The American Jewish Establishment and Its Priorities
The American Jewish establishment is adept at measuring success in terms of dollars raised, professionals hired, and security measures in place. However, a crucial question arises: is the focus on the quantity of Jewish life, or its quality?
Jerusalem syndrome once brought visitors to the holy city with a sense of divine mission, while today, the Jewish influencer economy has emerged, allowing individuals to wield influence without the need for pilgrimage. This phenomenon highlights a concerning trend.
Institutions invest in personalities who attract audiences, but a Jewish people is not merely a customer list. Its strength lies in what children learn, how families live, and the communities' ability to protect one another, even in the absence of cameras.
As Israelis voted without producing a clear majority, American Jewish institutions prepare for their general assembly under the banner “Where the Future Takes Shape.” This comes as Israeli citizens face complex decisions regarding taxes, security, and military obligations.
A Disagreement on Sovereignty and Philanthropy
My dispute with Jonah Platt, host of Being Jewish, began with a discussion on sovereignty. Platt's post on X/Twitter suggested that Diaspora Jews might withdraw support from Israel if its government didn't address their concerns. While I agreed that Israel must listen to its diaspora community, I disagreed with the premise that they should hold equal authority over the state. I described his position as "sort of colonialist" and noted that his heart was in the right place.
Platt's response took a personal turn, accusing me of contacting him only for self-interest and claiming that Diaspora Jews fund my "business ideas and institutions." He even suggested that Israel should return the billions sent from abroad, implying that American Jews should fund their own security. I had never asked for his financial support and sought conversations about Israeli agriculture and Jewish self-defense, often to no avail.
Our exchange escalated, with Platt calling me offensive names and ending with "go f*** yourself." I responded angrily, but the sequence revealed a shift from a debate about sovereignty to a dispute over money, access, and podcast operating costs.
Platt expressed that he had been advocating for the Jewish people and mentioned his financial struggles and dedication to the cause. He later admitted that our exchange had changed his view of Israel "in a really dark way." This concern extended beyond the insults, as it raised questions about the balance between advocacy and personal interests.