'Israel decision making process must take into account Diaspora Jews' says Diaspora minister

• Published date: 29 September 2021
• Author: JEREMY SHARON

Speaking at an event at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl presenting details of a survey on Jewish peoplehood and Israel-Diaspora relations, he also called for the establishment of a government body to coordinate the state's activities combating antisemitism abroad.

"Within the decision-making process of the government of Israel, the voice of Diaspora Jews needs to be heard," Shai said, adding: "In the National Security Council, where the security of the State of Israel is evaluated, there should be someone at the table who says, 'Let's think about the impact this has on Jews around the world. There are eight million Jews living around the world. How will our decisions influence them?'"

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These considerations should not be "the decisive ones," but they should be "one of the considerations," he said.

Shai said the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza, during which antisemitism around the world spiked dramatically, had brought home to him the importance of Israel, bearing in mind how its actions influence Jewish life in the Diaspora.

Regarding antisemitism, he said several ministries and organizations deal with the issue, including the Foreign Ministry, the Diaspora Affairs Ministry and the Jewish Agency, but spreading responsibility for the issue so widely was not effective.

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