ABSTRACT
American Orthodox Jews perceive an Israel with which they may identify wholeheartedly and therefore find it easier to contemplate undertaking the major financial and personal sacrifices involved in successful aliyah. In 1947 Agudath Israel of America opposed the declaration of Israeli statehood. The Orthodox rabbinate in particular functioned as a leading sector in formulating Orthodox attachments to Israel as a Jewish state. In terms of permanent aliyah to Israel, the disproportionately Orthodox percentage of American Jewish immigrants to Israel, popularly known as olim, is especially striking. The rates of aliyah among day-school graduates suggest the relative ease of Orthodox aliyah and absorption within Israel. Within Israel, Orthodox Jews have made notable contributions to the development of Israeli society. American Orthodoxy provided Meir Kahane with his financial base, including during his tenure in Israel.
