Israel and World Jewry
Since the first
exile (586 BCE) and subsequent dispersions
of Jews throughout the world, a unique and
dynamic relationship has existed between Jews
living in the Land of Israel and those residing
outside it. Although separated by long distances
over many centuries, the Jews have remained
one nation, bound by a common history, religion
and homeland as well as a collective commitment
to the physical and spiritual survival of
the Jewish people. The establishment
of the State of Israel (1948) grew out
of their 2,000-year-old dream to return to
their ancestral homeland and revive its national
life and sovereignty.
Recent estimates put the world
Jewish population at about 13.3 million, 38 percent of whom live
in Israel, and close to 50 percent
in North and South America. Jews everywhere share a spectrum of history,
ideals and interests, and are engaged in ongoing dialogue on a wide
range of issues.
World Jewry, in recognition of the centrality of Israel
in Jewish life, participates in building the country, through social,
political and financial support, as well as by coming to Israel, making
it their home and adding their particular skills and cultural backgrounds
to the Israeli mosaic. A long tradition of mutual aid among Jews is
manifested in a multifaceted network of organizations designed to cater
to hundreds of Jewish-Israeli interests. For its part, Israel constantly
seeks to strengthen the Jewish communities and its bond with them by
helping those in need, promoting Israel-oriented activities, Hebrew
language study, economic opportunities and visits of groups and individuals
to Israel.
The World Zionist
Organization (WZO) was founded at the First
Zionist Congress (1897) with the aim of facilitating the return
of the Jewish people to its ancient homeland, the Land of Israel, and
reviving Jewish national life in the country. The WZO's primary objective
was attained in 1948 with the establishment of a legally secured, internationally recognized Jewish state - the
State of Israel. Since then the WZO has functioned as liaison to Diaspora
Jewry, promoting activities which focus on the unity of the Jewish people
and the centrality of Israel in Jewish life; facilitating immigration;
fostering Jewish education in Jewish communities worldwide; and defending
the rights of Jews wherever they live. The democratically-elected World
Zionist Congress, the supreme body of the WZO, meets every 4-5 years
in Jerusalem to legislate, determine financial policy and elect its
executive committee.
Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) is today a primary
organizational expression of the relationship between the State of Israel
and world Jewry. It was constituted (1929) by the World Zionist Organization
to represent the Jewish community in the Land of Israel vis-a-vis the British Mandate authorities,
foreign governments and international organizations. After Israel attained
independence, partial responsibility for certain national tasks were
delegated by law to JAFI and the WZO, including immigration and absorption,
rural settlement and immigrant housing, educational and youth activities,
as well as urban renewal. In recent years, many of these functions have been assumed
by the government.
Sources: Israeli
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |