This is very thoughtful as P. Osnos’s pieces always are. Most European Jews would not have the same perception. A majority of European Jews had parents or grand-parents who knew nazi occupation and survived through miracles. Most of them were never totally convinced that European countries could be a long term safe haven. Not surprising then to read that over two thirds of European Jews look at Israel as a credible refuge for themselves and/or their children and grand-children. Not so in America. As P. Osnos explains, American Jews were American first. Not so in Europe, except in England.
The angst has seeped into communities all around the United States. This wonderful piece provides a basis for understanding where to begin to heal the fissures between Jew and Jew and Jews and their neighbors of other faiths. What has been lost is the sense of comfort and pride that existed as Israel flourished after its wars in 1948-9, 1956, 1967 and even the Yom Kippur war of 1983. What has happened since October 7th has frayed the bonds, let's hope not irrevocably.
There continues to be a disconnect between being an American Jew and how you view Israel. Insitutionally, the Reform Jews who as Lemann reports were slow to embrace Zionist, are less supportive of Israel now than more conservative American Jews. I suspect unaffiliated American Jews, likely still the majority, are most critical of Israel.
This is very thoughtful as P. Osnos’s pieces always are. Most European Jews would not have the same perception. A majority of European Jews had parents or grand-parents who knew nazi occupation and survived through miracles. Most of them were never totally convinced that European countries could be a long term safe haven. Not surprising then to read that over two thirds of European Jews look at Israel as a credible refuge for themselves and/or their children and grand-children. Not so in America. As P. Osnos explains, American Jews were American first. Not so in Europe, except in England.
Thank you Elie. Yours is a particularly important comment because of its perspective. Israel, as I say, is an immutable reality. But of what kind?
The angst has seeped into communities all around the United States. This wonderful piece provides a basis for understanding where to begin to heal the fissures between Jew and Jew and Jews and their neighbors of other faiths. What has been lost is the sense of comfort and pride that existed as Israel flourished after its wars in 1948-9, 1956, 1967 and even the Yom Kippur war of 1983. What has happened since October 7th has frayed the bonds, let's hope not irrevocably.
Thanks Marilyn. Exactly my intention. I have always known I was Jewish but only gradually have I learnt what that means. p
An important piece Peter, and one I will share with my family.
An excellent piece that taught me a lot. Thank you!
There continues to be a disconnect between being an American Jew and how you view Israel. Insitutionally, the Reform Jews who as Lemann reports were slow to embrace Zionist, are less supportive of Israel now than more conservative American Jews. I suspect unaffiliated American Jews, likely still the majority, are most critical of Israel.