ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the development and expansion of Israel’s diaspora diplomacy. The Jewish diaspora in the US was until recently larger than the Jewish population of the State of Israel. As of 2018, there were 6.6 million Jews in Israel, 5.7 million in the US, about 450,000 in France, and 290,000 in the UK. This chapter examines how the unique characteristics of the Jewish diaspora and its strong connections to the home country have influenced Israel’s ability to use the diaspora as a diplomatic tool. It distinguishes between three historical periods: until Israel’s independence in 1948 when the diaspora was the focal point for the establishment of the state; after 1948, when the focus moved to Israel, with an interim period of adjustment right after the state’s establishment; and since the 1967 Six-Day War. It traces the development of several major organizations such as AIPAC and the World Jewish Congress, and programs such as Birthright-Taglit. It also analyzes the activities of ministries the Israeli government established to handle relations with Jewish communities around the world. It ends with an assessment of current problems and challenges, such as the rift between the Israeli government and American Jewry.
