Why are young British Jews feeling alienated from Israel?

Why should I care about Israel?” “What has it got to do with me as a British Jew?” These questions are becoming too frequent among young Jews in this country. When I hear them, I envision our shared history and identity slipping away – locked-up and lost in a sea of misinformation, misunderstanding and apathy.

For many younger Jews in the diaspora, Israel feels distant, both geographically and emotionally. It’s sometimes seen as a foreign entity, where people speak a different language and embrace a different culture.

Living comfortably in cities like London, many young Jews rarely consider life beyond western democracy or the significance of Israel’s existence. Few understand the feeling of running to a shelter when a siren sounds or being conscripted at 18. Zionism, once essential for Jewish survival, now feels controversial or even unnecessary; after all, wasn’t Israel already re-established in 1948?

Younger members of the British Jewish community are starting to become unaware of the fact that they are part of an indigenous people, with deep historical ties to the Land of Israel. There is a perception that Israel is only important if you are religiously observant or have family there. I remember returning from a trip to Israel, and my English class partner said that she had never been. When I asked if she wanted to go, she replied: “No. I’m not really religious.” But is Israel only for religious Jews?

That’s not to say that Israel is not central to Judaism – we pray facing Jerusalem, for the land’s protection, and for our eventual return. Standing at the Kotel brings an indescribable closeness to God and a profound pride in our nation.

On Israel Tour just this summer, one of my fellow chanichim hadn’t gone to Jewish school most of his life and felt somewhat isolated from Israel. But, after immersing himself for three weeks in the culture, spirit and resilience of the Israeli people, his view quickly changed. He said how the experience had reshaped his connection to Israel and his Jewish roots.

Another major factor in the disconnection is the prevalence of antisemitism on social media, portraying extreme Israeli viewpoints as mainstream and spreading blood libels against the Jewish state. These videos garner millions of views and likes. Some influencers push antisemitic narratives of Israel as a “settler colony” and Palestinians as exclusively innocent civilians – often showing a graphic situation without providing any prior context. Though many Jewish viewers are sceptical, these portrayals contribute significantly to alienation. Compounded by the rise in left-wing ideologies and social justice campaigns, many young people start to question their support for Israel amid a seemingly ceaseless war.

What can the Jewish community do to address this problem? Firstly, we need to strengthen our community. Some young Jews feel detached due to a broader disconnect from Jewish life. Encourage synagogue attendance and joining a youth movement. Establish social media platforms that authentically engage younger audiences, presenting Israel with nuance. Additionally, champion open discussion through forums and workshops, such as those run by StandWithUs, where tough questions can be explored without judgement.

If we don’t care about Israel, who will? If young Jews distance themselves from our ancestral homeland, what will remain of our identity? Israel may seem distant, but it is who we are as a people. The future of Zionism depends on us – on our ability to ensure that Israel remains the living part of our Jewish identity.

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Benjy Lewis is a sixth-former, who is actively involved in the Jewish community