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| About iEngage |
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| The goal of the iEngage Project is to respond to growing feelings of disenchantment and disinterest toward Israel among an ever-increasing number of Jews worldwide by creating a new narrative regarding the significance of Israel for Jewish life.
The core feature of the "traditional" Israel narrative was the precariousness of Jewish survival. In this narrative, Jewish existence, both in Israel and around the world, was viewed as threatened by inevitable and often imminent danger. One of the long-lasting effects of the Holocaust generation and that following it was the shaping of a consciousness deeply suspicious and fearful of the world. This inspired the creation of a Jewish identity in which the survival and perpetuation of the Jewish people and the defense of Jews in danger became central values.
Political, economic, and cultural success among Jews in many communities throughout the world, coupled with a growth in their own Jewish vitality and creativity, have diminished the compelling nature of the narrative of crisis in the lives of many Jews. At the same time, there is the success story that is Israel. Without denying the dangers that Israel still faces on a daily basis, its military power and prowess render a narrative of crisis less meaningful. When one adds to the equation the economic vitality of modern Israel, it becomes increasingly difficult to portray Israel as a weak country in dire need of help from Jews around the world.
Led by a team of internationally renowned scholars in the fields of Jewish studies, Middle East politics, and history, the Engaging Israel project is committed to addressing core questions pertaining to the necessity and significance of the Jewish national enterprise; how a Jewish state should exercise power; why a Jew who lives outside of Israel should care about Israel; and what the State of Israel can offer the world.
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The Judaism in the homeland of the Jewish people must be one which mirrors diversity and disagreement
Project to be unveiled June 11 in New York with presentations, discussion, learning and keynote by David Gushee