Zionism's Next Great Task

Key Findings:

This essay commemorates David Ben-Gurion's vision, emphasizing the completion of the Zionist founders' mission by ingathering most Diaspora Jews to Israel and securing the state's strength through technological advancement. Ben-Gurion's aspirations have largely materialized over five decades, with most Jews having the option to return to Israel and an increasing number doing so annually. This influx projects a potential population of 16 million in Israel by 2048, mainly Jewish.

Israel's technological preeminence, evidenced by its prolific start-up ecosystem, patent rates, and scientific publications per capita, underscores its accomplishments. Furthermore, the revival of Hebrew as a spoken language and the establishment of an independent Jewish state highlight Israel's unprecedented position in Jewish history.

Despite Israel's success, concerns loom regarding Diaspora communities. Declining birth rates, intermarriage, waning communal commitment, and diminishing Jewish identification indicate a bleak future for many Diaspora groups. Aliyah, particularly from the most committed members, adds to this concern, potentially leading to the disappearance of numerous communities or their drastic decline by 2100.

The essay presents contrasting perspectives on this issue: one acknowledging these trends as inevitable decline, while the other proposes a revival akin to Israel's energetic Jewish identity, even among those with partial Jewish ancestry. Israel's centrality in Jewish identity globally has increased, yet it faces antisemitism, often masked as anti-Zionism, alongside growing admiration from non-Jews with Jewish connections.

An emerging trend showcases an increasing interest among individuals with distant Jewish ties, potentially resulting in millions joining or aligning themselves closely with the Jewish people by the century's close. Examples from Italy, Colombia, and Poland highlight this phenomenon, indicating a potential transformative impact on Diaspora Jewish life and values.

The proposed solution involves a concerted effort between Israel and Diaspora communities to engage and integrate these individuals. A program called "Affinity Birthright" aims to educate and immerse them in Jewish history, values, and communal life. Additionally, the establishment of research institutes and outreach programs, akin to the Peace Corps, seeks to educate and empower these emerging peripheral communities.

The author proposes creating a "Jewish Agency for the Dispersed of Israel," similar to the historic Jewish Agency for the Land of Israel, to facilitate this collaboration. Although a multifaceted, lengthy endeavor, it aims to revitalize Diaspora Jewish communities, culminating in the ingathering of Jews from various corners of the world, aligning with prophetic visions of reuniting the Jewish people.