands of teachers. Israeli citizens.

42 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD Special Issue Analyses

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY A. AND THE JEWISH PEOPLE

JEWS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY fields: Germany between 1880 and 1933, and — A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP the United States from the 1940s until today. Hence, without any pre-planning, Jews played 1. Jewish Contributions to 20th Century a significant role in the rise of the two countries S&T to a status of power. At the same time, S&T has had a dramatic Biblical and post-biblical Judaism appreciate the impact on the history of Jews themselves. It has beauty of the physical world, seen as a Divine accorded them professional status, new sources creation, and attach great value to human life of income, and sometimes even political influ- Band health — attitudes that are highly compat- ence. Many Jewish thinkers, e.g. Marx and ible with modern scientific endeavors. Is there a Freud, have helped to radically change the intel- link between this heritage and the Jewish perfor- lectual and political landscape of the modern mance in S&T in modern times? era. Their link with their true or assumed Jewish During the 20th century, Jews contributed to heritage has been the subject of much research the advancement of S&T more than any other and speculation. However, the following reflec- small minority or religious group. Although in tions are limited to the physical sciences and modern times they have never represented more technologies. than 0.6% of the world population (today 0.2%), between 1901 and 2004 they were awarded 2. The Jewish Impact on S&T versus the almost 30% of all Nobel Prizes in science and Impacts of S&T on Jews economics. Jews have made a large number of exceptional contributions to S&T in the two The relationship between Jews and S&T is not countries that were or are world leaders in these linear, but dialectic; S&T affects Jews and Jews

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 43 in turn affect S&T. The higher the scientific and the issues, both as their source and as an indis- technological literacy of a people, the greater pensable element of the response. their ability to benefit from S&T progress, their The complexity of the nexus between global capacity to deal with threats increases, and they issues and S&T can be shown in the case of have the power to use S&T for economic growth, energy. The global energy balance, the power of public health, military power and education. the Middle Eastern oil producers, the growing Nations with a low degree of S&T literacy may oil-dependence of countries such as China and try to follow suit and benefit from the advances India, and the possible long-term effects of S&T elsewhere, but they will also increasingly bear on all these issues are key questions of strategic the brunt of developments they might deem importance for the future of the Jewish People. less desirable, and remain unable to anticipate New energy sources will certainly begin to sup- or shape them to their own advantage. plement and ultimately replace oil; Jews might be able to influence some of the policy trends, by scientific and/or political efforts. COMPLEXITY OF S&T IMPACTS

S&T can affect people and nations in extremely 2. The Geopolitics of S&T diverse ways, and their impact can be analyzed from different perspectives. Such impacts can A second group of impact factors is linked to be global, linked to problems and solutions geopolitics. S&T plays a major role in geopo- Sshared by most of mankind; they can be specific litical changes because it is central both to but indirect, related to the geopolitical weight “hard” and “soft” power. S&T will touch both of the nations that are of great consequence friends and foes of the Jewish People, and can for the Jews; or they can be specific and direct, strengthen or weaken either of them. One of the applying mainly, or in a very significant way, to most important long-term issues concerning the Jews. position of the Jewish People in the international S&T power balance is whether the United States will retain the global leadership in S&T. Since 1. Global Issues World War II, S&T has been an indispensable, The global issues are often long-term, and they and sometimes the single most important source include energy and water shortages, of America’s military superiority, its economic climate change, infectious diseases competitiveness, and to a significant degree, also New energy and epidemics, and terror and its worldwide intellectual and cultural influence. sources will weapons of mass destruction. Each This dominance has been essential not only to begin to sup- of these could turn into crises with the well-being of the 40% of the Jewish people plement oil major consequences for the Jewish who live in the US, but also to Israel’s survival . People, as well as for others. Coping and its S&T performance. with these crises requires an inter- It is reasonable to assume that the United national effort. S&T is a key element in each of States will continue to lead in S&T for the fore-

44 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD seeable future. But this is not a zero-sum game. new situation has been created by the progress Scientific and technological advances of other and spread of S&T. The capacity of fewer and countries and continents, particularly Europe fewer to kill more and more people calls not and Japan, and before long China and India, will only for renewed and greater research efforts, be beneficial for the Jewish People if they lead, but also for new deterrence systems and defense as appears to be the case, to greater international doctrines. cooperation. These countries and many of their scientists seek closer cooperation with Israel. 2. The bio-medical revolution and its The Israeli level of performance in S&T in the impact on health and longevity coming years will be one of the determinants of Israel’s place in the great international power If the Jewish People were not facing existential alignments that lie ahead. dangers, many Jews would consider the S&T impact on health and longevity as the single most cherished contribution of S&T to their life. DIRECT IMPACT ON THE JEWISH PEOPLE Research and development in the life sciences The direct impact can be categorized into four mobilizes today more than half of sub-groups: the world’s R&D manpower. The revolution in the bio-medical fields The bio- includes research of the most basic medical T mechanisms of life found at the level revolution 1. The revolution in military of the atom (nano-technology). The technologies and physical security will have ongoing bio-medical revolution will profound Israel’s defense posture in the Middle East and have profound socio-economic con- consequences its military credibility will remain key determi- sequences for the Jewish People. for the Jewish nants of the future survival and thriving of the Already today, the average age People Jewish People. This defense posture is, among of Jews is greater than that of the . other things, a direct result of Israel’s scientific general population. The reason is and technological capabilities. The dominant not only lower fertility, but also the fact that Jews scientific and technological characteristic of tend to have a longer life expectancy than non- the Arab-Israeli military confrontation is that Jews. During the coming decades, bio-medical the technology gap between the two sides has research will lead to further great advances in kept growing in Israel’s favor. But the appear- the prevention and treatment of the main health ance of radical terrorist groups, the efforts of problems of the elderly, including frailty and some enemies of Israel to acquire weapons cognitive impairment (e.g. Alzheimer). The of mass-destruction (WMDs), and the danger percentage of older Jews in proportion to the that these weapons might fall into the hands of whole Jewish People will continue to grow. terror groups, forces a re-examination of earlier Jewish People policies must start looking at assumptions linked to the technology gap. A the growing pool of retired, but mentally and

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 45 physically able Jews as a great potential asset to in the modern world: their small numbers and the Jewish People that must be organized and their lack of critical mass. utilized. However, aging could also lead to social However, Jews have not fully exploited tensions, and impose difficult choices between the new opportunities. Their interaction and competing claims for resources, i.e. whether to cohesion have not improved at the same rate as shift resources from education of the young to the technology. All through history, Jews have the support of the old. been well-connected and widely traveled. The Biomedical advances will contribute to Jewish Diaspora was a very efficient “network- address many health problems that preoccupy ing” system that gave the Jews a competitive Jews even if they are not specific to Jews alone, economic advantage, but today many other “dia- from genetic diseases to the danger of bio-ter- sporas” are emerging, and all have access to the rorism. same networking technologies. Terrorists and antisemites are using cyberspace as efficiently as Jews, if not more so. Jews will maintain a com- 3. The revolution in information petitive advantage in the acquisition and transfer technologies and its impact on of information only if their education and know- everyday life how is at least as advanced as that of others and New Information and Telecommunication tech- if they keep improving. nologies (ITs) have in the last thirty years invaded every sector of the economy and society, and 4. Knowledge-based economy and transformed every human activity. Jewish professional achievements For most Jews, ITs have become and wealth Cyberspace indispensable in conducting their has radically personal life and for functioning The emergence of the knowledge-based sectors th changed the both professionally and socially. in the economies of the 20 century coincided meaning of ITs have enhanced communication with the elimination of the barriers that had distance within and between Jewish organi- limited the access of Jews to universities and . zations and branches of the Jewish industrial positions in the past. A kind of causal People. They allow friends, families relationship between the new socio-economic and business partners to stay in contact across mobility of the Jews and the new technology- continents. Cyberspace has radically changed based economy began to develop. Information the meaning of distance and the pursuit of technology is one of several sectors where Jews knowledge, by introducing remote search and have lead roles. The fast change in ITs — their learning. The computer can reward both indi- short product cycle — represents a perma- vidualism and social cohesion, the first because nent chance for new actors to enter the field. it frees people from fixed working places and This favors players who are ambitious, but do times, the second because it has the potential to not necessarily originate from old established address the most obvious disadvantage of Jews families and industries. Jews have made full

46 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD use of this opportunity. The knowledge-based “creative skepticism” that was crucial for scien- economy has helped to create many Jewish tific innovation and widespread among Jews, — including Israeli — fortunes, not to mention and the very high regard in which S&T was professional accomplishments. held by the general public and governments in Science-based technologies will continue Germany, the United States and other advanced to expand via the world economy. Jews will countries. In Israel, military threats were a main probably continue to be founders, research direc- factor in pushing S&T ahead. tors, marketing executives and venture capital But many of these sociological reasons have providers of high-tech companies, because weakened or disappeared, except the threats opportunities for professional advancement and hanging over Israel. In the US, there are indi- wealth-creation will remain attractive. cations of a decline in scientific-technological A serious issue is the degree of Jewish com- interest among young Jews. In Israel there was a mitment these Jews will have, if any. S&T is leveling-off, if not decline, in scientific research international. Science-based companies are after 2000 due to severe budget cuts. This does global. High-tech entrepreneurs look at the not bode well for the future, particularly if it is whole world, not at their own national or also compounded by a lack of respect for educa- religious origins. The next years are likely to tion in general and a “get-rich-quick” mentality reinforce the international outlook of the drivers of many youth. Most Jewish policy makers and of the high-tech sectors. leaders are unfamiliar with S&T and do not see it as a priority. There is a need for Jewish People policies to strengthen creativity in S&T. SHAPING THE FUTURE Last but not least, there are other important Above, the question was raised whether there ways for Judaism to interact with S&T. S&T was some link between the contribution of Jews continues to raise moral and ethical issues in to 20th century S&T and Jewish values. Whatever many fields, from the life sciences to counter- the answer, it is clear that cultural reasons alone terrorism. Judaism has a lot to contribute to the Acannot explain this contribution. Sociological current ethical questions and controversies. Will factors were at work as well. These included it do so, how can it do so, and will the world the wish to escape discrimination, a spirit of listen?

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 47 FRENCH JEWRY — B. THE END OF AN ERA

JUDAISM IN THE CITY 1962 the bulk of North African Jewry had moved to France. The consequent demographic In post-war France Jewish identity blossomed, growth provided new vigor to the Jewish com- achieving its peak in the 1970s. Certain commu- munity, which became evident during the Six nity figures defined this new identity as “Judaism Day War. The massive street demonstrations in Iin the City,” referring to a Jewish identity which support of Israel signaled the conspicuous entry did not remain confined to the religious sphere of the community into the public arena and the and the synagogue. Without negating these, identification of this change with Israel and with “Judaism in the City” affirmed and represented Zionism. itself in culture, public debate, and intellectual Israel’s prominence in the consciousness of discussion, while assuming the rights and obli- French Jewry illustrated the extent to which col- gations of citizenship. lective identification in France was a product of This affirmation within France’s general their identification with Israel. However, they society meant that the position of Jews was were to have trouble finding the necessary justifi- taking on a collective dimension, both symboli- cation for this new pattern in the French political cally and institutionally. Two new organizations culture because, in its most classic form, French demonstrated this evolution: the United Jewish centralism cannot co-habit with such identi- Social Fund (FSJU) in the social domain, and the fication. Thus, the development of post-war Representative Council of Jewish Institutions Jewish life possibly represented an exceptional in France (CRIF) in the political realm. The — though short-lived — improvement. It was Consistoire Central, the religious institution explained by the emergence of what was called created by Napoleon which had been the main laïcité ouverte (open secularism) — a new concept institution of French Jewry, remained the hub of of the relationship between State and religion this institutional thriving because its president which, beginning after the war, saw the courts also functioned as president of the CRIF (until recognizing religions as legal entities, a sign of 1981). their new place in society. This was a new situation for the Jews of De Gaulle’s remark in 1967 about “The France. Change was smooth because general Jewish people, elitist, self-assured and domi- French society had also evolved under the shock neering” was the first sign of crisis. However, the of the war. The 1968 crisis (the student revolt events of 1968 which were to sweep De Gaulle’s and the political crisis which resulted and con- leadership away in 1969 would delay the full tributed to the demise of General de Gaulle) onset of this crisis. enhanced this evolution. In the meantime, the ideology of the 1968 A major change occurred in the 1960s. By uprising produced a fundamental transformation

48 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD of French political culture. For Jews it became Le Pen phenomenon) whose threat was greatly legitimate to cultivate their own distinctiveness exaggerated. The Jewish community’s support within a republican citizenship that until then was required in order to give credence to this had been monolithic. alleged threat. The 1970s saw the development of Jewish During the same period, Arab/Moslem immi- life and its institutions. The rapid growth of gration became a national problem, both as a Jewish day-schools was one of its most remark- target for attack by the extreme right, but also able aspects. During that decade, a large segment as an instrument in the service of Mitterrand’s of the Jewish community’s intellectual leader- politics. The cause of Israel became blurred, ship made aliyah, while a virulent third-world notably since its involvement in the Lebanon anti-Zionism exploded in universities and intel- war of 1982 and its public stigmatization in lectual circles. France. French public opinion ceased to be uni- versally pro-Israel. The anti-racism and human rights causes became the dominant ideology of NEGATIVE TURNING POINTS the Jewish community. At the same time, the The 1980s marked a negative turning point, with unity of the community, which characterized the degrading of the legitimacy of a Jewish com- Jewish identity since World War II, dissolved: munity which until then had developed in tune consensus Judaism weakened, Haredization with the changes of the general socio-political entered the picture, Israel-style divisions (such Tenvironment. The consequences of the 1968 as secular/religious) conquered the commu- crisis were felt with the transfer of power to the nity. Simultaneously, the anti-Fascist strategy Socialists. Post-war France started a process of effectively invoked the memory of the Shoah returning to the past, at the same time as the in France, which Gaullist France and the myth Jewish identity model, which was supported by of the French resistance had tried to suppress. this post-war France, was beginning to experi- Efforts were invested to create an atmosphere ence setbacks and problems. which attributed credence to the threat of anti- The bombing of the Rue Copernic syna- semitism and even compared the gogue in Paris in 1980 was the signal. Attributed present era to the horrible years of to the extreme right, it was in fact perpetrated Nazi occupied France. A series of France was by Palestinians and marked the beginning of a incidents and scandals were used traumatized politicization of the Jewish community. The to back up these tales. France was by the full Left, courting the “Jewish Vote,” accused the traumatized by the full exposure of exposure of right-wing factions of being indifferent to Israel. its Vichy past. Yet issues of looting its Vichy past Thus, the Jewish community became an impor- of Jewish property, as well as the . tant political asset in the political parties’ game. question of adequate reparations, In his second term, President François Mitterrand revived ancient images linking Jews and money, implemented a new anti-Fascist strategy , con- and enhanced a victim mentality. Throughout fronting the danger of the extreme right (the the 1980s the struggle against antisemitism was

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 49 at the forefront of the new ideology of human A NEW STAGE rights. The end of the 1980s witnessed the trans- The second Intifada and especially 9/11 marked formation of the immigration issue into the a new stage. The acquittal of Islam became pre- central hub of French politics once the theme dominant in the media and among political elites, of the “Fascist threat” was discarded. The mood Twhile stigmatization of the Jewish community changed from pro-immigrant and anti-Le Pen increased due to its commitment to an intensely declarations, typical of Mitterrand’s second criticized Israel. The publicity given by the term, to accusations of tribalism (or commu- Jewish community to antisemitic Arab-Moslem nautarisme in French). 1989 saw the first “scarf acts was perceived as a gesture of aggression and affair,” pitting Moslem immigrants against the racism on the part of Jews. At the same time, the “native” French. Tribalism replaced Fascism Arab-Moslem community targeted the Jewish among a large segment of the French elites as community, and exploited the vehement anti- the principal threat hovering over the Republic. Zionist sentiments which became dominant in In certain circles the Jewish commu- France. Thus, Arab-Moslem activism had gained nity, which had been pinpointed as legitimacy, and was even able to rise to the Tribalism a guarantee against Fascism and as center stage of French politics. replaced an authentic reminder of its dangers, The Moslem fundamentalists used the exis- Fascism was transformed in the new config- tence of a Jewish community, and notably the among the uration of the 1990s into a threat to CRIF, as a pretext for claiming a similar status French elites the Republic, so much so that the for themselves, but in actuality demanded exorbitant privileges. At the same time, a great as the prin- pro-Socialist movement “S.O.S. paradox had evolved: the Jewish community, cipal threat Racism” that was fighting against these attitudes chose as its favored victim of antisemitic attacks, came to be accused hovering over slogan “Immigrants are Jews”. of racism, whilst the Arab-Moslem community the Republic was absolved. . Wishing to remain politically correct, the attacks on Islam actually The last leg of the gradual decline of the went hand in hand with attacks on all religions. symbolic status of the Jewish community was Hence, public opinion leaders felt above all demonstrated in the affair of the French hostages obliged to criticize the Jewish community for its in Iraq. It ostensibly indicated that the Moslem “fundamentalism” and communautarisme. There community, through its three streams repre- was also an intention to transmit the message sented in the French Council of Moslem Cult, that the French guilt stemming from a colonial had been incorporated into the official image past will stand to protect Islam. It was the begin- of France to the point that the French Foreign ning of an ambiguous language, absolving Islam Ministry asked for its intervention — almost and criticizing Judaism as a matter of principle officially on France’s behalf — in the domain of and as proof that criticism of Islam was not dis- foreign affairs pertaining to the Arab world. criminatory or racist. Such intervention empowered the French

50 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD Arab-Moslem community to negotiate with THE INTERNAL SCENE foreign countries, and halted the effort to separate the Moslem religion from politics, which was The changes in the French political arena had the very motive behind the formation of the greatly influenced the internal life and the make- French Council of Moslem Cult. In contrast, it up of the Jewish community. Up until the 80s, is hard to imagine that the Jewish community Tthe Jewish community of France, as opposed could expect similar political treatment. Only in to that of the US, was centralized and central- relation to the memory of Shoah can one discern izing. CRIF represented all associations and empathy with the Jewish community, as dem- organizations with the central Consistoire (which onstrated by the huge commemoration of the chaired it) as its core. The diversity of the reli- 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. gious movements was very limited and liberal Judaism had not yet truly developed. This unity, The recent establishment of the Foundation for which ran parallel to French political centralism, Remembrance of the Shoah must be mentioned. It no longer exists. is financed by reparations paid for Jewish suffer- ings at the time of the Vichy regime. With this In the opinion of some observers and foundation, and the establishment of a national members of the community, the sympathy Museum of Art and History of Judaism, Jewish towards ultra-Orthodoxy taken by the Chief life in France enters a new phase, which may Rabbinate contributed to the fragmentation of change its voluntary character by incorporating the Jewish life. it within a new national political framework, The 80s saw communal centers and insti- yet simultaneously raising questions about its tutions which had supported an ideology of internal equilibrium. putting up a united front, based on a culturalist approach to Judaism, decline whilst the core of Thus, the external environment of the Jewish Jewish life turned to the synagogue. community in France has radically changed, to the point where the question is being posed However, during this period a number of again of the legitimacy of its existence and, for major trends have been noted: some, of its existence at all. The Jewish com- The Jewish school system grew consid- munity has, however, a long history in France. erably, but the impact of the expansion in The Napoleonic Sanhedrin institutionalized the education on the continuity of Jewish life is still Jewish religion in the French national scheme, unknown. and the Jews have evolved along with contem- According to some sociologists the present porary French society. They are not newcomers rate of out-marriage is over 50%. to French citizenry and culture. But the new era The relative absence of the social elites which began in the 1950s is clearly over. The from the life of the Jewish community may be Jewish community has left the French consensus. the most conspicuous characteristic of French The Jewish identity counter is reset to zero. Jewry.

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 51 JEWS IN THE FORMER SOVIET UNION C. (FSU) — CHANGES AND DYNAMICS

The last two decades witnessed far-reaching Within the individual states there is a strong changes in the Jewish dispersal in the FSU. trend of internal Jewish immigration, and the Conditions in the new republics, established communities are concentrated in a number of on the ruins of the former empire, differ con- central cities where the standard of living is Tsiderably, but certain phenomena can be found, usually higher. As a result, many communities to varying degrees, across all these communi- lack that ‘critical mass’ necessary for substantial ties. Following is an examination of some of Jewish life, although Jewish organizations do these phenomena from three angles: the Jewish exist, at least on paper. population, the surrounding society, and the authorities. 3. Shifts in socio-economic stratification

In addition to the great decrease in the number THE JEWISH POPULATION of Jews in the geographical space of the FSU, there is increasing economic and social polar- 1. Shifts in frame of reference ization among various strata of the Jewish Since the 1917 Revolution, most Soviet Jews population. On the one hand, a thin layer of traditionally regarded themselves as Jews of the entrepreneurs in their thirties or forties has Soviet Union, which in terms of language and emerged (aside from the notorious “oligarchs”) culture was anchored in Russia, regardless of who made their fortunes very rapidly. Of Stheir actual place of residence. With the collapse these, quite a number donate funds to Jewish of the Soviet Empire and the establishment activity, since philanthropy bestows status of independent nation-states, an accelerated and prestige on the donor. At the same time, a process took place of shifting the frame of refer- large number of older Jews lost their sources of ence from the entire formerly Soviet geopolitical income. space to the boundaries of the new states. 4. Organization 2. Shifts in geographical dispersal The number of Jewish organizations in the Since the collapse of the USSR, major changes FSU is highly disproportionate to the actual have occurred in the geographical dispersal of number of Jews. Some of these organizations the Jewish population, both between various exist on paper only and their activity is scarce. states and within them. Certain states experi- International Jewish organizations and/or orga- enced intense emigration waves, which caused nizations centered outside the FSU space are the number of Jews to decrease considerably. also active in most of the new states. All these

52 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD organizations involve only a tiny fraction of the common, and the cultural-intellectual boundar- Jewish population. A fierce competition — both ies between Jews living in FSU states and Jews ideological and material — is being waged living abroad have been blurred considerably. between the various organizations. Authorities usually encourage these contacts (not only among Jews), for economic and political reasons, and as a means of 5. Education and higher learning gaining influence and disseminating Assimilation ■ Education. Just a tiny fraction of Jewish culture. is spreading children and youth receive Jewish education In the public-institutional in the Slavic of any kind. In light of the broad ‘market’ of domain, representatives of FSU areas of the educational frameworks, Jewish schools and/ Jewry participate in international FSU where or programs are facing strong competition Jewish bodies, although their par- the majority and even parents who identify themselves as ticipation is not necessarily an of Jews Jews prefer schools and curricula of higher indication of their actual influence reside caliber and prestige. or activity within the Jewish popula- . ■ Higher learning. Jewish subjects have tion they supposedly represent, but become a legitimate part of most institutions stems rather from their personal connections, of higher learning, at least in the European wealth, etc. regions of the FSU. Indeed, in many of these institutions research is carried out on 7. Assimilation Jewish history and culture, mainly from the regional-local aspect. A number of higher In the Slavic areas of the FSU where the majority learning institutions are offering dedicated of Jews reside, assimilation is spreading, mani- Judaic programs. fested in the growing rate of out-marriage and reduced participation in Jewish events. 6. Contacts with World Jewry (including Israel) THE SURROUNDING SOCIETY

In the past, emigration from the Soviet Union 1. Nationalistic sentiments involved an almost complete cut-off from the mother country and indirectly, to a certain In all of the new states established over the ruins extent, from its culture and lifestyle. This aspect of the Soviet Union, nationalistic sentiments has undergone a remarkable change in the last are on the rise. In formerly peripheral states, twenty years. such trends serve to justify the very existence In the private domain, almost all Jewish Iof a nation-state, while in the center — Russia families or individuals who immigrated from — these feelings stem from a deep sense of the FSU maintain intensive contacts with rela- humiliation, having sunk from the prestigious tives who stayed behind. Mutual visits are very status of a superpower and an Empire.

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 53 2. The construction of nationality and 5. Summary the religious factor As a result of these factors, it seems safe to state The religious factor plays a significant societal that hostility towards the Jews in broad circles role in constructing nationality on the basis of of the surrounding society is spreading and new foundations. In contrast with the Catholic deepening, although the situation in Baltic and Church, the Pravoslavic Church and the Muslim Central Asian Moslem states is not necessarily leadership have not gone through the process of identical. Also, the future attitude to Jews will recognition and reconciliation with the Jewish be strongly influenced by unpredictable external People, and consequently many mosques and factors, such as economic development, which churches are currently spreading hostility varies greatly even between the Slavic states, towards Jews and Judaism. the spread of Islamic fundamentalism, and in the case of the Baltic states, their growing inte- 3. Anti-Americanism gration with the European Union and NATO countries. Certain intelligentsia circles express Attitudes towards the US among the general their reservations about Jews in subtle and public, and in certain segments of the intelli- sophisticated ways. Such hostility, however, is gentsia, are ambivalent and fraught with contradictions. On the one not sufficient to put the Jewish population in physical danger. Jews are hand there is a desire to imitate aften accused the American lifestyle, particularly of being the material affluence as reflected THE AUTHORITIES carriers of on TV and cinema screens; on the other hand, there are strong reser- Americanism Jewish interaction with the authorities in the vations and even hostility regarding . FSU is both relatively uniform, as a result of the American “Cultural Imperialism.” countries’ common history, and considerably Jews, viewed as aliens to the “authentic” national diverse due to the differences between the more spirit, are often accused of being carriers of J democratic, the more autocratic and the more Americanism. traditional states.

4. Envy 1. Central authorities The disproportionate presence of Jews in the thin layer of the newly-rich, along with the The attitudes of the authorities toward the Jews, aid received by needy Jews from international particularly central governments in the new Jewish bodies and/or from local Jewish philan- states, are ambivalent and influenced by interna- thropists, create considerable envy on the part of tional and internal political factors, of which the large numbers of the public. main ones are:

54 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD ■ The wish to secure a positive attitude in the are always Jews and representatives of Jewish international arena. institutions that are accommodating to the ■ A generally positive attitude toward the State authorities. Thus, there is often indirect involve- of Israel in appreciation of its perceived influ- ment and intervention in the appointment of ence on US policies (often beyond Israel’s an accommodating Jewish leadership, to which actual power). Nevertheless, the attitude various gestures are made designed to increase towards Israel as a regional power and the their prestige in the Jewish population. attitude towards Jews should not be regarded as invariably identical. 2. Local authorities ■ Nationalistic elements of the public are unrestrained by concerns of international politics mostly unsympathetic or even hostile to and not necessarily reliant on Jewish money, are Jews. As a result, the authorities generally try more in touch with their public’s mood and are to avoid directly condemning or aggressively often more uninhibited in their expression of reacting to manifestations of antisemitism. distinctly anti-Jewish sentiments. This conduct also characterizes large parts of the bureaucracy, including segments of the security services. A notable exception 3. Antisemitism as part of the political is Putin’s pronouncement of concern for the platform safety of all Jews. In some FSU states there are certain political ■ Using wealthy Jews as tools for internal groups, some extra-parliamentary and others politics. even inside the legislative bodies, both left- and The resulting trend is an attempt to refrain from right-wing, for whom the struggle against the emphasizing the Jewish issue on the one hand, Jews and their past and present influence is an while on the other hand making sure that there integral part of the political worldview.

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 55 THE JEWS OF POLAND: YESTERDAY’S D. SHADOW, TOMORROW’S CHALLENGES

BACKGROUND until the Jewish People develops the will and capacity to make such tragic choices; even then, The fate of the Jews in Poland is a dramatic instance it may be a better choice, morally, to leave the of “rise and decline,” and even “existence and future of Jewish life in Poland to spontaneous, annihilation.” The Jewish community gradually “natural” historic processes rather than some Tdeveloped into a thriving center of Jewish cre- kind of deliberate decision. But it is this dilemma, ativity, only to be rapidly and totally obliterated as posed by the realities of present Jewish life in by the Nazis, who were actively aided by many, Poland, which must always be kept in mind. although not the majority of the Polish people. In the aftermath of the Second World War, TWO NUMBERS and especially during the last two decades, a new Jewish community has arisen in Poland. Two numbers express the terrible tragedy of But it is very small and weak, its sustainability the catastrophe of the Jews of Europe, and of is in question, and it does not get much support Poland’s Jewry in particular: in the mid-1930s, from Jewish global organizations. This situation there were 3,351,000 Jews living in Poland, poses a difficult hypothetical dilemma: when Tcomprising about a tenth of the general popula- considering the investment of resources in tion. In the population census that took place in assuring a thriving future for the Jewish People Poland in 2003, only 1,100 citizens stated they as a whole, it might make sense not to invest were Jewish. great resources in maintaining a Jewish commu- It is safe to assume that in the summer of nity in Poland which may be below the critical 1939, on the eve of WWII, their number was mass required for long-term viability. However, edging towards 3.5 million people. It was the if one takes seriously the “614th commandment” largest Jewish community in Europe, and the proposed by Emil L. Fackenheim forbidding second largest in the world, after the Jewish Jews to give Hitler posthumous victories, then community in the USA. Some 4 million Jews maintaining a Jewish community in Poland and were murdered on Polish soil during WWII; over helping it to become sustainable and achieve 3 million resided in Poland. meaningful levels of cultural creativity is impera- By the end of the war some 50–80,000 Jews tive. Similarly, the Jewish community’s modest remained on Polish territory. Many who had cultural activity has more than once attracted survived the Shoah in Russia returned to Poland, and provided information to Poles who are, and by the summer of 1946 the number of or believe they are, of Jewish or part-Jewish Jews in Poland was estimated at about 250,000 origin. people. The Polish population did not welcome This dilemma is hypothetical, unless and the returning Jews with open arms, to say the

56 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD least, and in certain locations pogroms broke out, Thirteen Jewish communities are active in killing dozens of Jews. As a result, Jews began to Poland, including the cities of Warsaw, Krakow, leave the country in large numbers. Lodz, Wrocław, Wolbzich, Bielsko-Biała, In the mid-1950s the Communist govern- Gdansk, Katowice, Szczecin, Poznan, a sub- ment allowed Jews to emigrate, and hundreds community in Lublin and another community of thousands of them seized the opportunity of self-designated “Israelites” in Gdansk. Based and moved to Israel. Overt antisemitism has on this structure, Poland has been divided into existed in Poland throughout the Communist regions, with the main community in each regime years, linked with an anti-Zionist and region responsible for the activities and pro- anti-Israel policy. That policy was exacerbated cesses of property restitution. following the Six Day War, resulting in the emi- The life of the thirteen Jewish communi- gration to Israel of an additional 30,000 Jews and ties in Poland and their umbrella organization reducing the number of Jews in Poland to a few revolves around the following themes: thousand. Only in 1989, with the downfall of ■ Religious ceremonies (only eight of the the Communist bloc and the establishment of a thirteen communities have a place of democratic regime in Poland, was there a revival prayer); of the Jewish life. ■ Memorials and commemoration rallies; Organized Jewish communities in Poland ■ Provision of Kosher restaurants for com- re-emerged on the backdrop of the enactment munity members (in Warsaw, Lodz and of a bill to return public Jewish property by Krakow); the end of the 1990s. The bill stipulated that ■ Cultural activity around Jewish holidays public property is to be returned to the com- (mainly Rosh Hashanah, a traditional “Seder” munities and to the World Jewish Restitution on Pesach and occasional Purim activities); Organization (WJRO). ■ Maintaining contacts with the surrounding Polish environment, including municipal and THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN POLAND district authorities; TODAY ■ Welfare activities, including soup kitchens for the needy; It is estimated that in addition to those 1,100 ■ Summer camps for families and children, citizens who were self-declared Jews in 2003, sponsored mainly by Chabad; there are some 10 to 15 thousand persons of ■ Activity involving the two Jewish schools Jewish origin. Records of the Jewish organi- funded and managed by the Lauder Izations, however, show only 3,000 members. Foundation in Warsaw and Wrocław; These numbers clearly suggest that a consider- ■ Contacts with the Israeli Embassy, including able segment of Polish citizens of Jewish descent attending embassy ceremonies ; prefer to hide their identity for the time being . ■ Joint cultural activity. The reasons for this are complex, but antisemi- tism is very likely to be one of them. Several local Jewish organizations are currently

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 57 active in Poland, including, among others, the government bonds. This proposal has yet to be Jewish community, the Jewish Association for ratified. US Jewry is actively involved in this Culture and Society, Children of the Holocaust struggle, with several of its agencies exerting Organization, Veteran Soldiers and Nazi political pressure on the Polish government. Victims Association, and the Jewish Students In 1997 Poland ratified a bill for the restitution Organization. Three Jewish monthlies are of public Jewish property to the then-existing published in Poland. In addition, global Jewish seven Jewish communities in Poland (since then organizations operate in Poland, including the the number has grown to 13, but a number of American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee the new communities exist mainly on paper). (JDC), the Jewish Agency and the Lauder The reclaimed property includes synagogues Foundation. and others houses of prayer, cemeteries, schools, Mikveh (ritual baths), slaughterhouses, libraries, THE ISSUE OF JEWISH PROPERTY IN communal offices/chambers, children’s institu- POLAND tions and others. Following a period of friction, a cooperation formula was finally reached in The Jewish public property restitution process a meeting that took place in 2002, stipulating has exacerbated the tendency for fragmenta- a manner of distribution between the com- tion, the struggles for control over the returned munities and WJRO. The fact of the matter is, property and the related gains. however, that there is not much to distribute. TThe value of Jewish property in Poland — The restituted properties include synagogues, both private and public — is estimated by WJRO cemeteries and public institutions that are for sources at some $40 billion. An unofficial Polish the most part ruined, abandoned and derelict. estimate claims the sum is closer Complete reconstruction of all properties is to $20 billion. These assets were practically impossible because it would require The value expropriated by the Communist expenditures of huge sums of hundreds of of Jewish regime. The legalities concerning millions of dollars. property in their return are extremely compli- Many Shoah survivors and their heirs have Poland is cated. The present regime, led by the encountered great difficulties when attempting estimated at Social-Democratic Party, maintains to reclaim their property. The reasons for these some $40 that compensation should be paid difficulties include: to anyone who can prove rights of billion ■ Loss of official documents proving their own- . ownership, and was a Polish citizen when the expropriation took effect, ership of the reclaimed properties; or to their heirs. Furthermore, according to the ■ Since many of the assets expropriated from “re-privatization” proposal (the restitution of Jews before the Shoah were purchased by private property), Poland will a-priori limit the private parties in good faith, it is impossi- sum it is willing to pay, and that sum will be ble to demand restitution, leaving only the paid to those entitled in the form of long-term option of suing for monetary compensation.

58 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD There is currently no clear-cut policy regard- CURRENT POLAND-ISRAEL ing such compensations; RELATIONSHIPS ■ In many cases, the cost involved in legal pro- cedures to ascertain claims is higher than the Democratic Poland, established in 1989, has value of the properties in question; made a major effort to strengthen its rela- ■ Polish law makes it especially difficult for tionship with Israel. Economic and trade ties non-Polish citizens to sue. Dbetween the two countries, including Israeli exports of military equipment, are highly devel- Individual and collective Jewish efforts to reclaim oped, and official statistics do not seem to reflect Jewish property have been a source of great the full range of economic activity between apprehension and increased anti-Semitism in a them. population still suffering from severe housing Two Polish presidents have publicly asked shortages and unemployment. for the forgiveness of the Jewish people for the atrocities that took place on Polish soil. The gov- WORLD JEWRY AND POLAND ernment of Poland has officially promised Israel that it will oppose any anti-Zionist resolutions World Jewry is highly concerned about devel- in “anti-racist conferences.” opments in Poland, public and private Jewish One field in which Israel expects signifi- property restitution, and the nature of com- cant support from Poland is in connection with memoration. A representative of US Jewry is the EU, of which Poland has recently become Wa member of the “Auschwitz Council,” which a member. Senior Polish officials have assured directs commemoration policy. Israeli diplomats of this support. The JDC is regularly involved in Poland, offering aid via the communities and helping For the last 15 years or so, thousands of most Jews in need. Jewish youngsters from Israel and the Diaspora World Jewry is active in fundraising activities have assembled for the “March of the Living” to establish a museum of the history of Polish at the grounds of the Auschwitz Camp around Jewry, slated for the Ghetto Square in Warsaw. Shoah Memorial Day. The Lauder Foundation is active in Poland, There are still, however, antisemitic elements through the operation of the two aforemen- in the Polish population today, some of which tioned schools in Warsaw and Wroclaw. US play a role in the Catholic Church, while others Jewry and the Lauder Foundation are funding have flocked to the right-wing parties. It is nev- the employment of two rabbis. There is con- ertheless noteworthy that left-wing and center siderable activity by other Jewish organizations parties, Poland’s elites, and the majority of the focused on the preservation of memorial sites media, strongly oppose antisemitism and regard and cemeteries. Chabad followers hold religious it as an unacceptable and contemptible phenom- activities, mostly in Warsaw and Krakow. enon.

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 59 THE SOCIETAL BACKGROUND OF E. AMERICAN JEWISH POPULATION TRENDS

THE 2001 NATIONAL JEWISH Study — AJIS) estimate of 5.2–5.3 million for POPULATION SURVEY (NJPS) AS A 2001. Such a low figure had been quite accu- CATALYST FOR DISCOURSE rately predicted by projections based on both the 1970 and the 1990 NJPSs. Beyond the basic socio-demographics, large Important determinants of demographic scale national population surveys conducted change among US Jewry are fewer adults in the US paint a portrait of “the state of the marrying (or marrying later), a growing pref- Bnation” along with an anchor for collective erence for non-Jewish marriage partners, low identity and awareness, within and beyond the fertility rates, low retention within a Jewish Jewish public. Given the ongoing spirited debate framework of children of intermarriage, aging, a about the revival or erosion of identity amongst weak balance of accessions into and secessions American Jewry, it was to be expected that the out of Judaism, and — recently — decreasing 2000–2001 National Jewish Population Survey international migration. The gradual “flattening” (NJPS) would spark controversy. of the baby boom generation led to weaker pro- The number of Jews living in the US is not pensities to identify Jewishly, even according to the main point of the NJPS. But numbers do the loose definitional criteria of the 2001 NJPS, unveil patterns of growth, resilience, or decline and/or problems related to survey coverage of from a historical perspective, and indicate the the relevant age cohorts of that generation. The shifting nature of mutual relations between predominance of Jewish elderly as opposed to Jews and the majority of American society. The Jewish children is a symptom of a declining size and composition of US Jews reflect biologi- population. cal-demographic and cultural-identificational determinants, namely: (a) how many newborn VARIABLE BOUNDARIES OF AMERICAN babies are identified as Jews by their parents and JEWRY how many Jews die; (b) how many Jews immi- grate or emigrate; and (c) how many join and The Jewish case illustrates the complications in how many sever their links with Judaism in one defining, identifying, and reaching ethno-reli- manner or another. gious constituencies in an American environment Since World War II, major national surveys characterized by the growing looseness of group have regularly indicated smaller Jewish popu- Tboundaries. Relativist or postmodernist argu- lations than implied by local data figures. The ments emphasize a group’s ability to shape, American Jewish Year Book estimate of 6.1–6.2 envisage or reinvent its own sense of personal million Jews for 2002 is significantly higher and collective belonging and solidarity, regard- than an NJPS (and the American Jewish Identity less of the rigid constraints of past behaviors,

60 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD social norms, or genealogy. A similar argument ■ A growing 6.7 million Americans reported a has been applied to the Jewish community’s Jewish parent. calls for redefining both Jewish boundaries and ■ The enlarged population of all members in content. Perceptions of the meaning of Jewish households including at least one core Jew identification have shifted from a conventional was estimated at 8.8 million and growing. notion of a stable mode of being intimately ■ Israel’s Law of Return, which broadly defines related to a given set of beliefs, behaviors and those who are eligible for migration to Israel institutions, to occasional expressions of connect- and automatic citizenship, is applicable to ing and journeying, or even surfing and zapping over 10 million persons. — meaning eclectic, selective, and subjective reconstruction of the relevant subject matter and PROS AND CONS OF THE AMERICAN symbolic contents. What implications does this JEWISH EXPERIENCE hold for the size of the Jewish community? American Jewry in 2001 clearly is not a Recent Jewish population trends are representa- homogeneous group: tive of the debate on the twilight, or revival, of ethno-religious group identities in the US. To the ■ The relatively small, more traditional and extent that the Jewish socio-historical experience partly self-segregated Orthodox sector was Runfolded along parallel lines in most western evaluated at 500 to 600 thousand individuals countries, any differences between and growing. Jews in the US and in other societies ■ The total of those of any persuasion who are a result of the unique influences A growing effectively volunteer to join the Jewish com- of the American environment on 6.7 million munity has declined to 1.5 million. Jews. Examples of the differences Americans between US and other Diaspora ■ Those affiliated with any of the many reported a Jews include a high percentage of existing Jewish organizations — mainly syn- Jewish university trainees in the Jewish agogues, but also other recreational, social parent labor force, the highly visible role and communal institutions -reaches about 3 . of Jews in national executive elites, million persons, again declining. the prominent role of religious denominations ■ A diminishing 4.3 to 4.4 million are reported in the Jewish community, and low enrolment to be Jewish, regardless of ideological orien- of children in Jewish day schools (though the tation. overall exposure to any form of Jewish educa- ■ The standard demographic core Jewish tion is not very different from other countries, population — a composite of those who and is unequivocally not low). in surveys declare themselves to be Jewish To foreign eyes, the American way of or declare no preference but have Jewish life seems to be encapsulated by the motto parents — amounted to 5.2 to 5.3 million, E pluribus unum, and by the Declaration of and is shrinking. Independence’s stated goals of Life, liberty, and

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 61 the pursuit of happiness. In its extreme form, the presence, pluralism, and a tendency to codify process of nation-building implied dissolution roles and institutions, all provided support for a of the separate components into a collective of legitimate, quasi-statutory role for Judaism and higher order, while the individual right to self- Jews in the US. fulfillment was normatively supported as part On the other hand, residential and occupa- of national ethos. While America tolerated com- tional mobility are high in the US in comparison munity diversity more than other societies — at with international standards. High divorce rates least for some groups — it also promoted indi- in America probably reflect conflicts between vidual gratification, an aspiration which had the diverging personal economic and affective opposite effect. It is also through the distinctive goals. Frequent migration may be disruptive to premium awarded to self-centered- the steady functioning of family and commu- ness over community connectedness nity. A more eclectic reconstruction of religious Religion’s role that assimilation became the default meanings goes hand in hand with increasingly in America is process in America, at least where it subjective, negotiated, segmented, and multiple more perva- was not prevented due to powerful definitions of ethno-cultural identities. The rela- sive than in social barriers. tivization of faith and flexibility and porosity of most other Consistent with the saying, “In binding standards may be associated with less Western God we trust,” religion plays a more stable and robust relations between individual pervasive role in civil society in and community. countries . America than in most other western Viewed together, these diverse traits of societies. Religious organizations American culture and society exert a mixed found ample public space, and more than else- effect on Jewish identification and continuity. where were able to incorporate materials and Some aspects hinder Jewish community conti- attitudes from the lay culture and blend them nuity; others enhance it. into new syntheses, thus conveying a religious product of widespread relevance. Jewish reli- EMERGING PATTERNS OF JEWISH gious movements were part of this dynamic IDENTIFICATION evolution. Pervasive religious influences in American What then is a “good” Jew in America? society are supplemented by significant secular According to the 2001 NJPS, identificational ritualism. Besides a local brand of “American consensus concerns broad and abstract nor- civil religion” within the Jewish community, mative perceptions, more than the group’s elaborate folkways regulate the secular life and Wparticularistic norms. Remembering the Shoah — a aspirations of individuals and organizations, and uniquely important manifestation of Jewish impart an element of predictability and conser- identification, but also an increasing part of vatism to the fabric of an apparently informal humankind’s legacy — attracts the broadest American society. American society’s mode of support. Countering antisemitism — whether or emancipation, tolerance of a diffuse religious not personally incurred — also attracts broad

62 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD consensus. Several other more frequent choices ■ The impact of group identification on popu- (Leading an ethical and moral life; Believing in God; lation size, and Making the world a better place (Tikkun Olam); ■ Perceptions of, and the response to, ongoing Connecting to your family heritage; and also Having trends. a rich spiritual life), while all related to original Research on American Jews provides indica- Jewish concepts, also appropriately correlate to tions of the main mechanisms of group identity the American normative system and the “good” formation and transmission, hence the avenues American in general. More particularistic norms through which future policy interventions such as Celebrating Jewish Holidays; Learning about might be channeled. Group identification can Jewish culture; Caring for and giving your children be expressed by a great variety of individual Jewish education; and Caring about Israel follow identity and/or activity measures. These at a respectable distance. The low level attrib- coalesce into: uted options such as Observing Jewish law and ■ Attending synagogue indicate an ongoing and not Knowledge of the Jewish cultural legacy; ■ unexpected process of secularization. But most Positive Jewish-oriented attitudes; ■ significant is the low consensus garnered Being Frequent practice of traditional Jewish custom and involvement in other less tradi- part of a Jewish community and Supporting Jewish tional community engagements; organizations, pointing to weakening voluntarism ■ Predominantly Jewish social networks. and community cohesion. The transformation of Jewish identification Behind each of these demonstrations of Jewish from particularistic and community centered to identification stand several primary drivers universalistic and/or individualistic is consonant which operate alone or, more often, in combina- with developments in mainstream American tion: society. The more the central values shared by ■ The parental home’s level of Jewish identifi- Jews conform with broadly accepted American cation; norms, the less the need for a separate (and quite ■ The family’s socio-economic status; expensive) community infrastructure. ■ The prevailing model of interaction of general society (in this case, America) with its Jewish community; EMERGING POLICY CHALLENGES ■ Epochal events (of which 9/11/2001, or for A smaller Jewish community, even if successful that matter the Shoah or Israel’s Six Day War, provide vivid illustrations). at preserving its own high-quality human capital, will face greater challenges when competing These drivers are each responsible for several Awithin an expanding, diverse, and assertive intervening processes which will affect the American population. Two overarching policy eventual outcome of the issue of Jewish issues emerge from these trends: identity:

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 63 ■ Intensive exposure to Jewish education and transition from naturally inherited, fixed, biolog- other socialization and support frameworks; ically or administratively transmitted, to greater ■ The amount of pride related to Jewish iden- flexibility in principle and mediated through tification; voluntary processes of socialization. In a sense, ■ Involvement in an in-marriage or an out- today not only converts to Judaism, but every marriage. Jew in America, is a “Jew by choice.” When faced with a pessimistic outlook, Therefore, the process of identification construc- Jewish leaders and organizations have tion, maintenance and transmission is highly responded with investments in new educational conditional upon the amount and overlap and cultural initiatives aimed at enhancing com- of exposure to various possible socialization munity identification. This has probably already frameworks over a person’s lifecycle. These stimulated a moderate upturn against the pre- include a person’s parents, formal education vailing tendency. To counteract assimilation, via the Jewish school system, Jewish informal the Jewish community might also contemplate educational activities such as youth groups and further investments in residential, economic and the like, experiences and contacts with Israel social self-segregation. But such a strategic line, as the “core” Jewish country, participation in successfully adopted by the Orthodox commu- Jewish programs during college or university, nity, defies the accepted consensus among the in-marriage, and Jewish children. At each lifecy- majority of American Jews about what it means cle stage, exposure to in-group experiences will to be an American and share America’s promise expectedly raise the chances of the continuation of freedom, openness, equal opportunity, and of a strong Jewish identity at the next stage. happiness. Jewish identity in America is undergoing a

64 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD RESPONDING TO THE OUT-MARRIED F. IN THE UNITED STATES

OUTREACH: THE BACKGROUND DENOMINATIONAL APPROACHES

Addressing the issue of Jews by birth currently The Reform movement is the foremost leader married to a non-Jewish spouse, i.e. the out- with its outreach to out-marrieds program married, has become one of the foremost issues created under the leadership of Rabbi Alexander on the US Jewish communal agenda since the Schindler in 1978 as part of a three-pronged Aout-marriage rate was revealed in 1990 to be Tpolicy for increasing sensitivity to converts, 52%. Communal alarm derives particularly from engaging non-Jewish spouses, and drawing the decline amongst the out-married in Jewish America’s “unchurched” into Judaism. Since that identification and connectedness, the break- time the Reform movement has pioneered in down of generational transfer of Jewish identity, addressing issues involving interfaith couples: and the weakening of Jewish philanthropy. the lineage issue, which was addressed in the The community has worked primarily 1983 decision to accept patrilineal through a three-pronged approach of prevention, descent; the rate of communal and conversion, and outreach, with an emphasis on ritual participation, i.e. to what 50% of outreach policy, while discussing issues of the extent can a non-Jew partake in students costs and benefit of such a policy, and the rami- synagogue ritual life; and edu- enrolled fications on the other policy approaches. cational programming, with the in Reform Outreach takes on various forms: inviting the largest program, “Taste of Judaism,” schools come having enrolled 65,000 participants target audience to programs specially designed from inter- for it, such as “Judaism for Beginners,” discussing since its launch in 1994. Activism faith homes issues concerning the intermarried, and distribut- in this area, however, may also be . ing educational pamphlets and flyers in gateway due in part to necessity, since 15.4% institutions. A favored vehicle for reaching the of the Reform’s total membership units are target population is through the media. Yet this interfaith, and approximately 50% of students demands significant financial resources. Jewish enrolled in Reform schools come from interfaith organizations are just starting to utilize the homes. Internet to publicize events on mainstream sites, The Reform Movement’s 1983 decision though such efforts are minimal when consid- to accept patrilineal descent has negatively ering the relatively low cost and high visibility impacted the conversion rate in intermarried of this sort of advertising. While carried out couples, which is down from 20% of interfaith primarily, though not exclusively, through the marriages to 5% of those married between 1985 various denominations, outreach policies are in and 1990, since conversion is no longer neces- the process of transition. sary where the Jewish identity of children is

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 65 guaranteed by one Jewish parent at least by part married. Transformation has been underway of the community. for several years, evident in programs like the Perceiving its original goal of outreach as an Keruv Initiative in Boston created in 1997, with affirmed principle in the American Jewish com- courses geared to interfaith couples, and with munity, the Reform movement is increasingly staff and annual funding in 2004–5 of $40,000. A turning to conversion and deeper integration major announcement is due at the Movement’s of the outreached, a move reflected in the annual conference in December 2005 which will 2002 merging of the outreach program into publicize a Keruv effort directed at out-married the Commission on Outreach and Synagogue couples, and the establishment of a task force Community, along with subsequent budget for the creation of new policies within certain cuts, and greater lay leader involvement in these set boundaries. The movement will need to areas. The move is partially in reaction to a sense be innovative in order to both attract the out- of neglect in these areas over the past twenty married population and maintain loyalty to the years, and the fact that for many of the out- bounds of Jewish law. married, Reform identification is one step before Amongst the Orthodox, there is a cross- total disengagement/assimilation. The Reform denominational sense that little investment or leadership estimates that 25–30% of those out- effort is placed on the out-married, likely the reached are fleetingly partaking in programming, result of a residual 6% internal out-marriage rate with 70% affiliating at some point. (after discounting others who out-married and The Conservative movement, with its left the denomination). However, engagement formally stricter loyalty to traditional Judaism of the out-married as part of a holistic outreach yet with a population base significantly effort has increased dramatically since the impacted by out-marriage (28% between the 1970s, particularly amongst the ultra-Orthodox ages of 34–54), has increasingly walked between and to a much lesser extent among the modern welcoming and disapproving of out-marriage Orthodox. The Orthodox maintain a hierarchy through its double-sided policy. It maintains of Jewish law, public policy and private policy in loyalty to matrilineal descent, limited formal dealing with the out-married. and informal institutional membership and Chabad is explicit in its a-priori rejection participation of the non-Jewish partner, and of out-marriage, as evident in the letters and enrolment of children with non-Jewish mothers addresses of the Lubavitcher Rabbi Menachem in Conservative day and supplementary schools Mendel Schneerson, whose instruction sets the only until the age of 13 unless converted. Whilst public policy for this subgroup. Out-marriage is the major focus in responding to the out-married perceived as a blunt expression of assimilation. has traditionally been on conversion, in practice Non-Chabad Haredim have increased the policies vary. outreach programs, stemming heavily from The policy of the Conservative movement, yeshiva bases. however, is under serious revision, in an effort The modern Orthodox community centrally to create a friendlier environment for the out- rejects out-marriage and the out-married, and

66 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD practices little to no outreach. Modern and ultra- to the out-married, but rather on whether Orthodox central bodies, such as the Rabbinical this outreach will take a specific or holistic Council of American (RCA) and Agudath Israel approach to the out-married, as well as deter- of America, have debated the issue of excom- mining the distinction between public versus munication, or niddui, of a Jew who intermarries; private policies in working with out-married Chabad rejects the notion. families and the extent of the accepted ritual participation of the non-Jew in the syna- gogue; VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH ■ Gender is a factor as more women tend to join OUTREACH Judaism than men; women are the primary Leadership, affiliation rates, and donor funding transmitters of religious identity to the next are integral to the creation of central policy. generation in the US and are the official Numerous variables influence the implemen- transmitters of Jewish identity according to tation of outreach on the ground, creating a Jewish law. This makes women an impor- L tant population target in outreach efforts seeming discrepancy between policy declara- tions and practical implementation. Included across denominations, yet Conservative and amongst these are: Orthodox efforts reflect this need more than those of the Reform. ■ The cultural and social climate in the Jewish community and broader United States; ■ The process of geographic migration INVESTMENTS AND RESOURCES amongst US Jews: as Jews move away from Independent organizations and bodies are also primary Jewish centers to areas of low Jewish working on outreach, often in cooperation with density, organizations and institutions are communities, and to a lesser extent with denom- looking to attract Jewish participation in any inations. The Jewish Outreach Institute (JOI), a way possible; Iresearch based institute created in 1980, pilots ■ The size of the community is a motivat- programs of outreach to the out-married includ- ing factor for outreach to a critical mass ing addressing issues of non-Jewish women that is needed for ritual and communal life, raising Jewish children, thus creating an “open resources, etc.; door” or more welcoming Jewish community. ■ Communal makeup: the larger the percent- These programs also create public space Judaism age of young, unaffiliated, and/or out-married and bring Jewish events to areas that are not in the community, the more likely they are specifically recognized as Jewish. JOI identifies to be targeted in outreach programs as com- barriers hindering the involvement of the out- munities recognize the need to address this married, including limited ritual and lifecycle reality; involvement, leadership roles, cost, literacy, the ■ Religious culture of the Jewish commu- perceived endogamy preference of the Jewish nity often bears influence, not on outreach community, and uses research and program-

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 67 ming to overcome these obstacles and increase and 1999 was 37%, 62% of children of out- involvement of the out-marrieds. marrieds in Baltimore are raised Jewish, almost The website www.interfaithfamily.com is double the national average (33%). Local fed- the primary example of the use of online tech- eration officials attribute this discrepancy to a nologies for the engagement of out-married high Jewish density factor (including traditional couples, as well as for promoting a policy of Jews with visible Jewish symbols) and Jewish welcoming interfaith couples to the Jewish com- acculturation that apply positive pressures on munity. The website has a budget of $290,000, out-married families to raise children as Jews. and in December 2004 had 27,000 hits and is growing at a rate of approximately 40% per PENDING ISSUES year. Interfaithfamily.com is one of the few efforts that have moved away from the core- Despite the investment, little evaluation of periphery model of Jewish involvement to a outreach exists, both on a national and inter- more networked Judaism, or a more interest- national scale. The dearth of information, such based model. as fieldwork and analysis, leaves many policy Local communities have also become active Dmakers ill-equipped. The evaluations that do in outreach, whether through the targeted or exist are conducted by the organizations them- holistic approach, by working with various selves, containing a risk of bias among those denominations and bodies. Boston’s Combined exerting pressure to continue outreach policy. Jewish Philanthropies is a national leader in Clearly missing from policy perspectives are specific outreach, and have an allocated budget data tracking the progress of outreach efforts, of $275,000 annually. such as follow up data and external auditing Numerous communities choose to outreach of outreach policies. Independent bodies need to the out-married as part of a holistic approach, to take a critical look at what is being done. since they maintain that out-married focus Moreover, analysis is needed of the vari- groups prefer not to be singled out, ables influencing Jewish involvement with but rather desire to be included the out-married and their offspring, including Analysis is as part of the overall community. Jewish acculturation, the Jewish density factor, needed of The decision to apply the holistic exposure to visual Jewish customs and tradi- the variables method of outreach is influenced tions, the gender of the non-Jewish spouse, and influenc- by some of the variables affect- particularly the role of women in out-married ing Jewish ing implementation, particularly families and the impact of the patrilineal descent involvement community make-up and religious decision. In addition, the influence of broader with the out- culture. One such community is US society, including the increased religiosity of Baltimore, the most traditional the United States, the increasing identification married . community in the US with 17% of the US as a Christian country, the search for identifying as Orthodox. While the spirituality, and the trends amongst inter-ethnic community’s out-marriage rate between 1990 and inter-racial couples, should be examined.

68 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD JEWISH PEOPLE CONSIDERATIONS IN G. ISRAELI GOVERNMENT DECISIONS

BACKGROUND a study of a number of cases where government decision-making touched directly or indirectly If Israel is indeed the State of the Jewish People, on issues of concern to the Jewish People, such not merely the state of Israelis, then its own as Project Renewal in the late 1970s and early strategic choices and policy decisions must be 1980s; the Ne’eman Committee on Conversion Isomehow guided by a concern for the well- in Israel; Israel’s attempts to attract Jews who being, not only of its own citizens, but also of sought refuge in the US and other countries; and Jews around the world who are citizens of their Israel’s partnership in the Birthright program. own countries. It can be expected of Israel’s gov- Study methods included interviews with key ernment to try and be aware of the potential public officials; examination of proceedings of ramifications that its decisions and actions might the Knesset Committee on Aliyah, Absorption have on the Jewish People as a whole. and Diaspora Affairs; and scanning of cabinet A primary question is to what extent, if decision-making protocols from any, are possible impacts on the Jewish People 1990 to 2004. In addition, the considered? If the answer is positive, then the contributions made by numerous Israel’s second question is — what weight is given to governmental bodies pertaining to choices must such an impact in the final decision? An example the Jewish world were considered, be guided is the Israeli decision to engage in an action including: the World Jewish Affairs by a concern against Hezbollah in Lebanon (the killing of their Division in the Foreign Ministry; the for the well- leader, Sheikh Moussavi, with his wife and son), Israel-Diaspora Education Relations being of Jews which may have contributed to the lethal ter- unit in the Ministry of Education; around the rorist attacks against the Jewish community in Jewish People advisors in the Prime world Buenos Aires in 1994. It seems that the question Minister’s Office; the Minister for . whether the Israeli action might trigger an attack Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs, on Jewish People targets was not considered. and the National Security Council. Excluded are This chapter does not examine whether activities related to assuring physical security for Jewish People considerations are occasionally Jews in the Diaspora, and Jewish People consid- present in decisional processes, but whether erations in Supreme Court Decisions. such considerations are systematically taken Our study distinguishes between general into account. This is more a question of context: decision-making processes and decisions dealing not whether, but how, and in what context, did with two specific issues: “Who is a Jew” and Jewish People considerations enter decision- related matters of conversion and the status making processes. of the non-orthodox movements in Israel; and The conclusions of this chapter are based on questions of Jewish continuity.

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 69 GENERAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES oping into a forum for Jewish People issues of a wider scope. Given the wealth of communication and dialogue ■ The keen interest in Jewish People questions between Jewish leaders and their Israeli counter- by Israel’s National Security Council. The parts, and the intense media coverage of Israel Gand Jewish events around the world, it would overriding concern here is not the security be advisable for Jewish People considerations to of the State of Israel, but the strength of the enter Israeli government decision-making pro- Jewish People and the relationships between cesses. As such, in recent years there is growing Israel and the Diaspora. awareness in government circles of Israel’s ■ The initiative of Israel’s president Mr. Moshe relation to the Jewish People. Four notable Katzav to establish a “Second House” to developments are: remedy the decades long practice of “dealing ■ The establishment in 1999 of the Office of with and making decisions that affect the life the Minister for Jerusalem and Diaspora of the Jewish People without consulting the Affairs, whose formal task is to facilitate Jewish People.” dialogue with Jews in the Diaspora, and to serve as a “government address” for the Despite these developments, there exists no concerns of world Jewry. Admittedly, while formal mechanism in the Israeli government to this is not a full-fledged ministry, but more a systematically take into account considerations bureau with a small budget, this Office has pertaining to the Jewish People. This is due par- initiated and guided numerous joint missions tially to the prevailing decision-making culture and has introduced Jewish People consider- ations to cabinet deliberations. Among the in the Israeli government, with limited room Office’s activities were organizing the Global for systematic staff work. But deeper causes Forum Against Antisemitism, and publishing are also at work, including the overall ideology a comprehensive study of reparations and concerning the relationship between Israel and restitution in 2005. However, in May 2005 the Jewish People, which regards aliyah as the Minister Natan Sharansky, who served as the main answer to the problems of the Jews in the first and as of yet only Minister for Diaspora Diaspora, and support for Israel as the essence affairs, resigned and it is not clear what the of Israel-Diaspora relations. This ideology is future holds for the Ministry. changing and the meaning of “Israel as the State ■ The addition of “Diaspora Affairs” to the of the Jewish People” includes more elements of responsibility of the Knesset Committee on Aliyah and Absorption. Although its responsibility for the Jewish People as a whole. dominant concern remains aliyah and aliyah But translating these new perceptions into insti- absorption, this Committee has been devel- tutional processes is just beginning.

70 I THE JEWISH PEOPLE 2005: FACING A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD WHO IS A JEW ■ Israel’s security in the long run depends to a large extent on the size of its Jewish citi- Despite the absence of formalized practices for zenry. The size factor is deemed crucial both taking into account Jewish People consider- externally (regarding Israel’s relations with its ations, and the existence of political barriers, the enemies), and internally (the threat of losing immense importance of this issue in the Jewish the Jewish majority inside Israel). D ■ world has not been ignored. The motive behind The future of the Jewish world, i.e. the very the appointment of the Ne’eman Committee likelihood of Jewish continuity, depends to a on Conversion in Israel in 1997 was “a difficult large extent on the existence of a strong and humanitarian problem” — the large number of vital Jewish State of Israel. people who immigrated to Israel pursuant to the ■ The State of Israel is best suited to enhance Law of Return and have integrated into Israeli the prospects of Jewish continuity. According society, but are not considered Jews according to to this view, while Jewish life outside Israel Halacha and are thus precluded from marrying is liable to wane and eventually vanish, Israel Jews in Israel. Despite the “local” concern that is the only place where Jewish continuity in triggered its establishment, the Committee was the long run is secured. (However, there is aware of the momentous ramifications that its growing recognition of the potential threat recommendations would have on the Jewish to physical security, should all Jews reside in world. Public officials frequently acknowledge one place.) that the “who is a Jew” question pertains to all Based on these premises that dominate Israeli Jews and therefore must not be dealt with as government thinking, it follows that those who only an Israeli question. wish to strengthen Jewish continuity should contribute to the existence of a strong and vital JEWISH CONTINUITY Israel. And the foremost, if not the only way to make this important contribution is to make Jewish continuity is one of the chief concerns aliyah. that the Diaspora shares with the State of Israel, The insistence on aliyah has manifested itself but the meaning of “Jewish continuity,” or of in numerous ways throughout the years: J“meaningful Jewish continuity,” and what it ■ Whenever Jews around the world are in might take to strengthen this trend, remains distress, be it due to economic crises or to disputed. With few exceptions, governments of acts of antisemitism, the invariable reaction Israel have considered life in Israel, and conse- of Israel’s authorities has been “aliyah” — quently aliyah, as the main means for increasing “Come, it’s better here.” the prospects of Jewish continuity. ■ Alarming reports of increasing rates of out- Israeli governmental deliberations and marriage have met the same response. actions can be mainly understood in light of the ■ Often, when learning of Jews who wished following set of premises: to immigrate but their choice of destination

THE JEWISH PEOPLE POLICY PLANNING INSTITUTE I 71 was not Israel, governments would intervene, governmental decision-making, there are impor- even against the will of the immigrants and tant signs of change. These include: some of the organizations supporting them. ■ The definition of the tasks of the Minister for ■ The basic guidelines of the 30th Government Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs as “securing of Israel (Sharon’s Government) do not the existence and the future of the Jewish mention the Jewish world — except under People wherever they are”; the chapter on aliyah and absorption. In this, ■ the present government follows the path of Israeli action to help assure physical security former governments. in the Diaspora and the long-established policy of “never again”; Furthermore, one study showed that of the ■ Israel’s involvement and leadership in com- thousands of cabinet decisions made in the bating antisemitism (through the Ministry of years 1990–2004, the key words that reflect Foreign Affairs and the Global Forum Against concern with the well-being of the Jewish Anti-Semitism); People (e.g. “Jews,” “Jewish People,” “Jewish ■ Israel’s investment in Jewish education World,” “Jewish Community,” “Diaspora”) are abroad and its advocacy of the strengthen- mentioned in the protocols of only one-hundred ing of Jewish education and education about cases. Not surprisingly, the main theme in the the Jewish People within Israel’s education great majority of these cases has been aliyah, and system; financial support for aliyah absorption. ■ The institution of a Ministerial Committee A second significant theme in the govern- on Restitution of Rights and Jewish Property ment protocols is antisemitism. It should be and the official publication of the First Global noted that in all the meetings discussing anti- Report on Restitution of Jewish Property semitism, aliyah is mentioned as the ultimate 1952–2004. countermeasure. The third central theme in the protocols Such measures demonstrate an emerging has to do with Jewish education, primarily in new, albeit still weak, stream of ideas and relation to Israel’s partnership in Birthright. concerns whereby Jewish People consider- Here, it seems that the motivation that has been ations have a place and weight in the agenda guiding philanthropists and community leaders, of the Government of Israel, in their own namely to strengthen Jewish identity through right, whether or not they are tied to the more exposure to Israel, has not been entirely deter- dominant motivation of maintaining a reserve of mined by Israel because in Israel, Jewish identity potential aliyah. These changes may provide an is not the end, but rather the means of reinforc- opportunity to institutionalize systematic con- ing the bond of Jews with Israel. sideration of overall Jewish People concerns in While the three premises mentioned above Israeli governmental decision-making processes, help to explain the overall neglect, or narrow as highlighted in the chapter of recommenda- view of Jewish People considerations in Israeli tions in this assessment.

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