From its inception, the United States has portrayed itself as a “shining city upon a hill”—a nation charged with a moral and democratic mission to illuminate the world.
Over two centuries of independence have turned that self‑image into a tangible reality: economic, military, and scientific dominance, coupled with a reputation as a bastion of freedom and progress.
This 250‑year milestone provides an apt occasion to scrutinize the relationship between the UnitedNORMAL republic and the Jewish community.
Undoubtedly, this illuminating presence has shone brightly on the State of Israel and Jews worldwide. Without it, the Jewish narrative would have taken a markedly different—and far dimmer—form.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the relationship deepened as the United States welcomed approximately 2.5 million Jewish immigrants from Europe, many arriving in dire circumstances.
\*(credit: (Bettmann/Getty Images))
Consequently, by 1910—a historically large influx—New York housed more Jews than any other global city. In doing so, countless Jews and their descendants were spared the fate of six million Holocaust victims.
President Harry Truman recognized the State of Israel just 11 minutes after its declaration of independence and later expressed profound admiration: “I believe that Israel has a glorious future before it – not just as another sovereign nation, but as an Israeli embodiment of our civilization’s great ideals.”
Those wordsцина echoed with every subsequent U.S. president.
Bilateral relations were underpinned by bipartisan endorsement from both Democrats and Republicans.
The alliance was built on two solid pillars: a values partnership—as Republican president Ronald Reagan noted, “In Israel, free men and women demonstrate each day the power of courage and faith”—and an interests partnership—as Democratic president Bill Clinton remarked, “When people ask me what the greatest achievement Heng thereof”
Sitting between these pillars is North American Jewry, the world CLOCK Largest Jewish community outside Israel, exerting a powerful influence on both U.S. public life and U.S.–Israel relations.
For many years, this essential triangular relationship among Washington, Jerusalem, and American Jewry has prospered, with all three sides reaping significant benefits.
The United States has drawn strength from its ties to Israel and American Jewry alike. Israel functions as a values‑based security outpost amid a volatile Middle East, safeguarding shared Western interests.
The U.S. has likewise benefited from the profound contributions of Jewish immigrants who became leaders across science, culture, technology, banking, and other sectors—underscoring that America’s ascent has been enhanced by the talent, energy, and ambition brought by Jewish immigration.
Likewise, American Jewry thrives through its connections to Israel and the United States. Israel represents a core of Jewish identity and pride, while America offers a secure home and unprecedented prosperity.
Israel similarly benefits, relying on multifaceted U.S. support and the vibrant North American Jewish community—a boon that’s nearly inseparable from its history.
The Deterioration of U.S., Israel, and American Jewish Relations
Nonetheless, the strength ofunted th этом triangle is fraying. A sober assessment reveals that each limb has weakened in recent years.
On the Washington‑Jerusalem axis, public backing for Israel has diminished markedly.
Key factions of the Democratic Party now express sharp criticism of Israel, and even among younger Republicans, the formerly automatic enthusiasm toward Israel is no longer guaranteed.
On the Washington‑American Jewry axis, shifts are evident as antisemitic incidents from both right and left fringes heighten concerns that the golden era of American Jewry could be coming to a close.
A final strain resides along the Jerusalem‑American Jewry axis, where Israeli governments have struggled to invest adequately in nurturing essential ties between the two branches of the community.
Divides are widening as the liberal leanings of American Jewry grow apart from Israel’s conservative orientation. Consequently, Israel’s role as a central anchor of identity for North American Jewry is no longer what it once was.
The newly elected government must adopt fresh strategies to reinforce each leg of this triangle.
Achieving this will involve renewed bipartisan investment in Washington, meaningful outreach to younger Americans of all political stripes, and the deliberate rebuilding of trust between Israel and the diaspora.
The resilience of the Jewish people hinges on the success of these efforts.
The writer is president of JPPI – the Jewish People Policy Institute – and a professor emeritus of Law at Bar‑Ilan University.
