Editor's Notes: In era of Jewish uncertainty, Israel must rework its relationship with Diaspora

In 2018, former Prime Minister Yair Lapid revealed that eliminating the outline for the Western Wall compromise was a priority during his tenure. However, Haredi website Kikar HaShabbat's uproar in 2017 led to the cancellation of the project. American Jews, Lapid noted, were shocked to discover they were being insulted.

During an interview series titled "Distant Relatives," Lapid emphasized the importance of building strong relationships between Israel and world Jewry. The third goal, according to Lapid, was to demonstrate respect for Diaspora Jews. In a recent speech, Lapid outlined six goals for Israel's foreign policy, with world Jewry being the third priority, but without specific mention of the Western Wall, conversion, Chief Rabbinate, or the Law of Return.

Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli recently stated that Diaspora Jewry is facing a crisis, with a significant percentage of intermarriage, and that formal Jewish education is the key to reversing this trend. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich aims to bring a million olim from North America and Europe within a decade, while acknowledging the challenges of aliyah.

Lapid criticized the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, arguing that it lacks jurisdiction and should be integrated into the Foreign Ministry.

All three leaders share a common approach to addressing the challenges faced by Diaspora Jews. Chikli focuses on education, Smotrich emphasizes exposure, and Lapid prioritizes addressing the emotional aspects of the issue. However, none of the proposals address the fundamental need for a shared decision-making process that recognizes and respects the autonomy of Diaspora Jewish communities.