Israel, the Diaspora and Jewish Identity

Features: Investigates the significance, contribution, and role played by the State of Israel -- ideologically and practically -- in the identity of Diaspora Jews; Explores the extent and way Israel features in Diaspora identity through a range of issues including: anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, Jewish continuity and Israel visits, the peace process, pro-Israel lobbying, philanthropy, religious thought and gender; Examines the place of Israel in the identity of Jewish communities in eight countries and amongst the Israeli Diaspora; A unique feature of this volume is that each chapter is followed by short and insightful viewpoints by Israeli and Diaspora commentators, with the book reflecting a dialogue between these different voices from across the Jewish world.

Part I: ISSUES & THEMES -- Introduction: World Jewry, Identity and Israel; The New Anti-Semitism, Jewish Identity and the Question of Zionism; Jewish Continuity and Israel Visits; Israel in Orthodox Identity: The American Experience; Conservative Judaism, Zionism and Israel: Commitments and Ambivalences; The Place of Israel in the Identity of Reform Jews: Examining the Spectrum of Passive Identification with Israel to Active Jewish--Zionist; The Jewish Left, Jewish Identity, Zionism and Israel Attitudes to the Palestinian Intifada; The Changing Identity of American Jews, Israel and the Peace Process; Israel's Foreign and Defence Policy and Diaspora Jewish Identity; Gender and Israel in Diaspora Jewish Identity; The Place of Israel in the Identity of Israelis in the Diaspora: An Ethnographic Exploration. Part II: COUNTRIES AND REGIONS -- Canada; Great Britain; Latin America; France; Australia; United States of America; South Africa; Russia. CONCLUSION -- Israel in Diaspora Jewish Identity; Glossary; Contributors; Index.