Regarding “New U.S. Group Warns Israel On ‘Who Is A Jew’” (Editor’s column, Dec. 5), I would differ with the suggestion that the decline in support for Israel among Generation Xers is due to the failure of the Israeli government to recognize non-Orthodox conversions.
This is an issue which is important only to those who have an institutional interest in the growth of the Conservative and Reform Judaism. These issues are irrelevant to most Israeli Jews; the secular Jews want civil marriage, not one officiated by a non-Orthodox rabbi. If you want equality in Israel, Conservative and Reform Jews should make aliyah on mass.
The real reasons for the decline of support for Israel among Generation X Jews here is more complicated. Many are conflict-weary; they see a conflict with no end in sight. As a result, many ask why should they be involved. And they have no direct memory of the Holocaust or virulent anti-Semitism in America.
Also, most Israel advocacy groups take positions far to the right of the majority of American Jews. Hearing them is a turnoff to those who do not share their positions. If you want non-Orthodox Jewish Generation Xers to be involved, there should be a leadership that reflects their views.
Fairlawn, N.J.
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