Focusing on the issues that unite and divide our global Jewish community
Jewish communities around the world are bound to Israel by history, heritage, and identity. Yet while this connection remains profound, growing divides have emerged between Israel and the Diaspora—shaped by political, religious, and demographic tensions, as well as a lack of mutual knowledge and understanding. Sustaining Jewish vitality worldwide, and ensuring Israel’s enduring place at the heart of global Jewish identity, requires renewed attention to building and strengthening these ties.
AJC’s William Petschek Global Jewish Communities Department addresses the key challenges and opportunities in the Israel–Diaspora relationship. Our work includes fostering education and literacy about one another, examining Jewish political and cultural attitudes across regions, and ensuring that the bonds between Israel and Jewish communities around the world remain strong for generations to come.
The department is led by Dr. Alexandra Herzog, a seasoned educator and leader in Israel–Diaspora relations, who brings decades of experience in Jewish and Israel education to AJC’s work. She currently serves as one of the 150 Council Members in President Herzog’s initiative “Voice of the People,” with a focus on the relationship between world Jewry and Israel. Under her leadership, the department spearheads initiatives and programs—often in partnership with leading organizations—that strengthen ties between Israelis and Jews across the Diaspora, creating deeper understanding and solidarity throughout the global Jewish community.
Leaders For Tomorrow (LFT) equips high school students with the tools to advocate on behalf of the Jewish people and Israel. LFT ensures that tomorrow’s American Jewish leaders feel connected with Israel today, and have the facts in their pocket to stand up for Israel not only on the college campus, but on a global stage.
At a time when the next generation’s commitment to Israel and Jewish peoplehood is under question, AJC’s unique educational and leadership opportunities prepare teens to become champions of their heritage, the Jewish homeland, and a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. LEARN MORE
