Trouble in the Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict over Israel

Trouble in the Tribe examines the growing divisions within the American Jewish community regarding Israel and its policies. Professor Dov Waxman documents how what was once broad consensus has transformed into a source of conflict and debate. The book traces the evolution of American Jewish attitudes toward Israel from the state's founding through the present day. Through interviews, polling data, and historical analysis, Waxman maps the shifting landscape of American Jewish perspectives on Israeli politics, security policies, and the peace process. The text explores how generational changes, denominational differences, and political ideologies have contributed to these internal community tensions. Waxman investigates the roles of organizations, leaders, and grassroots movements in shaping the current discourse. At its core, this work raises fundamental questions about identity, loyalty, and the complexities of diaspora communities' relationships with their ancestral homeland. The analysis suggests broader implications for how ethnic and religious groups navigate competing attachments in an interconnected world.

Readers describe this as a balanced analysis of changing American Jewish attitudes toward Israel, backed by polling data and historical context. Liked: - Clear documentation of shifting generational views - Neutral tone when discussing controversial topics - Detailed breakdown of different Jewish denominations' perspectives - Thorough research and academic rigor Disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Some repetition between chapters - Focus on institutional politics rather than grassroots movements - Limited discussion of Orthodox Jewish views One reader noted it "helps explain why younger Jews are increasingly critical of Israeli policies without being anti-Israel." Another found it "too focused on organizational infighting rather than everyday Jewish Americans." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (38 reviews) Jewish Book Council: Positive review highlighting its "comprehensive examination of a complex issue"

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🔹 The book identifies a major shift in American Jewish attitudes toward Israel, from nearly uniform support during the state's early years to increasingly divided views, particularly among younger generations 🔹 Author Dov Waxman serves as the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair in Israel Studies at UCLA and directs the UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies 🔹 The term "distancing hypothesis," discussed in the book, refers to the growing emotional and intellectual separation between American Jews and Israel, particularly pronounced among those under 40 🔹 The book explores how the Six-Day War of 1967 marked a pivotal moment in American Jewish relationships with Israel, transforming it from a cause of concern to a source of pride before later becoming a subject of controversy 🔹 Waxman identifies five major areas of dispute among American Jews regarding Israel: the peace process, religion and state, Israeli democracy, the use of force, and the role of American Jews in Israeli affairs