If each of us were to conduct a quick survey on an Israeli street and ask, “Have you ever heard of AIPAC?” the results would likely be disappointing. The average Israeli is preoccupied with the troubles of everyday life and finds little time to learn about American Jewry. As a result, Israelis have little understanding of the extent to which their well-being and security depend on America’s pro-Israel lobby. This gap in Israeli awareness creates many problems, and ultimately both sides lose.

The Israeli government does not do enough to bring together the two largest parts of the Jewish people. From the government’s perspective, AIPAC is a wonderful instrument for advancing Israeli interests in America, but it is not regarded as a vehicle for strengthening the dialogue over Jewish identity between Israeli and American Jews. Israel’s ultra-Orthodox........

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