Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with American Jewish leaders in New York City, and the gathering reflects the divisions within the American Jewish
community regarding his policies and actions, particularly his efforts to reform the Israeli judiciary. The meeting comes amidst protests both in support of and against Netanyahu during his visit to the United States.
The differences among American Jewish groups became evident as two Orthodox Jewish organizations criticized those participating in anti-Netanyahu protests. The Orthodox Union emphasized the need to address criticism of the prime minister and his government at the right time and place, while Am Echad expressed dismay at the rhetoric used by Israeli protest movements during Netanyahu's visit.
In contrast, several centrist and left-leaning Jewish organizations have voiced criticism of the judicial overhaul legislation proposed by Netanyahu's government, with some leaders participating in anti-overhaul rallies. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, has been invited to attend the meeting with Netanyahu and is slated to speak at a major rally protesting the prime minister.
The judicial overhaul legislation, which was temporarily shelved following mass protests, aimed to reduce the power and independence of the Israeli Supreme Court. The ongoing debate and protests surrounding the overhaul have raised concerns about the tone and outcome of the meeting between Netanyahu and American Jewish leaders.
Despite differences over Netanyahu's policies, a range of major Jewish organizations will be represented at the meeting. Notably absent are left-leaning groups critical of Netanyahu's policies toward the Palestinians. The meeting's format and whether questions or arguments will be allowed remain unclear.
The dueling messages from American Jews, both supporting and opposing Netanyahu, present a challenge to the image he has sought to project as a leader of a unified Jewish community. President Joe Biden has publicly opposed the judicial legislation and raised concerns about changes to Israel's democratic system without broad consensus.
During his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu is expected to focus on threats from Iran and celebrate progress toward mutual recognition with Saudi Arabia, rather than the judicial overhaul.
In contrast, a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Jewish community leaders appeared to go smoothly, with Erdogan expressing commitment to a stable relationship with Israel and efforts to combat antisemitism.
Netanyahu's visit has prompted both support and opposition among American Jews, with rallies and protests reflecting the divisions within the American Jewish community. Photo by President.gov.ua, Wikimedia commons.