‘We bear the consequences’: Diaspora Jews fear fallout from Israel’s election - interview

As Israelis prepare for their national election, Jews living outside of Israel are growing increasingly concerned about the potential fallout from the results. Diaspora Jewish communities across the globe, from Norway to Mexico to the United States, are anxiously watching the polls, fearing that the election could deepen the association between Israel's government and Jews worldwide. This could lead to a cascade of negative consequences for Jewish populations living outside of Israel.

Robert Hercz, head of B nai B rith Norway, expressed his deep fear about the impact the election could have on both the future of Israel and the perception of Jews outside of the country. He noted that the Norwegian media often oversimplifies and polarizes Israeli politics and that a Netanyahu victory would only intensify negative rhetoric and policies, creating a hostile environment for Diaspora Jews.

Mark Freedman, a veteran Jewish communal professional who has worked in North America, emphasized that the election has shifted the traditional role of lay leadership in how it views the Israeli government. Freedman believes that the emergence of a renewed form of antisemitism, which holds Jews in North America collectively responsible for Israeli actions, has intensified.

This shift has resulted in local communities adopting resolutions criticizing Israel as racist and genocidal, a phenomenon that was unheard of even a couple of decades ago.

Diaspora Jews fear that a new Israeli government could also impact global antisemitism. Mark Freedman suggested that a government willing to align with traditional values could have a positive influence on American views. However, Diaspora Jews feel a heightened sense of responsibility for Israeli actions due to the assumption that they endorse Netanyahu's radical leadership. This presumption is difficult to dismantle, as it is based on the belief that a democratic process granted him legitimacy.