A-vital Blog: Is the Jewish Agency for sale?

Since its inception in 1929, the Jewish Agency has played a crucial role in the creation of the State of Israel. It spearheaded the ingathering of Jewish immigrants, the physical building of the country and the galvanizing of its identity. The contribution of the Jewish Agency to the strengthening of Israel, to Jewish education and to our ties with Diaspora Jews is priceless.

Over the years, many Israelis thought that the historical role of the Jewish Agency had been completed. Hence, many called to end its mission; some even attempted, unsuccessfully, to do so. Over the past few years the Agency succeeded in proving to the Israeli public as well as to Jews the world over that it still has a vital role to play. Its performance in times of crisis made it the object of admiration. Among its successes: the invaluable help in bringing over to Israel some 3 million Jews; the educational and emotional experience it provided to thousands of youngsters who came here the opportunity to participate in its programs; and its contribution to found some 900 rural settlements around the country, Kibbutzim and Moshavim alike. It created Community Centers and Cultural Centers, kindergartens and sports facilities and contributed to the development of higher education. For all of the above, I am grateful to the leadership of both Israelis and Diaspora Jews.

For the Jewish Agency is, by definition, a global partnership between the Jews of the world and those living in Israel: between the World Zionist Organization, the United Israel Appeal (UIA), the United Jewish Communities (UJC) and Keren Hayesod. The various bodies and individuals which comprise the Jewish Agency's leadership are meant to ensure a wide representation of Jews the world over. These, in turn, coordinate their actions with the Government of Israel. The stated missions of the Jewish Agency, as they have been conveyed to me, are currently: the encouragement of Aliya, Jewish-Zionist education and Jewish solidarity.

I was therefore surprised to discover, not long ago, that the Agency recently decided to name to its board Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. Rabbi Eckstein, an honorable man whose good deeds are well known and well publicized, has made it his business over the years to 'fundraise' from Evangelical Christians in the US. It is thanks to his large contributions to the budget of the Jewish Agency that he was invited to join its leadership. Let me make this very clear: I have no objection whatsoever to Rabbi Eckstein, nor do I doubt his sincerity or devotion. My objection to his appointment is not personal. I do, however, find it highly objectionable that an organization such as the Jewish Agency, with its glorious tradition, should choose to put a representative on its board because of the money he collects. Why not substitute the entire board with heavy donors?

More important, in my mind, is the fact that the money so generously provided comes from Evangelical Christians, whose views and purposes are, alas, well-known.

At this point it should be stated that throughout my life and diplomatic career I have fostered warm and friendly relations with many Christian individuals and religious leaders. Wherever I served, I always strove for a rapprochement between Christians and Jews. Yet I find the idea that Evangelicals donate such large sums of money to Israel disturbing, both because of their belief in 'the second coming' and their stated mission ('we know that we must wait for God to bring about the fullness of the kingdom at Christ's return').

In a report conducted some time ago by Time/CNN, over one third of America's Evangelical Christians who support Israel (between 40-50 million people) stated that they do so because they believe that the Bible teaches that the Jews must possess their own country in the Holy land before Jesus can return. They believe that the nation of Israel will play a pivotal role in the unfolding of the end-of-times events. In the past decade, these have become Israel's best friends. With my own ears I have heard them passionately declare that Israel should not be allowed to abandon one inch of its territory, since this is God's will.

These dispensationalist Evangelicals are staunch supporters of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, founded by Rabbi Eckstein. Moreover: in their commitment to keep Israel strong and moving in the directions prophesized by the Bible, they support some of the most extreme elements in Israeli society. By aiding these groups both financially and morally, they try to help create the future they envision.

Like many Israeli citizens, I feel very uneasy, to say the least, when their money buys a seat on the Board of the Jewish Agency.