Annual Assessment The Situation and Dynamics of the Jewish People in 2023

Key Findings:

The Jewish People Policy Institute’s Annual Assessment of the Situation and Dynamics of the Jewish People undertakes, each year, to determine whether the past year’s developments have affected Israel and the Jewish world positively or negatively. 

Key Drivers Affecting the Jewish People in 2021-2022 are identified to be: Identity, Demography, Geopolitics, Community Bonds, and Material Resources.

Geopolitical developments: The ongoing war in Ukraine is causing significant shifts in the global order, which has implications for the U.S.’ international standing and Europe's future. Jewish-Arab relations have become more polarized, with a rise in political extremism. The causes of violence in the Arab sector are seen differently by Jews and Arabs, reflecting divergent perspectives on the social reality.

Political developments: Israel's political system is unstable, as the country is heading for its fifth election in less than four years. The inclusion of minority groups in government coalitions, such as the ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties, creates divisions among the Jewish electorate and hinders the formation of a stable government.

Societal developments: Social media's influence is evident in Israel, leading to erosion of trust in governmental institutions, polarization of public discourse, and mutual delegitimization. Polarization is also noticeable in discussions related to Israel and Israel-Diaspora relations. The involvement of Israeli Arabs in terrorist attacks and the focus on addressing violence in the Arab sector highlight fragility in Jewish-non-Jewish relations. Tensions have resurfaced between right and left political factions, as well as between secular and religious/ultra-Orthodox Israelis.

Antisemitism: Around the world, on both the left and the right, antisemitism continues to erode Jewish security; young people are “lowering their profile” in order to avoid confrontation with radical antisemitic and anti-Israel elements. Jews in vulnerable areas in France are being relocated to safer residences by the French Jewish community. American college campuses remain hotbeds of anti-Israel, anti-Zionist activity, putting Jewish students on the defensive and in need of positive answers to combat misinformation about Israel.

Demographic developments: Immigration rates from Ukraine and Russia have increased due to the conflict in Ukraine. The rate of Jewish population growth in the Diaspora is slowing. In addition, the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jewish populations are growing, particularly prominent in the UK, Belgium, and Israel, is also highlighted. Their integration poses challenges. Their low participation in the workforce burdens the economy and tensions arise regarding behavioral requirements, burden-sharing, and legislation.

Jewish identity: The crisis in Ukraine has exposed a divergence between Israel and the Diaspora regarding issues of morality and Jewish survival. Israel has shown a "tribal" orientation, maintaining ties with Russia for national interests and preferring refugee absorption based on the Law of Return. In the US, the Jewish tradition of resettling refugees and assisting oppressed communities has been revitalized, blurring the distinction between Jew and non-Jew and emphasizing the ethical-universal aspect of the Jewish obligation to help persecuted groups.

The question of Jewish identity and Israeli identity is a matter of debate and division within Israeli society, as highlighted by the recent passing of writer A.B. Yehoshua, who believed that Israeli identity is synonymous with Jewish identity and called for a reordering of priorities, with homeland and national identity taking precedence. However, his views were challenged by both Diaspora Jews and Israeli Jews who saw them as negating the significance of Jewishness outside of Israel and the religious and cultural aspects of Jewish identity. The ongoing cultural war in Israel is fueled by these differing visions of Jewish and Israeli identity.

Main Recommendations to the Government of Israel: 

(1) Dialogue with Jews who support the Democratic Party must be deepened in order to harness their support and assistance in advancing Israel’s positions on the Iran nuclear issue.

(2) Diaspora communities (with the assistance of Israel) should prioritize significant Jewish education projects – financially, socially, and institutionally.

(3) Philanthropy in Israel, by both individuals and institutions, should be encouraged, emphasizing the Jewish value of giving as is customary in Diaspora communities worldwide.

(4) A comprehensive social, political response must be formulated to an expected increase in number of Israelis belonging to the Jewish majority population but not recognized as Jews.

(5) Continued rapid growth of the ultra-Orthodox community requires intra- and extra-sectoral attention to the socioeconomic ramifications of this trend.