By Yehezkel Dror
Among the many domains in which Israel lacks a substantive policy, that of the Jewish People occupies a "place of honor."...But a deep understanding of the dynamics of the Jewish People and a correct perception of the emerging dangers to Israel-Diaspora relations are almost completely missing. ...
Even if the issue is well understood, it is not easy to base Israeli-Diaspora relations on a sustainable foundation. But this is not mission impossible. If we are creative in thinking and acting, then processes can be molded that will meet the requirements - including, for instance:
b Developing core curricula in Jewish and Jewish People studies, to be shared by Israel and the Diaspora, with care being taken to offer a range of options so as to accommodate value diversity.
b Inclusion of programs offering an understanding of the Jewish People and its dynamics in the mass media.
b A radical change in the conception of aliyah, with encouragement of partial aliyah, including multiple residences in Israel and the Diaspora.
b Substantive consultation with Diaspora leaders on Israeli decisions of importance to the Jewish People as a whole, with cautious movement toward establishing a 'consultative Jewish People council' related to the Knesset, which is entitled to prepare advisory opinions, and is composed of representatives of the Diaspora.
b Explicit and declared recognition of the right of Jews in the Diaspora to criticize Israeli policies.
b New modalities for Jewish investments in Israel, combining profitability with expression of solidarity.
b Shared challenging projects, including tikkun olam ('repair of the world') activities.
b Strengthening of identification symbols and shared centers, such as by making Jerusalem into the cultural capital of Judaism and the Jewish People.
b Setting up in Jerusalem a Jewish People leadership academy, to enable shared study and discourse by Israeli and Diaspora leaders, with special attention to younger ones.
b Deepening the nature of Israel as a "Jewish state" and making it more visible.
And more.
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