Babylon, not Egypt: Israel is running on the wrong story about Diaspora Jews – opinion

The article argues that Israel misunderstands Diaspora Jewry by viewing it through the lens of "Egypt," where Jews assimilated and disappeared, rather than "Babylon," where a committed minority built enduring Jewish civilization without sovereignty. The author, who grew up in the US, contends that while some assimilation occurs, a growing number of Diaspora Jews actively choose their Jewish identity, a choice not replicated in Israel where Jewish identity is reinforced by the state. This active choice, particularly evident after events like October 7, demonstrates the compelling nature of Jewish civilization. The piece emphasizes that both Israel's capacity for self-defense and the Diaspora's ability to explain Jewish particularism to the wider world are crucial contributions to the Jewish people. The author concludes, "in Egypt they perish, and in Babylon they write the Talmud," advocating for Israel to recognize the strength and choice inherent in Diaspora Jewish life.