Jewish Federations, Birthright Expand Volunteer Efforts in Israel

Victoria Coates's book, "The Battle for the Jewish State," emphasizes the critical symbiotic relationship between the U.S. and Israel, underscoring that both nations benefit from their alliance, especially in terms of security and technology. Coates highlights a troubling rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the U.S. following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, prompting support for Hamas among some American figures. In response to the crisis, organizations like Jewish Federations of North America and Birthright Israel are mobilizing to send volunteers to aid Israel's recovery, aiming to deploy at least 10,000 volunteers in 2025. Meanwhile, community leaders in northern Israel express resilience and hope to rebuild after the war, focusing on transforming crises into opportunities for growth. Efforts are also being made to enhance the attractiveness of Israel’s northern and southern regions to encourage population growth and economic development. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment within the Jewish community to support Israel during challenging times.