ABSTRACT
The growing significance of the old-new ethno-national Diaspora phenomenon in cultural, economic, and political developments has reopened some significant and interesting theoretical and practical questions. A very sensitive issue pertaining to these ethno-national Diasporas has been almost totally neglected, and that is the issue of Diasporas’ loyalties. The main argument of the constructivists is that like all other aspects of nationalism, patriotism is an attitude that is artificially inculcated by the state in the citizens regardless of their ethnic origin. The proponents of this approach add that by implication and as part of the creation of modern states, a sentiment is imposed also on members of ethnic minorities and ethno-national Diasporas residing in these states. Ethno-national Diasporas can demonstrate ambiguous, dual, or divided loyalty vis-avis their host countries and homelands. In liberal-democratic regimes, most notably in the US, Canada, and Australia, Jews were able to maintain open and intensive relations with the Jewish community in Palestine and later with Israel.
