Trouble in the Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict over Israel [Hardcover]

Trouble in the Tribeexplores the increasingly contentious place of Israel in the American Jewish community. In a fundamental shift, growing numbers of American Jews have become less willing to unquestioningly support Israel and more willing to publicly criticize its government. More than ever before, American Jews are arguing about Israeli policies, and many, especially younger ones, are becoming uncomfortable with Israel's treatment of Palestinians. Dov Waxman argues that Israel is fast becoming a source of disunity for American Jewry, and that a new era of American Jewish conflict over Israel is replacing the old era of solidarity.

Drawing on a wealth of in-depth interviews with American Jewish leaders and activists, Waxman shows why Israel has become such a divisive issue among American Jews. He delves into the American Jewish debate about Israel, examining the impact that the conflict over Israel is having on Jewish communities, national Jewish organizations, and on the pro-Israel lobby. Waxman sets this conflict in the context of broader cultural, political, institutional, and demographic changes happening in the American Jewish community. He offers a nuanced and balanced account of how this conflict over Israel has developed and what it means for the future of American Jewish politics.

Israel used to bring American Jews together. Now it is driving them apart.Trouble in the Tribeexplains why.

Dov Waxmanis professor of political science, international affairs, and Israel studies at Northeastern University. He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Peace and the Crisis of Israeli Identityand the coauthor ofIsrael's Palestinians: The Conflict Within. A meticulous, precise, well-organized survey that takes into account the many different views and will certainly facilitate the heated conversation. A valuable road map to an ongoing and very important conflict. ---Murray Polner,History News Network As a primls