Survey finds diaspora Jews more liberal than Israelis

JERUSALEM (Press Release) — The Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) released a report on Wednesday, May 21, on the views of world Jewry concerning Israel’s character as a Jewish and democratic state.

Following Justice Minister Tzipi Livni’s appointment of Professor Ruth Gavison to explore the constitutional anchoring of Israel’s Jewish and democratic character, Prof. Gavison turned to the Jewish People Policy Institute for help in gauging attitudes on this issue throughout the Diaspora.

JPPI conducted discussions and focus groups around the world and convened Jewish and Israeli community leaders, heads of major organizations, and academics to solicit and assess Diaspora opinion on these issues.

Avinoam Bar-Yosef, JPPI’s President and Founding Director said, “North American Jews are basically, and for clear reasons, more liberal than Israelis. But even as they urge a completely democratic and liberal approach to Israel’s Arab minority – and believe that their civil rights and opportunities should be enhanced – they feel, at the same time, a deep commitment to Israel as a Jewish state and endorse its continued use of Jewish iconography such as the flag and national anthem, Hatikvah.”

“The Diaspora encourages Israel to adopt a pluralistic approach with respect to all the Jewish religious streams. They wish to feel as “at home” in Israel as they do in their own communities. This is an important element in their support,” said Bar-Yosef.

At a time when different ideological groups within Israel hold conflicting views, JPPI’s report finds:

The vast majority of Diaspora Jews feel close to Israel and hold a vision of the Jewish and democratic state that is not much different from the vision Israelis have of their country.
However, Jews around the world are critical of how Israel interprets and handles “religion and state” matters, including marriage, the role of the rabbinate, and religious legislation.
Diaspora Jews deem it crucially important that all Israeli citizens, including those belonging to minority groups, have full rights. Nevertheless, support for preserving the Jewish character of the state, such as adhering to the Jewish calendar and Jewish symbols, is strong.

Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky, who attended the briefing, noted that in a few days the government of Israel will approve new arrangements at the Kotel and funds for strengthening Jewish identity abroad.

Professor Ruth Gavison, who accepted the report at the briefing, stressed the importance of hearing the views of Diaspora Jewry on these issues and maintaining a dialogue with them.

Shmuel Rosner, one of the project’s heads at JPPI, said he believes the report’s findings are “positive and optimistic, contrary to dismal reports we hear about distancing of Diaspora Jews from Israel.  The report also indicates that there is a strong need expressed throughout the Jewish world for a deep connection with Israel. However, “the Diaspora expects and encourages Israel to give  full equality to all its citizens including minorities.  When it comes to minority rights, the Diaspora feels that Israel must exercise more care – they expect that all Israeli citizens, including its minorities, will have equal rights and opportunities. Regarding the criticism about state control over religious legislation, the report shows that these issues are sharp, coherent and clear —Diaspora Jewry has reservations about the way things are handled.  Equality in society and pluralism are essential,” he said.

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Preceding provided by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI),  an independent policy planning think tank based in Jerusalem.