Crisis and Political Transnationalism: The Awakening of the Israeli Diaspora

Abstract

This article aims to examine the response of the Israeli diaspora to a constellation of crises that has unfolded in Israel in recent years, with a particular focus on the events of 2023. Following a brief introduction, it presents theoretical and methodological remarks that contextualize the subsequent analysis. It follows with some considerations on Israeli migration, addressing fundamental inquiries, including whether the Israeli population living abroad constitutes a diaspora and the transformative effects that can shape multiple communities abroad into a diasporic entity. The article further explores the distinctive characteristics of the Israeli diaspora, highlighting the various dimensions of their transnational lives. The emergence of political transnationalism is analyzed, with attention to different manifestations and actions of individuals and organizations that contribute to what is referred to as the “awakening” of the Israeli diaspora. This includes an examination of the evolving relationship between the Israeli diaspora and local Jewish communities within the context of an ongoing crisis that remains unresolved at the time of writing. The article concludes with reflections on the broader implications of these developments.