The issue of relations between Israel and the diaspora is continually evolving. On the structural level, there has emerged the proposal of Israeli President Moshe Katsav for a "Second House," a body parallel to the Knesset, consisting of diaspora and Israeli representatives, to address mutual concerns.

On a political level, the longstanding consensus that diaspora Jewry should strive to support the democratically elected government of Israel, whatever party is in power, is holding on but is being challenged more and more, sometimes from the right, sometimes from the left.

These efforts to change the nature of relations may or may not be useful. I believe, for example, that the principle of support for the government of Israel on security-related matters continues to be a vital concern and change should be resisted.

Where fundamental change is absolutely critical is in the traditional funding relationship. Of course, the question of allocation and targeting of monies raised by American Jews has been on the community's agenda for years. Sometimes the result has been less money to Israel, sometimes more. Various systems have been put in place as to where the money should go when it goes to Israel.

Still, these efforts have not addressed the dual challenge facing American Jewry: how to turn around the continuing diminution of the community through assimilation and intermarriage, and how to provide funding for Jewish education, the prime vehicle for re-establishing a strong Jewish identity.

Let's be honest. We are losing the battle of Jewish identity. Intermarriage is growing. There is a lot of ignorance. Two generations of Jews in America have passed without their being taught to be Jews. When tikkun olam, "repairing the world," becomes the Jewish model instead of Im ein ani li, mi li?" "If I am not for myself, then who is for me?" then tikkun olam focuses on everybody else but me.

But we can stop the bleeding. We can begin by calling on Israel to invest the money it receives on an annual basis from American Jews in Jewish education. Why recommend this roundabout way of bringing American Jewish money to bear on the problem we face at home? Because it is easier to raise money in the United States for Israel than for Jewish education.

Israel should say to diaspora Jewry: "Thank you. We want to reinvest your money to secure your future and our relationship. So for the next five years, the money that you raise for us we will reinvest in students coming to Israel, building schools, infrastructure and scholarships in America."

Let's say we're talking about $300 million a year, which comes to a billion-and-a-half dollars over five years. That is a significant sum of money for schools, scholarships and teachers. A certain amount — perhaps 30 percent — should be invested in programs to bring young Jews to Israel, initiatives such as birthright or Masa, the new Jewish Agency initiative.

We have developed the most exciting audio-visual Jewish identity program that anybody could dream of and it is called Israel. We know it works. This is the tourniquet. I believe that if 100 youngsters go to Israel, one-third will be Zionists forever, for one-third it won't matter, and one-third will be more connected to Israel. That is a pretty good investment for $5,000 a child.

The remaining 70 percent of the money should be invested in Jewish education in the United States, in expanding its infrastructure, in substantial tuition subsidies, and in paying teachers salaries that will attract the best and brightest. Today, only 29 percent of Jewish children attend private Jewish schools and yeshivas. A major reason for that is the cost, which can be up to $20,000 a child.

I am aware that this proposal will be resisted. Some in Israel will object because there are real social needs in Israel that are now addressed by these funds. I don't minimize their importance. But in the long run, reinvigorating American Jewish identity will be a tremendous source of strength to both communities.

A continuing vibrant American Jewish community will be a vital political and psychological asset to Israel in the years ahead, no matter what direction Middle East politics takes. And, self-evidently, for American Jews and our place in an ever-changing American society, keeping our young people as proud Jews is a sine qua non for effective community vitality.

Finally, this proposal will be beneficial to Israel-diaspora relations because it will more accurately reflect the substantial and real changes in both communities. Israel is long past the stage of being the poor cousin. Its move toward independence from American government economic aid is the key indicator of that. American Jewish priorities have shifted toward this need to preserve our community. A stronger Israel working with American Jews on this challenge cannot only make each stronger, but will reinforce the deep ties that bind us one to the other. n

Abraham H. Foxman is national director of the Anti-Defamation League and author of "Never Again? The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism."
 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.